Maisonneuve fracture

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Background

Components

  • Fibula fracture (anywhere from head or as far down as 6cm above ankle joint)
  • Deltoid ligament rupture or medial malleolus avulsion fracture
  • Injury then directed upward and laterally tearing interosseous membrane and anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament
  • May involve posterior tibiofibular ligament or posterior malleolar fracture

Clinical Features

  • Results from external rotation force applied to foot

Differential Diagnosis

Distal Leg Fractures

Evaluation

  • Long leg film that includes ankle
    • Increase in medial clear space of ankle joint
    • Tibiofibular clear space widened >5mm
    • High fibular fracture
  • Signs of syndesmotic injury
Maisonneuve fracture

Management

  • Usually requires surgical intervention (sydesmotic screws; proximal fibular fracture usually requires no fixation)
  • Long leg posterior splint with reduction of medial ankle and syndesmotic clear space

Disposition

See Also

References