Ankle diastasis without fracture. 1984

G S Edwards, and J C DeLee

Ankle diastasis without associated fracture occurs in a latent form in which the diastasis is detected only by stress radiographs, and in a frank form with the diastasis visible on routine, unstressed radiographs. Whereas latent ankle diastasis requires no reduction and can be treated by cast immobilization, frank diastasis requires anatomical reduction of the ankle mortise. The method of reduction depends upon the particular type of frank diastasis. We have identified four types of frank ankle diastasis without fracture. Type I injuries demonstrate straight lateral fibular subluxation without plastic deformation of the fibula and are best treated by open reduction, removal of any interposed soft tissue, and stabilization with a tibiofibular screw. Type II injuries present with straight lateral subluxation of the fibula due to plastic deformation of the distal fibula and may require a fibular osteotomy for reduction prior to internal fixation. Plastic deformation of the fibula as a cause of ankle diastasis has not been previously reported. The uncommon type III injury consists of posterior rotatory subluxation of the fibula. In type IV injuries the talus is dislocated superiorly, resulting in divergence of the tibia and fibula. Type III and IV injuries can usually be treated by closed manipulation and plaster immobilization. The authors treated four type I and two type II patients by open reduction and internal fixation. Both type II injuries required fibular osteotomy to restore the normal tibiofibular relationship. Good results were obtained in four patients. Fair results secondary to stiffness and pain on activity were present in two patients. All patients maintained anatomical reduction of the ankle mortise following removal of the tibiofibular screw.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D010027 Osteotomy The surgical cutting of a bone. (Dorland, 28th ed) Osteotomies
D011859 Radiography Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D001863 Bone Screws Specialized devices used in ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY to repair bone fractures. Bone Screw,Screw, Bone,Screws, Bone
D004204 Joint Dislocations Displacement of bones from their normal positions at a joint. Inferior Dislocation,Joint Subluxations,Luxatio Erecta,Dislocation, Joint,Dislocations, Joint,Inferior Dislocations,Joint Dislocation,Joint Subluxation,Subluxation, Joint,Subluxations, Joint
D005360 Fibula The bone of the lower leg lateral to and smaller than the tibia. In proportion to its length, it is the most slender of the long bones. Fibulas
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults
D000842 Ankle The region of the lower limb between the FOOT and the LEG. Tarsus,Regio tarsalis,Ankles

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