This article focuses on the shaft of the fibula, which can be located between the neck of the fibula, the narrowed portion just distal to the fibular head, and the lateral malleolus, which in concert with the posterior and medial malleoli, form the ankle joint. Fractures of the proximal head and neck of the fibula are associated with substantial damage to the knee (. There is very limited mobility between this syndesmosis. It is the main weight-bearing bone of the two. At its most proximal part, it is at the knee just posterior to the proximal tibia, running distally on the lateral side of the leg where it becomes the lateral malleolus at the level of the ankle. Epidemiology of fractures in England and Wales. Diagnosis is made with plain radiographs of the ankle. Fractures of the tibia and fibula are typically diagnosed through physical examination andX-rays of the lower extremities. One reason for this may be the treatment for the vast majority of isolated fibula shaft fractures is non-operative - this con There are different types of fractures, which can also affect treatment and recovery. Proximal fibula fractures - OrthopaedicsOne Articles Salter-Harris Type-IV injuries of the distal tibial epiphyseal growth plate, with emphasis on those involving the medial malleolus. Overtightening of the ankle syndesmosis: is it really possible? Pediatric Distal Tibial Fracture - Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics Isolated fibular fractures comprise the majority of ankle fractures in older women, occurring in approximately 1 to 2 of every 1000 White women each year [ 1 ]. If a fibula fracture is associated with a. Make linear longitudinal incision along the posterior border of the fibula (length depends on desired exposure) may extend proximally to a point 5cm proximal to the fibular head. Accept Ankle fractures are very common injuries to the ankle which generally occur due to a twisting mechanism. Obtain AP and lateral views of the knee to look for associated injury to the knee. Symptoms consist of pain in the calf area with local tenderness at a point on the fibula. mechanism of injury. Medial malleolus transverse fracture or disruption of deltoid ligament, 3. low energy (fall from standing, twisting, etc) result of indirect, torsional injury. If patient is unable to participate in examination and concern is high clinically, intracompartmental compartment measurements should be performed, floating knee is an indication for antegrade tibial nailing and retrograde femoral nailing, distal 1/3 and spiral tibial shaft fractures, tibial shaft is triangular in cross-section, proximal medullary canal is centered laterally, important for start point with IM nailing, anteromedial tibial crest is composed of dense, cortical bone and rests in a subcutaneous position, making it useful as a landmark, tibial tubercle sits anterolaterally, approximately 3 cm distal to joint line, gerdy's tubercle lies laterally on proximal tibia, pes anserinus lies medially on proximal tibia, attachment of sartorius, semitendinosus, and gracilis, superficial medial collateral ligament (MCL) attaches approximately 5-7 cm distal to joint line deep to the pes anserinus, adjacent fibula supports attachments for the lateral collateral ligament complex and long head of biceps femoris, tibia is responsible for about 80-85% of lower extremity weight-bearing, fibrous structure interconnecting tibia/fibula which provides axial stability, fibula rests in distal tibial incisura and is stabilized by syndesmotic ligaments, anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), inferior transverse tibiofibular ligament (ITL), interosseous ligament (IOL) - continuation of interosseus membrane, syndesmotic stability can be affected by distal, spiral tibial shaft fractures, Fracture classification is primarily descriptive based on pattern and location, Oestern and Tscherne Classification of Closed Fracture Soft Tissue Injury, Injuries from indirect forces with negligible soft-tissue damage, Superficial contusion/abrasion, simple fractures, Deep abrasions, muscle/skin contusion, direct trauma, impending compartment syndrome, Excessive skin contusion, crushed skin or destruction of muscle, subcutaneous degloving, acute compartment syndrome, and rupture of major blood vessel or nerve, Gustilo-Anderson Classification of Open Tibia Fractures, Limited periosteal stripping, clean wound < 1 cm, Minimal periosteal stripping, wound >1 cm in length without extensive soft-tissue injury damage. check firmness of each compartment to evaluate for compartment syndrome, dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses - compare to contralateral side, CT angiography indicated if pulses not dopplerable, full-length AP and lateral views of the affected tibia, AP, lateral and oblique views of ipsilateral knee and ankle, repeat radiographs recommended after splinting or fracture manipulation, intra-articular fracture extension or suspicion of plateau/plafond involvement, used to exclude posterior malleolar fracture, high variation in reported incidence of posterior malleolus fracture with distal 1/3 spiral tibia fractures (25-60%), closed, low energy fractures with acceptable alignment, < 10 degrees anterior/posterior angulation, certain patients who may be non-ambulatory (ie. muscles of the posterior compartment ( tibial nerve) Approach. Fractures of the fibula can be described by anatomic position as proximal, midshaft, or distal. Orthobullets Team Trauma - Ankle Fractures; Listen Now 38:12 min. Indications. Patients with tibia fractures, syndesmosis injuries, or ankle fractures should be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon. Nonsurgical Treatment. There will be a pain in the lower leg on weight-bearing although . These fractures occur in the knee end of the tibia and are also called tibial plateau fractures. The following article will focus on fractures of the fibula that are proximal to the ankle joint and the treatment of such fractures. It is caused by a pronation-external rotation mechanism. Fibular fractures in adults are typically due to trauma. The tibia is much thicker than the fibula. identify joint involvement and articular step-off (>25%, >2mm requires ORIF) . Usually, it gets worse with activity and better with rest. - C1 diaphyseal fracture of the fibula, simple. The fibula fracture may have several different patterns: The shaft of the fibula tends to heal well on its own because it is encompassed completely by vascularized muscle. Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm? Incision. Ankle Fractures - Trauma - Orthobullets - frx above the syndesmotic result from external rotation or abduction forces that also disrupt. Most isolated lateral malleolus fractures are stable enough to allow you to put weight on the . ; Patients may report a history of direct (motor vehicle crash or axial loading) or indirect . Lauge Hansen classification: - classification: - C: fibula fracture above syndesmosis. Patients with isolated fibular shaft fractures are instructed to bear partial weight. a fracture above the syndesmosis results from external rotation or abduction forces that also disrupt the joint. - comminuted fractures of the fibula are often high energy injures resulting from direct lateral trauma or vertical loading; - comminution alters landmarks & complicates rotation and length assessment; open 1/3 tibial shaft fracture with placement of proximal 1/3 tibia and calcaneus/metatarsal pins to span fracture), construct stiffness increased with larger pin diameter, number of pins on each side of fracture, rods closer to bone, and a multiplanar construct, incision from inferior pole of patella to just above tibial tubercle, identify medial edge of patellar tendon, incise, insert guidewire as detailed below and ream, can lead to valgus malalignment in proximal 1/3 tibial fractures, helps maintain reduction when nailing proximal 1/3 fractures, can damage patellar tendon or lead to patella baja (minimal data to support this), semiextended medial or lateral parapatellar, used for proximal and distal tibial fractures, skin incision made along medial or lateral border of patella from superior pole of patella to upper 1/3 of patellar tendon, knee should be in 5-30 degrees of flexion, choice to go medial or lateral is based of mobility of patella in either direction, identify starting point and ream as detailed below, suprapatellar nailing (transquadriceps tendon), easier positioning if additional instrumentation needed, more advantageous for proximal or distal 1/3 tibia fractures, starting guidewire is placed in line with medial aspect of lateral tibial spine on AP radiograph, just below articular margin on lateral view, in proximal 1/3 tibia fractures starting point should cheat laterally to avoid classic valgus/procurvatum deformity, ensure guidewire is aligned with tibia in coronal and sagittal planes as you insert, opening reamer is placed over guidewire and ball-tipped guidewire can then be passed, spanning external fixation (ie. A common result of damage to the deep peroneal nerve is drop foot, in which there is a loss of the capacity to dorsiflex the foot. This type of fracture usually results from high-energy trauma or penetrating wounds. The fibula is a site of five muscles attachment. 