Fact-sheet: Ankle dislocation
Updated on 09/05/2019 at 11:32 AM
View all RADEOS cases associated with this fact-sheet
Definition
Traumatic dislocation of the talotibial joint, most commonly.
Subluxation of this joint secondary to instability of traumatic or ligamentous/tendinous origin (poorly treated sprain) or to advanced rheumatic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Injury mechanism: forced ankle movement (abduction or adduction/medial rotation) with the foot fixed on the ground.
Clinical features
In the acute setting, high-energy trauma, tibial/fibular fracture with or without involvement of the tibial plafond.
Talocrural and tibiofibular decoaptation.
Functional impairment and deformity of the lower limb.
Radiography
Dislocation rarely isolated.
Frequent association with malleolar fractures.
Anterior / posterior (most common) / lateral / superior (rare) dislocation.
Postoperative orthopedic follow-up.
Ultrasound
No value
CT
Preoperative workup requested urgently, to characterize traumatic bone injuries.
Orthopedic follow-up
MRI
No value in the acute setting.
Delayed bone / ligament assessment
Management
Functional emergency; reduction should be performed as soon as possible to avoid cutaneous and neurovascular complications.
Orthopedic surgical management.