Ankle dislocation
Background
- Most ankle dislocations are associated with a fracture
- Must rule-out neurovascular compromise and conversion to open fracture
- Reduce immediately if vascular compromise or skin tenting is present
- Posterior dislocation is most common
- Assoc with rupture of tibiofibular ligaments or lateral malleolus fracture
Clinical Features
- Ankle pain/trauma/deformity
Differential Diagnosis
Other Ankle Injuries
Distal Leg Fracture Types
- Tibial plateau fracture
- Tibial shaft fracture
- Pilon fracture
- Maisonneuve fracture
- Tibia fracture (peds)
- Ankle fracture
- Foot and toe fractures
Foot and Toe Fracture Types
Hindfoot
Midfoot
Forefoot
Evaluation
- Ankle x-ray
Management
Flex hip and knee to 90 degrees to relax gastroc/soleus
Posterior dislocation [1]
- Assistant places hands under knee and distal thigh to pull counter traction
- Hold dorsum of mid foot with one hand and heel with other hand. Pull longidtudinally then anteriorly
- If no assistant, have patient hang leg over edge of stretcher
Anterior dislocation
- As above, but dorsiflex foot first to disengage talus
- Then axial traction while assistant is holding traction on tibia
- Finally push foot posteriorly while assistant adds pulls anteriorly
Lateral dislocation
- Plantar flex foot then apply traction with assistant holding counter traction
Post reduction (all)
- Check pulses after any attempts. If not palpable, consult ortho emergently
- Document pulse/motor/sensory exam before and after any attempts at reduction
- Splint in posterior as well as sugar tong splint with foot in 90 degree flexion
Disposition
See Also
External Links
References
- ↑ Davenport M. Procedures for orthopedic emergencies. In: Bond M, ed. Orthopedic Emergencies: Expert Management for the Emergency Physician. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; October 31, 2013.