5.0 (1) Login. Rarely, a fracture of the fibula may be. Fibula Fracture: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment - Verywell Health Posterolateral Corner Injury - Knee & Sports - Orthobullets Wounds may be treated with vacuum-assisted closure. Etiology. The injury produces pain, tenderness, and swelling of the ankle making weight-bearing difficult or impossible. 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved, posterior border of the biceps femoris tendon, Shoulder Anterior (Deltopectoral) Approach, Shoulder Lateral (Deltoid Splitting) Approach, Shoulder Arthroscopy: Indications & Approach, Anterior (Brachialis Splitting) Approach to Humerus, Posterior Approach to the Acetabulum (Kocher-Langenbeck), Extensile (extended iliofemoral) Approach to Acetabulum, Hip Anterolateral Approach (Watson-Jones), Hip Direct Lateral Approach (Hardinge, Transgluteal), Hip Posterior Approach (Moore or Southern), Anteromedial Approach to Medial Malleolus and Ankle, Posteromedial Approach to Medial Malleolus, Gatellier Posterolateral Approach to Ankle, Tarsus and Ankle Kocher (Lateral) Approach, Ollier's Lateral Approach to the Hindfoot, Medial approach to MTP joint of great toe, Dorsomedial Approach to MTP Joint of Great Toe, Posterior Approach to Thoracolumbar Spine, Retroperitoneal (Anterolateral) Approach to the Lumbar Spine, may be done supine with bump under affected limb or in lateral position, Make linear longitudinal incision along the, may extend proximally to a point 5cm proximal to the fibular head, begin proximally and incise the fascia taking great care not to damage the common peroneal nerve, about 10-12 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus, the superficial peroneal nerve pierces the fascia, distal - may be extended distally to become continuous with, Kocher lateral approach to the ankle and tarsus, susceptible to injury at junction of middle and distal third of leg, if injured will cause numbness on the dorsum of the foot. Proper . The fibula is one of the two long bones in the leg, and, in contrast to the tibia, is a non-weight bearing bone in terms of the shaft. There are three types of tibial shaft fractures: These fractures occur at the ankle end of the tibia. Diagnosis is confirmed by plain radiographs of the tibia and adjacent joints. ORIF of fibula fractures; resection of fibula; excision of fibula bone lesions; Internervous plane: Between . Posterolateral corner (PLC) injuries are traumatic knee injuries that are associated with lateral knee instability and usually present with a concomitant cruciate ligament injury (PCL > ACL). Mechanism of Injury [edit | edit source]. Weber C Fractures : Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics New masking guidelines are in effect starting April 24. B2 w/ medial lesion (malleolus or ligament) B3 w/ a medial lesion and fracture of posterolateral tibia. Physical examination shows point tenderness and swelling in the area of fracture. Fibula fractures occur around the ankle, knee, and middle of the leg. Splints and Casts: Indications and Methods | AAFP Ulnar gutter splint/cast. These fractures are usually transverse (across) or oblique (slanted) breaks in the bone. The fibular shaft is an origin for multiple muscles of the leg, including musclesof the anterior compartment (extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, peroneus tertius), the lateral compartment (peroneus longus, peroneus brevis), the superficial posterior compartment (soleus), and the deep posterior compartment (tibialis posterior and flexor hallucis longus). Please . Vertical medial malleolus and impaction of anteromedial distal tibia, 2. Are you sure you want to trigger topic in your Anconeus AI algorithm? The tibia is much thicker than the fibula. Fibular avulsion fractures most commonly occur from an inversion of the ankle that causes the ankle ligaments to pull a small piece of bone off of the end of the fibula. Fibula Fracture - TeachMe Orthopedics In rare cases, external fixation or ORIF is more appropriate depending on the location and orientation of the fracture. Treatment for tibia and fibula fractures ranges from casting to surgery, depending on the type and severity of the injury. (0/3). The fibula is a slender bone that lies posterolaterally to the tibia. PDF Ankle Syndesmotic Injury - Orthobullets Open reduction and internal fixation is the surgery that can be used to reposition and physically connect the bones in an open fracture. Symptoms of a fibula stress fracture. Mechanisms of injury for tibia-fibula fractures can be divided into 2 categories: low-energy injuries such as ground level falls and athletic injuries; high-energy injuries such as motor vehicle injuries, pedestrians struck by motor vehicles, and gunshot wounds. 12/11/2019. This is a fracture in the metaphysis, the part of tibia before it reaches its widest point. Correlation of interosseous membrane tears to the level of the fibular fracture. 2023 Lineage Medical, Inc. All rights reserved, Knee & Sports | Posterolateral Corner Injury, Question SessionPosterolateral Corner Injury. Weening B, Bhandari M. Predictors of functional outcome following transsyndesmotic screw fixation of ankle fractures. lawnmower) or iatrogenic during surgical dissection, (patterned off adult Lauge-Hansen classification), Adduction or inversion force avulses the distal fibular epiphysis (SH I or II), Rarely occurs with failure of lateral ligaments, Further inversion leads to distal tibial fracture (usually SH III or IV, but can be SH I or II), Occasionally can cause fracture through medial malleolus below the physis, Plantarflexion force displaces the tibial epiphysis posteriorly (SH I or II), Thurston-Holland fragment is composed of the posterior tibial metaphysis and displaces posteriorly, External rotation force leads to distal tibial fracture (SH II), Thurston-Holland fragment displaces posteromedially, Easily visible on AP radiograph (fracture line extends proximally and medially), Further external rotation leads to low spiral fracture of fibula (anteroinferior to posterosuperior), External rotation force leads to distal tibial fracture (SH I or II) and transverse fibula fracture, Occasionally can be transepiphyseal medial malleolus fracture (SH II), Distal tibial fragment displaces laterally, Thurston-Holland fragment is lateral or posterolateral distal tibal metaphysis, Can be associated with diastasis of ankle joint, Leads to SH V injury of distal tibial physis, Can be difficult to identify on initial presentation (diagnosis typically made when growth arrest is seen on follow-up radiographs), distal fibula physeal tenderness may represent non-displaced SHI, full-length tibia (or proximal tibia) to rule out Maisonneuve-type fracture, assess fracture displacement (best obtained post-reduction), non-displaced (< 2mm) isolated distal fibular fracture, displaced (> 2mm) SH I or II fracture with, acceptable closed reduction (no varus, < 10 valgus, < 10 recurvatum/procurvatum, < 3mm physeal widening), or II fracture with unacceptable closed reduction (varus, > 10 valgus, > 10 recurvatum/procurvatum, > 3mm physeal widening) and > 2 years of growth remaining, displaced SH I or II fracture with unacceptable closed reduction (varus, > 10 valgus, > 10 recurvatum/procurvatum, > 3mm physeal widening) and < 2 years of growth remaining, requires adequate sedation and muscle relaxation, only attempt reduction two times to prevent further physeal injury, NWB short-leg cast if isolated distal fibula fracture, NWB long-leg cast if distal tibia fracture, interposed periosteum, tendons, or neurovascular structures, percutaneous manipulation with K wires may aid reduction, open reduction may be required if interposed tissue present, transepiphyseal fixation best if at all possible, high rate associated with articular step-off > 2mm, medial malleolus SH IV fractures have the highest rate of growth disturbance, 15% increased risk of physeal injury for every 1mm of displacement, can represent periosteum entrapped in the fracture site, partial arrests can lead to angular deformity, distal fibular arrest results in ankle valgus defomity, medial distal tibia arrest results in varus deformity, complete arrests can result in leg-length discrepancy, if < 20 degrees of angulation with < 50% physeal involvement and > 2 years of growth remaining, bar of >50% physeal involvement in a patient with at least 2 years of growth, fibular epiphysiodesis helps prevent varus deformity, if < 50% physeal involvement and > 2 years of growth remaining, contralateral epiphysiodesis if near skeletal maturity with significant expected leg-length discrepancy, typically seen in posteriorly displaced fractures, can occur after triplane fractures, SH I or II fractures, usually leads to an increased external foot rotation angle, anterior angulation or plantarflexion deformity, occurs after supination-plantarflexion SH II fractures, occurs after external rotation SH II fractures, treatment options include physical therapy, psychological counseling, drug therapy, sympathetic blockade, Pediatric Pelvis Trauma Radiographic