Nonunion of a fracture of the lateral malleolus: a case report and review of the literature

Foot Ankle Int. 1997 Jan;18(1):50-2. doi: 10.1177/107110079701800111.

Abstract

Nonunion of a fracture of the lateral malleolus is a rare condition. We present a case of established nonunion of a fracture of the lateral malleolus confirmed and treated surgically, using debridement and internal fixation with autologous bone graft. At 5-year follow-up, the fracture was united but the patient still showed clinical signs of reflex sympathetic dystrophy. Male gender, supination fractures, Weber type C fractures, and primary internal fixation are cited as possible risk factors. Prognosis is variable.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries / complications*
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fractures, Ununited* / etiology
  • Fractures, Ununited* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / etiology