Ankle fracture

Question 1

What classification system is use for ankle fractures?

Answer 1

Weber system

Question 2

What does the Weber system use to class fractures?

Answer 2

Syndesmoses between tibia and fibula

Question 3

What is a Weber A fracture?

Answer 3

Transverse fracture below syndesmosis

Generally stable, can be treated as a bad sprain

Question 4

What is a Weber B fracture?

Answer 4

At level f syndesmosis, extending proximally

Can be unstable

Question 5

How are Weber B fractures assessed?

Answer 5

Weight bearing XR to look for talar shift or splaying of bones

Question 6

What are Weber C fractures?

Answer 6

Fracture above syndesmosis

Unstable fracture

Question 7

What is the presentation of ankle fractures?

Answer 7

History of trauma
Pain
Swelling and bruising 
Difficulty/inability to weight bear 
Deformity

Question 8

How are ankle fractures assessed?

Answer 8

Ottawa ankle rules

Question 9

What are the Ottawa ankle rules>

Answer 9

XR if 1 of

• unanle to weight bear for 4 steps
• bony tenderness of medial malleolus
• bony tenderness of lateral malleolus
• > 55yp

Question 10

What XRs should be ordered for suspected ankle fracture?

Answer 10

AP and lateral

Weight bearing if Weber B on initial XR

Question 11

What are the indications for conservative management of ankle fracture?

Answer 11

Stable undisplaced fractures with minimal disruption to articular surface
Weber A and some B

Question 12

What are the indications for surgical management of ankle fractures?

Answer 12

Unstable fractures with
-talar shift
-displacement or fragmentation of articular surface
OR failure of conservative management