Evaluation, Pediatric Hip Trauma Radiographic Evaluation, Pediatric Knee Trauma Radiographic Evaluation, Pediatric Ankle Trauma Radiographic Evaluation, Distal Humerus Physeal Separation - Pediatric, Proximal Tibia Metaphyseal FX - Pediatric, Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (CRMO), Obstetric Brachial Plexopathy (Erb's, Klumpke's Palsy), Anterolateral Bowing & Congenital Pseudoarthrosis of Tibia, Clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus), Flexible Pes Planovalgus (Flexible Flatfoot), Congenital Hallux Varus (Atavistic Great Toe), Cerebral Palsy - Upper Extremity Disorders, Myelodysplasia (myelomeningocele, spinal bifida), Dysplasia Epiphysealis Hemimelica (Trevor's Disease). At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Tibia fractures are the most common lower extremity fractures in children. 2023 - TeachMe Orthopedics. Epiphyseal fractures of the distal ends of the tibia and fibula. The fracture occurs from a direct blow to the outside of the leg, from twisting the lower leg awkwardly and, most common, from a severe ankle sprain. This type of injury is known as a stress fracture. Weber classification of ankle fractures - Radiopaedia It may include some of the following approaches, used either alone or in combination: An open fracture occurs when the bone or parts of the bone break through the skin. make up about 17% of all lower extremity fractures, account for 4% of all fractures seen in the Medicare population, older patients - falls, lower energy mechanisms, proximal 1/3 tibia fractures account for 5-10% of tibial shaft fractures, low energy (fall from standing, twisting, etc), spiral fracture pattern with fibula fracture at a different level, high association of posterior malleolus fractures with spiral distal tibia fractures, more likely to be associated with a lower degree of soft tissue injury, high energy fx (MVA, fall from height, athletics, etc), leads to wedge or short oblique fracture that may have significant comminution with fibula fracture at same level, more likely to be associated with severe soft tissue injury, must rule out extension into tibial plateau on plain films or CT scan, high risk for valgus/procurvatum deformity, higher rates of ankle injury seen with distal 1/3 tibia fracture and spiral fracture pattern, posterior malleolus most common associated ankle injury which, in some cases, may affect syndesmotic stability, extension into or adjacent to tibial plafond may require separate/additional fixation and are managed differently than tibial shaft fractures, severity of muscle injury has highest impact on eventual need for amputation, more common in diaphyseal tibial shaft fractures than proximal or distal tibia fractures, 8.1% risk in diaphyseal fractures, compared to proximal (1.6%) and distal (1.4%) fractures, can occur even in the setting of an open fracture, all four compartments must be examined. Both the posterior and medial malleolus arepart of the distal end of the tibia. Obtain AP and lateral views of the shafts of the tibia and fibula. Medial malleolus transverse fracture or disruption of deltoid ligament . Treatment may be nonoperative or operative depending on patient age, fracture displacement, and fracture morphology. At its most proximal part, it is at the knee just posterior to the proximal tibia, running distally on the lateral side of the leg where it . Maisonneuve fracture refers to a combination of a fracture of the proximal fibula together with an unstable ankle injury (widening of the ankle mortise on x-ray), often comprising ligamentous injury ( distal tibiofibular syndesmosis , deltoid ligament) and/or fracture of the medial malleolus. Although tibia and fibula shaft fractures are amongst the most common long bone fractures, there is little literature citing the incidence of isolated fibula shaft fractures. may be done supine with bump under affected limb or in lateral position. Depending on the exact location, a proximal tibial fracture may affect the stability of the knee as well as the growth plate. Weber C fractures can be further subclassified as 6. Located posterolaterally to the tibia, it is much smaller and thinner. B1 Isolated. Wang Q, Whittle M, Cunningham J, et al. The diagnosis is made by x-raying the ankle. (0/3), Level 1 counterpart of LeFortWagstaffe fracture), medial sided swelling, tenderness, and ecchymosis not sensitive for medial stability, palpate proximal fibula for Maisonneuve fracture, most appropriate stress radiograph to assess competency of deltoid ligament, foot dorsiflexed and ER with tibia stabilized, more sensitive to injury than