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Isolated posterior malleolus fracture: a rare injury mechanism

Fracture isolée de la malléole postérieure: Un mécanisme traumatique rare

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Abstract

Isolated posterior malleolus fractures of the ankle are very rare, especially those without any associated ligamentous injury. The mechanism of injury is unique, and treatment depends on the displacement of the fracture and associated injuries. We present the case of a 46-year-old female car driver who sustained this injury. Axial loading of the plantar flexed foot most likely caused this fracture pattern. The fracture healed in 6 weeks with non-operative treatment in a below-knee plaster cast.

Résumé

La fracture isolée de la malléole postérieure du tibia est extrêmement rare, surtout sans lésion ligamentaire associée. Le mécanisme causal est le plus souvent une compression sur un pied en flexion plantaire et le traitement dépend du déplacement et de l’existence de lésions associées. Nous rapportons un cas survenu chez une conductrice. La fracture a consolidé avec un traitement orthopédique par botte platrée pendant 6 semaines.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedics, Southampton University Hospital, Southampton, SO16 6YD, UK

    Harish V. Kurup & Prabhakar Rao

  2. 83 Tremona Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO16 6HS, UK

    Harish V. Kurup

Authors
  1. Harish V. Kurup
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  2. Prabhakar Rao
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Harish V. Kurup.

Additional information

The authors declare that this case study complies with the current laws in the United Kingdom.

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Kurup, H.V., Rao, P. Isolated posterior malleolus fracture: a rare injury mechanism. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 15, 182–184 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-004-0218-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-004-0218-2

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