Displaced malleolar fractures associated with spiral fractures of the tibial shaft

A displaced fracture of the lateral malleolus, of the posterior tibial margin (posterior malleolus), or of both requiring open reduction and internal fixation was observed in association with ipsilateral spiral tibial shaft fracture in five patients. The malleolus fracture components all were managed using AO (ASIF) instrumentation. The tibial shaft fracture was treated nonoperatively in three patients and with interfragmentary screw fixation in two with more severe initial displacement. The bony healing of all fractures was uneventful. These combined injuries amounted to 0.9% of all admitted tibial shaft fractures and 3.9% of those with spiral configuration. An associated displaced malleolar fracture in tibial shaft fractures, sometimes even indiscernible in the anteroposterior view, may be overlooked unless roentgenograms are focused on the ankle joint. Examination of the joints above and below the fracture is of particular importance in clinics advocating functional treatment of tibial shaft fractures.