medial tenderness, ecchymosis, or edema, gravity stress radiograph is equivalent to manual stress radiograph, difficult for patients to tolerate in acute setting, it has also been reported that there is no actual correlation between syndesmotic injury and tibiofibular clear space or overlap measurements, normal <6 mm on both AP and mortise views, bisection of line through tibial anatomical axis and line through tip of both malleoli, shortening of lateral malleoli fractures can lead to increased talocrural angle, talocrural angle is not 100% reliable for estimating restoration of fibular length, can also utilize realignment of the medial fibular prominence with the tibiotalar joint, 25% of surgeons would change operative technique after CT, assess for anteromedial impaction of tibial plafond and talar articular cartilage injury, axial and sagittal views most useful to assess posterior malleolus, size and shape of posterior malleolus fragment, evaluate for soft tissue or cartilaginous injuries, positive anterior drawer or talar tilt test, increased medial clear space or tibiofibular diastasis on stress view, inability or weakness with plantar flexion, increased resting dorsiflexion when prone with knees bent, Chaput fragment, Volkmann fragment, medial malleolus, central impaction, high energy with extensive soft tissue injury, 25% open, x-ray shows dislocation of talus from calcaneous or navicular bone, avulsion tip fractures of medial or lateral malleolus, bimalleolar or bimalleolar-equivalent fracture, posterior malleolar fracture with > 25% or > 2mm step-off, goal of treatment is stable anatomic reduction with restoration of mortise, see fracture patterns below for specific treatment, direct reduction of medial and lateral malleolus fractures, indirect reduction of posterior malleolus, facilitates direct reduction of posterior malleolus, common approach for fibula ORIF syndesmotic fixation, concomitant access to posterior fibula and posterior malleolus, access to medial malleolus and posterior malleolus, common approach for medial malleolus ORIF, prolonged recovery expected (2 years to obtain final functional result), anatomic reduction is considered most important factor for satisfactory outcome, ORIF superior to closed treatment of bimalleolar fractures, improved incisional perfusion with Allgwer-Donati sutures, proper braking response time (driving) returns to baseline at 9 weeks after surgery, braking travel time is significantly increased until 6 weeks after initiation of weight bearing in both long bone and periarticular fractures of lower extremity, severe open fractures with gross contamination, poor soft tissue requiring close monitoring, lower risk of redislocation and skin complication in ankle fracture dislocation vs splint, isolated medial malleolus fracture without talar shift, deep deltoid inserts on posterior colliculus, good outcomes with >95% union rate for isolated injury, lag screw fixation stronger if placed perpendicular to fracture line, bicortical 3.5 mm fully-threaded screw (lag by technique) superior to unicortical 4.0 mm partially-threaded screw (lag by design), > 4-5 mm of medial clear space widening on stress views considered unstable, recent studies show deep deltoid intact with 8-10 mm of widening on stress view, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), presence of talar shift on static or stress view (bimalleolar equivalent), one-third tubular or anatomic distal fibular plate, stiffest fixation construct for the fibula is a locking plate, posterior antiglide plating is biomechanically superior to lateral plate, disadvantage of peroneal tendon irritation if plate too distal, newer implants have improved axial and rotational control with distal/proximal fixation, useful for poor soft-tissue envelopes or high risk for wound-healing complication, similar outcomes with operative and non-operative treatment if stable mortise, Bimalleolar-Equivalent Fracture (deltoid ligament tear with fibular fracture), low demand and unable to tolerate surgery, lateral malleolus fracture with talar shift (static or stress view), assess syndesmotic stability after fixation of lateral malleolus, not necessary to repair medial deltoid ligament, explore medially if unable to reduce mortise and deltoid ligament potentially interposed, lower rate of nonunion and fracture displacement with operative treatment, Bimalleolar (MEDIAL AND LATERAL) Fracture, low demand and unable to undergo surgical intervention, any displacement or talar shift (static or stress view), size should be calculated on CT since plain radiographs are