Ankle & Foot Flashcards
What is comprised of in the ankle joint?
Talus bone which articulates with the mortise
Mortise is compromised of the tibial plafond and medial malleolus (distal end of tibia) and the lateral malleolus distal end of fibula)
What is the syndesmosis?
Very strong fibrous structure comprised of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL) and the intra-osseous membrane. This is where the distal fibula and tibia join.
What is an ankle fracture?
Fracture of any malleolus (lateral, medial or posterior, with or without disruption to the syndesmosis
What is the Weber classification?
Classifies lateral malleolus fractures
Type A - below syndesmosis
Type B - at the level of the syndesmosis
Type C - above the level of the syndesmosis
What type of ankle fractures need surgical fixation?
Type C - because higher the fracture the greater the probability of ankle instability
What classification is used more commonly used in orthopaedic practice?
Lauge-Hansen classification - based on position of ankle at time of injury and deforming force involved
What clinical features will someone with ankle fracture have?
Ankle pain following traumatic injury
Associated deformity - in fracture dislocations (urgent reduction required)
May have neurovascular compromise and often open fractures.
When are Ottawa ankle rules used and what are they?
Where there is diagnostic uncertainty e.g. able to mobilise and has no deformity
These state a plain radiograph should be undertaken if:
- bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of the lateral malleolus
- bone tenderness at the posterior edge or tip of medial malleolus
- an inability to weight bear both immediately and in the emergency department for 4 steps
- pain in fibula, base of 5th metatarsal or/and dorsal mid foot
What investigations should be done for ankle fractures?
X-ray - AP and lateral of the ankle
Check for Talar shift
May require CT - if complex esp when displaced posterior malleolus fragment
How are ankle fractures classified anatomically?
Isolated medial malleolar fractures
Isolated lateral malleolar fractures
Bimalleolar fractures
Trimalleolar fractures
What is the initial management for ankle fractures?
Immediate fracture reduction under sedation to realign the fracture.
Once reduced ankle should be placed in a below knew back slab
Repeat neurovascular examination
May require repeat x-rays if reduction not adequate
When is conservative management opted for in ankle fractures?
- Non-displaced medial malleolus fractures
- Weber A fractures or Weber B without talar shift
- Unfit for surgery
What is the surgical intervention for ankle fractures?
Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
Which ankle fractures require surgical management?
- Displaced bimalleolar or trimalleolar
- Weber C fractures
- Weber B fractures with talar shift
- Open fractures
What are the complications of ankle fractures?
Post traumatic arthritis
ORIF:
- infection
- DVT/PE
- neurovascular injury
- non-union
- metalwork prominence
What is the main differential diagnosis for ankle fractures?
Ankle sprain
What are ankle sprain and what are the two types?
Ligamentous injury
High ankle sprain - syndesmosis
Low ankle sprain - anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), calcaeofibular ligament (CFL) latter more common