ORTHOPEDICS
TREATMENT
Apply posterior splint in plantar flexion and orthopedic consult. Early surgical
repair leads to a better outcome.
COMPLICATIONS
Twenty-five percent are initially misdiagnosed as ankle sprains
PERONEALTENDONSUBLUXATION/DISLOCATION
Most often associated with skiing injuries
MECHANISM
Forced dorsiflexion with peroneal muscle contraction
DIAGNOSIS
There is swelling posteriorly over lateral malleolus in absence oftenderness
over anterior talofibular ligament; often mistaken for ankle sprains!
On exam with foot dorsiflexed and everted, there is anterior tendon subluxa-
tion. Fifty percent have a small avulsion fracture of lateral ridge of distal fibula.
TREATMENT
Splint in midplantar flexion, orthopedic referral for possible surgical repair
MAISONNEUVEFRACTURE
Ankle-eversion injury with forces causing disruption of the tibiofibular
syndesmosis
DIAGNOSIS
Rupture of the deltoid ligament or avulsion fracture of medial malleolus,
along with fracture of the proximal fibula
TREATMENT
Often requires ORIF to stabilize the tibiofibular syndesmosis
Foot Injuries
CALCANEUSFRACTURE
Most commonly fractured tarsal bone
MECHANISM
Usually severe axial load caused by a fall from a significant height
DIAGNOSIS
Bohler’s angle <20° (angle between a line formed from the posterior tuberosity
of the calcaneus and the apex of the posterior facet and a line between the
Ottawa ankle and midfoot
Rules
Get ankle films if there is
malleolar pain and any of the
following:
- Tenderness on the posterior
edge, tip, or distal 6 cm of
lateral or medial malleolus - Inability to complete four
steps (or two steps on bad
ankle), now and at the
scene of the injury
Get foot films as well if
midfoot pain and any of the
following: - Navicular tenderness
- Base of fifth metatarsal
tenderness - Inability to complete four
steps