unreliable, interval between FHL and peroneal tendons, common approach since posterior malleolus fractures are frequently posterolateral, decision of approach will depend on location of fracture, degree of displacement, and need for fibular fixation, stiffness of syndesmosis restored to 70% normal with isolated fixation of posterior malleolus vs 40% with isolated, PITFL may remain attached to posterior malleolus and syndesmotic stability may be restored with isolated posterior malleolar fixation, stress examination of syndesmosis still required after posterior malleolar fixation, 40-90% of distal third spiral tibia fractures have an associated posterior malleolus fracture, rare fracture-dislocation of ankle where fibula is entrapped behind tibia and is irreducible, posterolateral ridge of the distal tibia hinders reduction of the fibula, open reduction of fibula and internal fixation is required, fracture-dislocation of the ankle due to hyperplantarflexion, main feature is a vertical shear fracture of the posteromedial tibial rim, double cortical density at the inferomedial tibial metaphysis, ORIF of posterior malleolus with antiglide plating, primary closure at index procedure can be performed in appropriately-selected grade I, II, and IIIA open fractures in otherwise healthy patients without gross contamination, higher incidence with higher fibula fractures, fixation usually not required when fibula fracture within 4.5 cm of plafond, measure tibiofibular clear space 1 cm above joint, abduction/external rotation stress of dorsiflexed foot, lateral stress radiograph has greater interobserver reliability than an AP/mortise stress film, instability of the syndesmosis is greatest in the anterior-posterior direction, patient placed in lateral decubitus position, similar effectiveness to manual ER stress test, bone hook around fibula used to pull while placing counter traction on tibia, tibiofibular clear space (AP) greater than 5 mm, length and rotation of fibula must be accurately restored, "Dime sign"/Shentons line to determine length of fibula, fixing lateral and/or posterior malleolus first my obviate need for syndesmotic fixation, outcomes are strongly correlated with anatomic reduction, maximum dorsiflexion not required during screw placement (over-tightening), open reduction required if closed reduction unsuccessful or questionable, one or two cortical screw(s) or suture-button devices 2-4 cm above joint, angled posterior to anterior 20-30 degrees (fibula posterior to tibia), suture button has lower rate of malreduction and reoperation rate than screws, no difference in outcomes seen with hardware maintenance (breakage or loosening) or removal at 1 year, outcome may be worse with maintenance of intact screws, screws should be maintained in place for at least 8-12 weeks, must remain non-weight bearing, as screws are not biomechanically strong enough to withstand forces of ambulation, any postoperative malalignement or widening should be treated with open debridement, reduction, and fixation, Diabetic Ankle Fractures (with or without Neuropathy), poor circulation impairs wound and fracture healing, multiple quadricortical syndesmotic screws (even in the absence of syndesmotic injury), tibiotalar Steinmann pins or hindfoot nailing, augment with intramedullary fibula K-wires, stiffer, more rigid fibular plates (instead of 1/3 tubular plates), maintain non-weightbearing postop for 8-12 weeks (instead of 4-8 weeks in normal patients), largest risk factor for diabetic patients is presence of, articular impaction of tibial plafond in SAD injuries should be addressed at time of surgery, corrective osteotomy requires obtaining anatomic fibular length and mortise correction for optimal outcomes, Loss of dorsiflexion with posterior fixation, rare with anatomic reduction and fixation, very common in "log-splitter" type injuries (trans-syndesmotic fracture-dislocations in which the talus is driven into the distal tibiofibular articulation), superficial peroneal nerve injury (10-15%), At risk with lateral approach to distal fibula, posterolateral, and anterior/anterolateral approaches, Two terminal nerve branches that innervate dorsum of the foot, protruding screw head in most distal hole of fibula plate, at risk with posterior medial malleolus screw placement, Excellent for stable ankle fractures treated nonoperatively, Outcomes following operative treatment generally very favorable, 90% mild/no ankle pain with minimal limitations and near full functional recovery at 1 yr, Proximal Humerus Fracture Nonunion and Malunion, Distal Radial Ulnar Joint (DRUJ) Injuries.