An uncommon case of irreducible ankle fracture-dislocation: the "Bosworth-like" tibio-fibular fracture

Foot Ankle Surg. 2017 Mar;23(1):e1-e4. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2016.07.001. Epub 2016 Jul 16.

Abstract

An irreducible ankle-fracture dislocation characterized by the dislocation of the proximal fragment of the fibula posteriorly to the tibial tubercle is defined as "Bosworth injury". In the present report it is described, for the first time in literature, a complex case where the Bosworth injury was associated to a tibial plafond fracture: the proximal fibular fragment was entrapped between the tibial pilon and the fractured posterior tibial tubercle, which acted as a clamp, thus avoiding ankle reduction. Due to the presence of the tibial fracture, it was not possible to observe the typical radiological signs of Bosworth injury and therefore two unsuccessful reductions were attempted before performing a CT scan that revealed the complexity of the case, that required an immediate ORIF procedure to prevent the onset of complications.

Keywords: Ankle; Bosworth injury; Irreducible ankle fracture-dislocation; Tibial pilon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Ankle Fractures / surgery
  • Fibula / injuries
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / diagnostic imaging*
  • Intra-Articular Fractures / surgery
  • Joint Dislocations / diagnostic imaging*
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed