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    Introduction

    Weber and Lauge-Hansen

    Normal flexibility of the ankle

    Position of the foot

    Pull-off or Push-off fractures Stability

    Ottawa Ankle Rules

    Radiography

    Mortise view

    Lateral view

    Classification

    Weber A - Lauge Hansen SA

    Weber B - Lauge Hansen SE

    Weber C - Lauge Hansen PER

    Who needs additional radiographs of the lower

    extremity?

    Interpretation and Reporting

    Examples

    back to overview print

    Publicationdate:15-12-

    2010

    The ankle is the most frequentlyinjured joint.

    Management decisions are based

    on the interpretation of the AP and

    lateral X-rays.

    Classification of ankle fractures is

    important in order to estimate the

    extent of the ligamentous injury

    and the stability of the joint.

    In this article we will combine the

    simplicity of the Weber

    classification system with thestages of the Lauge-Hansen

    system.

    Next we will focus on the

    interpretation of X-rays of the

    injured ankle using these

    classifications.

    You can enlarge images byclicking on them.

    This item is not available on the

    iPhone application. Introduction

    Weber and Lauge-Hansen

    On the left an overview of the two

    most commonly applied

    classification systems for ankle

    fractures.

    The Weber system

    This system focuses on the

    integrity of the syndesmosis.It owes its popularity mainly to its

    simplicity.

    Type A occurs below the

    syndesmosis, which is

    intact.

    Type B is a

    transsyndesmotic fracture

    with usually partial - and

    less commonly, total -

    rupture of the syndesmosis. Type C occurs above the

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4b6d817d9771bhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d04e2c43f27chttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b6d817d97750http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b6d87aabe1d1http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76918d558echttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d03841e9c210http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d0499fbd8eedhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d049a5525b8fhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d049a5525bdehttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d052ef6b1e1dhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4b76dc580f97bhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76dc580f9c5http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76df8fb5ad1http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b78287ebd51fhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d068a2dc9680http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d068a2dc9680http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d068a2dc9680http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d038e435735chttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d04bddd739bfhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/42037085786a0http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/42037085786a0http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fadehttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fadehttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d5adfe013e32TAB-Weber-and-LH.pnghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d04e2c43f27chttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b6d817d97750http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b6d87aabe1d1http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76918d558echttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d03841e9c210http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d0499fbd8eedhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d049a5525b8fhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d049a5525bdehttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d052ef6b1e1dhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4b76dc580f97bhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76dc580f9c5http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b76df8fb5ad1http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4b78287ebd51fhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d068a2dc9680http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d068a2dc9680http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4d038e435735chttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#a4d04bddd739bfhttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/42037085786a0http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fadehttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/en/4b6d817d8fade#p4b6d817d9771b
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    level of the syndesmosis

    with usually a total rupture

    of the syndesmosis, and

    consequently instability of

    the ankle mortise.

    The Lauge-Hansen system

    This system focuses on the trauma

    mechanism.

    Based on the findings on the

    radiographs you deduce what the

    trauma mechanism must have

    been.

    It stages the severity of the injury,

    which allows you to predict theligamentous injury and instability.

    This system is based on:

    Position of the foot at the

    moment of injury, either in

    supination (80%) or in

    pronation (20%)

    Direction of the force on

    the foot within the ankle

    mortise, which is either

    exorotation (80%) or

    adduction (20%).

    We will discuss this system

    in more detail below.Normal flexibility of the ankle

    The ankle joint has to be flexible

    in order to deal with the enormous

    forces applied exerted on the talus

    within the ankle fork. .The medial side of the joint is

    quite rigid because the medial

    malleolus - unlike the lateral

    malleolus - is attached to the tibia

    and the medial collateral ligaments

    are very strong.

    On the lateral side there is a

    flexible support by the fibula,

    syndesmosis and lateral collateralligaments.

    This lateral complex allows the

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b6f03a212970ankle-anatomy2.jpg
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    talus to move laterally and

    dorsally in exorotation during

    forward motion and subsequently

    pushes it back into its normal

    position.The fibula has no weight-bearing

    function, but merely serves as a

    flexible lateral support.

    The syndesmosis is the fibrous

    connection between the fibula and

    tibia formed by the anterior and

    posterior tibiofibular ligaments -

    located at the level of the tibial

    plafond (French for ceiling) - and

    the interosseus ligament, which is

    the thickened lower portion of theinterosseus membrane.

    The anterior and posterior

    tibiofibular ligaments are often

    referred to as anterior and

    posterior syndesmosis.Position of the foot

    There are two positions of the foot

    in which the flexible ankle joint

    becomes a rigid and vulnerable

    system: extreme supination andpronation.

    In these positions forces applied to

    the talus within the ankle mortise

    can result in fractures of the

    malleoli and rupture of the

    ligaments.

    In 80% of ankle fractures the foot

    is in supination.

    The injury starts on the lateral

    side, since that is where themaximum tension is.

    In 20% of fractures the foot is in

    pronation with maximum tension

    on the medial side.

    The injury starts on the medial

    side with either a rupture of the

    medial collateral ligaments or an

    avulsion of the medial malleolus.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b6f2719632f8pro-en-supinatie
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    Pull-off or Push-off fractures

    The shape of a fracture indicates

    which forces were involved. An

    oblique or vertically oriented

    fracture indicates 'push-off'.A transverse or horizontal fracture

    is the result of a 'pull-off'.

    On the left image the lateral

    malleolus is pushed off by

    exorotation of the talus.

    On the right image the medial

    malleolus is pulled off by the

    medial collateral ligament due to

    pronation of the foot.Stability

    The ankle can be thought of as a

    ring in which bones as well as

    ligaments play an equally

    important role in the maintenance

    of joint stability.

    If the ring is broken in one place

    the ring remains stable.

    When it is broken in two places,

    the ring is unstable and may

    dislocate.

    Now it is easy to say that an ankleis unstable when both the medial

    and the lateral malleoli are

    fractured.

    It becomes more problematic

    when there is a combination of a

    fracture and a ligamentous rupture,

    because the ligamentous rupture

    may not be detectable on the X-

    ray.

    In some fractures there may even

    be a proximal fibular fracture -which is not visible on the ankle

    radiographs - in combination with

    a medial ligamentous rupture.

    It is important to realize that the

    radiographs of an ankle may be

    normal in cases with an unstable

    ankle injury.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0384bc5adbbstable-unstable.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b7ebd9e81a6fpull-and-push-a.jpg
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    Stability (2)

    On the left image a Weber A or

    SA-fracture.

    This ankle is stable because there

    is only an avulsion fracture of the

    lateral malleolus below the levelof the syndesmosis.

    The ring is broken in only one

    place.

    On the right image there is an

    unstable fracture.

    The ring of the ankle is broken in

    two places.

    There is a lateral fracture and on

    the medial side there is a rupture

    of the collateral ligament allowingthe talus to dislocate laterally.

    Stability (3)

    The medial clear space should not

    exceed 4 mm and is usually equal

    to the distance between the tibial

    plafond and the talus.

    Widening of the medial joint space

    up to 6 mm or more requires

    disruption of the medial collateral

    ligament.

    Stability (4)

    The lateral clear space is

    measured from the medial border

    of the fibula to the lateral border

    of the posterior tibia 1cm above

    the tibial plafond.

    It is less well defined because its

    width varies with positioning.

    Evident widening of the lateral

    clear space indicates syndesmotic

    rupture.Some state that a width of 5.5 mm

    is abnormal.

    It is very important to realize that

    a normal lateral or medial clear

    space does notexclude

    ligamentous rupture.

    It simply means that there is no

    dislocation, but there can still be

    instability.

    The case on the left shows a

    Weber B fracture.On these images the ankle fork is

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0385a89a67211.jpg
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    normal.

    Both the medial and lateral clear

    spaces are prominent, but within

    normal limits.

    We can conclude that there is no

    dislocation, but we do not know ifthere is rupture of the medial

    collateral ligaments or of the

    syndesmosis.

    Continue with the images post

    surgery.

    Following osteosynthesis there is

    obvious widening of the medial

    and lateral clear spaces (image on

    the far left).

    This indicates that there is a

    syndesmotic rupture and medialcollateral ligament rupture.

    The ring is still broken in two

    places.

    The ankle joint is unstable and

    dislocated.

    Resurgery was necessary with

    placement of a syndesmotic screw

    to stabilize the ankle joint.

    Stability (5)

    On the left another case. There is a

    Weber B fracture.

    Both the medial and lateral clear

    spaces are widened, indicating

    instability.

    The talus is displaced laterally.

    Patient was scheduled for

    osteosynthesis of the fibular

    fracture and placement of a

    syndesmotic screw if necessary.

    After osteosynthesis of the fibula,

    the ankle was tested in theoperating room and found to be

    stable.

    There was no indication for a

    syndesmotic screw.

    It was concluded that the

    syndesmosis was only partially

    ruptured, as is usually the case in

    Weber B fractures.

    The ring was broken in two places

    and after repairing one of them,

    the ring was stable.Ottawa Ankle Rules

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    These rules are used to determine

    the need for radiographs in

    patients with an ankle injury.

    Ankle X-ray series are only

    required in case of:

    Pain in the malleolar zone and any

    one of the following:

    Bone tenderness along the

    distal 6 cm of the posterior

    edge of the fibula or tip of

    the lateral malleolus.

    Bone tenderness along thedistal 6 cm of the posterior

    edge of the tibia or tip ofthe medial malleolus.

    Inability to bear weight for4 steps both immediatelyand in the emergency

    department.Radiography

    Mortise view

    A basic radiographic examination

    consists of a Mortise-view and alateral view. Some add the AP-

    view.

    The Mortise-view is an AP-view

    taken with a 15-25 endorotation

    of the foot.

    The technologist turns the foot

    inwards until the lateral malleolus

    is at the same height as the medial

    malleolus.

    This view visualizes both the

    lateral and medial joint spaces..On a true AP-view the talus

    overlaps a portion of the lateral

    malleolus, obscuring the lateral

    aspect of the ankle joint.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0531a9df567Mortise.jpg
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    The distal fibula should project on the posterior part of the

    distal tibia

    Lateral view

    Many think that for a good lateral

    view the distal fibula should be in

    the center of the distal tibia.

    However, since the fibula ispositioned more dorsally, the

    fibula should project over the

    posterior part of the distal tibia

    (arrow).

    ClassificationWeber A - Lauge Hansen SA

    This is the most simple ankle

    fracture.

    The diagnosis as well as the

    treatment usually poses no

    problems.

    It occurs in about 20-25% of all

    ankle fractures.

    The foot is fixed on the ground in

    supination when an adduction

    force is applied to the talus.

    The first injury will occur on thelateral side, which is under

    tension.

    Stage 1Supination results in a tear of the

    lateral collateral ligament or an

    avulsion fracture of the lateral

    malleolus below the level of the

    tibial plafond, i.e below the level

    of the syndesmosis.

    Stage 2More talar tilt results in the medial

    malleolus beingpushed offin a

    vertical or oblique way .

    This second stage is very

    uncommon and is unstable.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b7ec1b588d01SA-1+2.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d052f0b2a716lat-enkel.jpg
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    Weber A Fracture or SA according to Lauge Hansen

    On the left a simple Weber A -

    Lauge Hansen SA fracture.

    Since the syndesmotic ligaments

    are intact, the ankle mortise is

    stable.

    VIDEO: Weber A or Supination Adduction injury

    If the video doesn't play simply push the stop button and

    the play button again.

    Start the video on the left by

    clicking on the image.

    Notice that at first the foot is in

    supination with maximal forces on

    the lateral side.

    Subsequently the foot adducts.

    The result is an SA or Weber A

    fracture.

    We can assume that this is the

    uncommon stage 2.

    Before we continue with the

    Weber B and C fractures, it isimportant to understand that most

    malleolar fractures have a

    ligamentous counterpart and vice

    versa (Table).

    The Tillaux fracture is an avulsion

    fracture of the tibia where the

    anterior syndesmosis attaches.

    It is an uncommon finding.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0683ea5e024TAB-Fracture-equivalent.pnghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b76dec58875f4.jpg
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    Weber B - Lauge Hansen SE

    This is the most common type and

    occurs in about 60-70% of all

    ankle fractures.

    The foot is fixed on the ground insupination and an exorotation

    force is applied to the talus due to

    an endorotation of the lower leg.

    Stage 1

    The first injury will occur on the

    lateral side, which is under

    maximum tension. As the talus

    exorotates, the anterior tibiofibular

    ligament ruptures first.

    Stage 2Since the foot is in supination, the

    lateral malleolus is held tightly in

    place by the lateral collateral

    ligaments and cannot move away

    without breaking. As a result more

    rotation of the talus will fracture

    the fibula in an oblique or spiral

    fashion because the lateral

    malleolus ispushed offfrom

    anterior to posterior.

    The fracture starts at or only a fewcms above the level of the ankle

    joint and extends proximally.

    Stage 3

    Posterior displacement of the

    lateral malleolus fragment by the

    talus results in rupture of the

    posterior tibiofibular ligament or

    avulsion of the malleolus tertius.

    Stage 4

    More posterior movement of the

    talus will result in extreme tensionon the medial side and the deltoid

    ligament will either rupture orpulloffthe medial malleolus in the

    transverse plane.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d04e98bc5cf4SER-.jpg
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    In Weber B or supination exorotation injury the eventstake place in a clockwise manner

    The sequence of events in a Weber

    B fracture or Lauge-Hansen

    supination exorotation injury

    happens in a clockwise sequence:

    1. Rupture of the anteriortibiofibular ligament

    2. Oblique fracture of the

    distal fibula

    3. Avulsion of the posterior

    malleolus or rupture of the

    posterior tibiofibular

    ligament

    4. Avulsion of the medial

    malleolus or rupture of the

    medial collateral ligament

    Immediately after the injury the

    injured parts may again align,

    which can make it difficult to

    detect the fractures and

    ligamentous ruptures.

    Study the images on the left and

    try to find out which stage is

    present.

    On the left an oblique fibular

    fracture which is typical for a

    Weber B or SER (Lauge-Hansen)

    fracture.

    According to Lauge-Hansen this is

    stage 2, so we must assume that

    there is also a rupture of the

    anterior syndesmosis, i.e. stage I.

    Now we look for stage 3 and we

    notice a subtle irregularity of theposterior aspect of the tibia (black

    arrow).

    This is probably the result of an

    avulsion of the malleolus tertius.

    Finally, we also notice widening

    of the medial clear space (red

    arrow), which indicates a rupture

    of the medial collateral ligaments,

    i.e. stage 4.

    This ankle is unstable and

    osteosynthesis is necessary.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b7824c6b03185.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0527dcbc3c9EXOROT-SE.jpg
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    Weber C - Lauge Hansen PER

    This is seen in approximately 20%

    of ankle fractures.

    The foot is fixed on the ground in

    pronation when an exorotationforce is applied to the talus.

    Stage 1The first injury will occur on the

    medial side, which is under

    maximum tension. It will lead to

    rupture of the medial collateral

    ligament or avulsion of the medial

    malleolus .

    Stage 2

    The talus rotates externally andmoves laterally because it is free

    from its medial attachment. Due to

    the pronation, the lateral side is

    not under tension and the fibula

    can move away fron the tibia. This

    causes rupture of the anterior

    syndesmotic ligament.

    Stage 3The fibula will be twisted distally,

    while proximally it is fixed in

    position. Finally the interosseusmembrane will rupture up to the

    point where the fibular shaft

    fractures above the level of the

    syndesmosis. The fibular fracture

    may or may not be visible on the

    ankle X-rays. Stage 4

    Finally the posterior syndesmotic

    ligament ruptures, or there is an

    avulsion of the posterior

    malleolus, also known as the

    malleolus tertius.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d04ee7cf35bbper1234.jpg
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    The sequence of events in a Weber

    C fracture or Lauge-Hansen

    pronation exorotation injury also

    happens in a clockwise sequence:

    1. Avulsion fracture of themedial malleolus or medial

    collateral band rupture

    2. Rupture of the anterior

    tibiofibular ligament

    3. High transverse fracture of

    the fibula

    4. Avulsion of the posterior

    malleolus or rupture of the

    posterior tibiofibular

    ligament

    After the event the pieces may

    align again and be difficult to

    detect on the radiographs.

    Most ligamentous injuries will not

    be visible on the x-rays unless

    there is a widened lateral or medial

    clear space.

    Weber C or Lauge Hansen SER stage 4.

    On the left a typical Weber C

    fracture above the level of the

    syndesmosis.

    Lauge-Hansen has demonstrated

    that this is the result of an

    exorotation force on a foot in

    pronation.

    The fibular fracture means PER

    stage 3.

    This means that there is also:

    stage 1: rupture of the medial

    collateral ligaments andstage 2: rupture of the anterior

    syndesmosis.

    Now we study the images to look

    for stage 4.

    It is not easily seen, but there is

    also a tertius fracture, which

    means stage 4.

    Knowledge of the stages according

    to Lauge-Hansen helps us to detect

    fractures which are not easilydetected at first glance.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4b7852df5ca2112.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d06849d3b540EXOROT-PER.jpg
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    We also know when the ligaments

    must be ruptured.

    VIDEO: Weber C or Pronation exorotation injury Start the video on the left by

    clicking on the image.

    Notice that at first the foot is in

    pronation, with maximum forceson the medial side.

    Subsequently the foot exorotates.

    The result is a PER - pronation

    exorotation injury or Weber C

    fracture.

    Who needs additional radiographs ofthe lower extremity?

    All Weber A and B fractures

    should be visible on standard

    radiographs of the ankle.

    So in these cases there is no needfor extra films of the lower leg.

    In Weber C or pronation

    exorotation injury the fibular

    fracture can be located proximally

    and not visible on radiographs of

    the ankle.

    We need to look for a high fibular

    fracture when there is any of the

    following:

    Isolated fracture of the

    medial malleolus

    Isolated fracture of the

    malleolus tertius without a

    fracture on the lateral side

    Any painful swelling or

    hematoma on the medialside without a fracture onthe radiographs

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d5adbb2f3c19TAB-high-fibular-fracture.png
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    Isolated fracture of the medial

    malleolus

    According to Lauge-Hansen this is

    the first stage of a PER injury.

    So we have to look for higher

    stages.

    The injury can continue to the

    following:

    stage 2: rupture of the

    anterior syndesmosis

    stage 3: high fibular

    fracture

    stage 4: rupture of the

    posterior syndesmosis

    In all these subsequent stages,

    purely ligamentous injury will not

    be visible on the radiographs of

    the ankle.

    So even in Weber c fracture or

    PER stage 4 sometimes only a

    fracture of the medial malleolus

    will be visible.

    Isolated fracture of the

    malleolus tertius

    Truly isolated fractures of the

    posterior malleolus are very

    uncommon.

    Most fractures of the posterior

    malleolus are part of a complex

    ankle injury, either Weber B

    (SER) or Weber C (PER).

    A Weber B fracture is easily

    detected because of thecharacteristic oblique fracture.

    According to Lauge-Hansen, a

    posterior malleolus fracture is

    stage 4 of a PER injury.

    So if we have the following

    combination:

    stage 1: rupture of the

    medial collateral ligament

    stage 2: rupture of theanterior syndesmosis

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d090581a1e1clower-leg-3.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0903d26a0a5lower-leg-1.jpg
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    stage 3: high fibular

    fracture

    stage 4: tertius fracture

    An isolated tertius fracture on an

    ankle radiograph indicates the

    presence of an unstable ankle

    fracture.

    Any medial painful swelling or

    hematoma without a visible

    fracture on ankle radiographs

    Normal radiographs do not rule

    out a Weber C fracture or Lauge-

    Hansen PER stage 4, which is a

    serious, often unstable, ankleinjury.

    In that case we have the following

    combination:

    stage 1: rupture of the

    medial collateral ligament,

    which causes the swelling

    and hematoma

    stage 2: rupture of the

    anterior syndesmosis

    stage 3: high fibular

    fracture - not visible on the

    radiographs of the ankle

    stage 4: rupture of the

    posterior syndesmosisInterpretation and Reporting

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    Start with a basic interpretation

    and look for fractures and signs of

    ligamentous rupture.

    This interpretation will direct you

    to both a Weber as well as a

    Lauge-Hansen classification.The Lauge-Hansen classification

    will give you the fracture

    mechanism and the preliminary

    stage of the ankle injury.

    Now re-examine the films to make

    sure that you do not overlook a

    higher grade ankle injury.

    After this re-examination you can

    make a final report.

    In the final report the fracture is

    described according to Weber

    and/or Lauge-Hansen.

    Describe the number of malleoli

    involved and whether there are

    signs of instability or dislocation.Examples

    Case 1

    Basic interpretationThere is a pull-off fracture

    of the lateral malleolus

    below the level of the tibial

    plafond, i.e below the level

    of the syndesmosis.

    First impressionWeber A fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen supination

    adduction injury stage 1.

    Re-examination

    Look for the uncommonstage 2, but there is no

    fracture on the medial side.

    Final reportWeber A fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen supination

    adduction injury stage 1.

    The ankle is stable.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d04be51ebe1ecase-weber-a.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d068186054adInterpretation2.png
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    Case 2

    Basic interpretationThere is a typical oblique

    fracture of the lateral

    malleolus (push-off) at thelevel of the syndesmosis.

    The medial clear space

    looks widened.

    First impressionWeber B fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen supination

    exorotation injury stage 2

    or more, i.e. rupture of the

    anterior talofibular

    ligament and oblique

    fracture of lateralmalleolus.

    Re-examinationLook for stage 3, i.e.

    avulsion of the malleolus

    tertius or widening of the

    lateral clear space due to

    rupture of the posterior

    syndesmosis.

    We also look for stage 4,

    i.e. rupture of the medial

    collateral ligament or

    avulsion of the medial

    malleolus.

    Re-examinationBoth the medial and lateral

    clear spaces are widened.

    There is a subtle linear

    lucency in the distal tibia,

    which indicates a fracture

    of the malleolus tertius(arrow).

    Final reportWeber B fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen supination

    exorotation injury SER

    stage 4.

    The ankle is unstable.

    Osteosynthesis of the

    fibular fracture is

    necessary.If this does not restore the

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d04c222637c6weber-b-met.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d04bfde08d09weber-b-zonder.jpg
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    ankle mortise and the

    medial clear space remains

    widened, a syndesmotic

    screw must be inserted and

    an exploration of themedial ankle joint

    performed to look for

    interpositioned ruptured

    ligaments.

    Case 3

    Basic interpretation

    This is an AP-view while a

    Mortise-view is preferable.

    There is a soft tissue

    swelling on the lateral side.On the lateral view there is

    an oblique fracture line.

    First impressionWeber B fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen supination

    exorotation injury stage 2

    or higher, i.e. rupture of the

    anterior talofibular

    ligament and oblique

    fracture of the lateral

    malleolus.

    Re-examinationNo sign of a posterior

    malleolus fracture or

    fracture of the medial

    malleolus.

    Based on the radiographs

    we cannot exclude a

    rupture of the posterior

    syndesmosis or a rupture of

    the medial collateralligaments.

    This still can be a Lauge-

    Hansen SER stage 4 injury,

    i.e. an unstable fracture.

    At physical examination

    however there was no

    swelling, tenderness or

    hematoma on the medial

    side, so we can exclude a

    stage 4 injury.

    A stage 3 injury is still

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    possible.

    Final reportWeber B fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen SER stage 2

    or 3.Case 4

    Basic interpretationOblique fracture at the

    level of the syndesmosis.

    First impressionWeber B or SER (Lauge-

    Hansen) fracture stage 2.

    Re-examinationWidened medial and lateral

    clear space indicating astage 4 SER injury.

    So there also must be a

    stage 3, i.e. posterior

    syndesmotic rupture or

    avulsion of the malleolus

    tertius.

    Final reportWeber B or SER (Lauge-

    Hansen) fracture stage 4.

    This fracture can be

    unstable.

    This patient was scheduled for

    osteosynthesis of the fibular

    fracture and placement of a

    syndesmotic screw if necessary.

    After osteosynthesis of the fibula,

    the ankle was tested in the

    operating room and found to bestable.

    Thererefore there was no

    indication for placing a

    syndesmotic screw.

    It was concluded that the

    syndesmosis was only partially

    ruptured, which is not uncommon

    in Weber B - SER fractures.

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    Case 5

    Basic interpretationIn the images on the left

    we notice the fracture of

    the posterior malleolus.

    First impressionClassification is not

    possible.

    Since an isolated fracture

    of the posterior malleolus

    is uncommon, we have to

    re-examine the films to

    look for signs of a Weber

    B or C fracture.

    Re-examinationNo sign of an oblique

    fracture of the lateral

    malleolus, so we can

    exclude a Weber B

    fracture.

    There is still the possibility

    of a Weber C fracture, i.e.

    medial rupture or avulsion,

    high fibular fracture and

    finally a posterior

    malleolar fracture.

    Now we notice the subtle

    avulsion of the medial

    malleolus (arrow).

    Additional radiographs of

    the lower extremity

    demonstrate a high fibular

    fracture, also known as a

    Maisonneuve fracture.

    Final reportWeber C fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen PE stage 4.

    The lesson learned in this case is

    that any patient with a hematoma

    or swelling on the medial side of

    the ankle may have a Weber C

    fracture or a Lauge-Hansen PE

    injury stage 1-4.

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d05454a582d8weber-c-mall-3B.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d0542be4f964weber-c-mall-3.jpg
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    Case 6

    Basic interpretationOn the left images of a

    patient with a hematoma

    on the medial side. Nosigns of a fracture.

    First impressionClassification is not

    possible.

    Re-examinationWe can exclude a Weber A

    or B fracture, because we

    see no fracture.

    A Weber C or Lauge-

    Hansen PE injury is still a

    possibility, i.e. medial

    ligament rupture, high

    fibular fracture and finally

    a posterior syndesmosis

    rupture.

    Additional radiographs of

    the lower leg demonstrate

    the high fibular fracture,

    also known asMaisonneuve fracture.

    Final reportWeber C fracture or

    Lauge-Hansen PE stage 3

    or 4, i.e. medial collateral

    ligamentous rupture,

    rupture of the anterior

    syndesmosis, high fibular

    fracture and probably a

    rupture of the posteriorsyndesmosis.

    The lesson in this case is that any

    patient with a hematoma or

    swelling on the medial side may

    have a Weber C fracture or a

    Lauge-Hansen PE injury stage 1-4.

    References

    1. Fractures of the ankle, combined experimental-surgical and experimental-

    roentgenologic investigations

    by N. Lauge-Hansen (1948)

    http://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d054a85c894fcase-weber-c-norm-enkelB.jpghttp://www.radiologyassistant.nl/images/4d054691c7ca6case%20weber%20c%20norm%20enkel.jpg
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    2. Die verletzungen des oberen sprunggelenkes

    by B.G. Weber (1966)

    3. Website of the Ottawa Ankle rules

    4. Ankle fractures

    East Lancashire Foot and Ankle Hyperbook

    5. Free AO Surgery ReferenceThe AO Surgery Reference is a huge online repository of surgical knowledge,

    consisting of more than 7000 pages.

    http://www.ohri.ca/programs/clinical_epidemiology/OHDEC/ankle_rule/flash_ankle_rule.htmhttp://www.foothyperbook.com/trauma/malleolarFx/ankleFxIntro.htmhttp://www.aofoundation.org/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3hng7BARydDRwML1yBXAyMvYz8zEwNPQwN3A6B8JJK8gUWAm4GRk6m_oUlwgBFIHr9uP4_83FT9gtyIcgCExWfz/dl2/d1/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnB3LzZfQzBWUUFCMUEwOEVSRTAySjNONjQwSTEwRzA!/?showPage=diagnosis&bone=Tibia&segment=Malleolihttp://www.ohri.ca/programs/clinical_epidemiology/OHDEC/ankle_rule/flash_ankle_rule.htmhttp://www.foothyperbook.com/trauma/malleolarFx/ankleFxIntro.htmhttp://www.aofoundation.org/wps/portal/!ut/p/c1/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3hng7BARydDRwML1yBXAyMvYz8zEwNPQwN3A6B8JJK8gUWAm4GRk6m_oUlwgBFIHr9uP4_83FT9gtyIcgCExWfz/dl2/d1/L2dJQSEvUUt3QS9ZQnB3LzZfQzBWUUFCMUEwOEVSRTAySjNONjQwSTEwRzA!/?showPage=diagnosis&bone=Tibia&segment=Malleoli
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    GARZI REZIDENTI LUNA AUGUST 2011

    DA

    TA

    ZIUA LINIA 1

    CT

    LINIA 2

    CT

    LINIA 3

    RX

    LINIA 4

    RX

    1 L JURJ ANA MARIA BARNEA LAURENTIU LOIS IUSTIN COMSA MIHAI

    2 M BOJA RAMONA DUMINECA IULIA TODA CORNELIA MOLDOVAN RAMONA

    3 M LEBOVICI ANDREI DRAGOMIR MIHAI BAJAN RALUCA AL KOUZ MARWAN

    4 J CRAMARIUC RADU BARSAN CRISTIAN DEAC DIANA DAN MARIAN

    5 V BERCEA MIHAIL MOLNAR LAURA HASHMI JUNAID HASHMI JAWAD

    6 S BOGDAN NICU CAMPEAN ANDREI TAMAS-SZORA ATTILA ABDALAH AMIR

    7 D BAHLE RUBEN MAXIM DIANA MUSTE FLORIN VAINAK NICOLAE

    8 L OPREA IOAN TATARU MIHAI VIDA ALINA NAGY ERIKA

    9 M NEGREANU RARAES CONT DANIEL COTARLEA VALENTIN FILEP ALEXANDRU

    10 M DUMA DAN PARASCA ANDREEA OBADA OANA MOALE MIHAI

    11 J POPA ROXANA BERCEA MIHAIL DOMINTE MIHAELA FLORIA DIANA

    12 V LEBOVICI ANDREI DRAGOMIR MIHAI CIUCA ANDREI AL KOUZ MARWAN

    13 S FEIER DIANA BESSENYEI JULIA BAJAN RALUCA DAN MARIAN

    14 D CRAMARIUC RADU NEGREANU RARES MARGINEAN MARIUS TODA CORNELIA

    15 L - - - -

    16 M CONT DANIEL ZSEBE ERIKA GHITA CAMELIA LUCACI ESTERA

    17 M POPA LOREDANA DASCALESCU DIANA POP TEODORA DEE ANA MARIA

    18 J VINTILESCU ADELINA TATARU MIHAI COMSA MIHAI BOURGUIBA MED

    KARIM

    19 V MORAR VASILE TRIKI HAFEDH GORI MARIANA PASCA ALEXANDRA

    20 S JURCA LAURENTIU ISSE OMAR MOLDOVAN IONUT TIMIS BOGDAN

    21 D OPREA IOAN POPA ROXANA MARDALE STEFAN CHIOREAN LILIANA

    22 L TOMA VIRGINIA COSARCA MIHAELA MARGINEAN MARIUS BERINDE ELENA

    23 M SOCACIU MIHAI MOLNAR LAURA MARCU DANIELA GHITA CAMELIA

    24 M POP MANUELA ILE-PIRTEA

    LOREDANA

    MOALE MIHAI CIUCA ANDREI

    25 J FEIER DIANA MAXIM DIANA HASHMI JUNAID HASHMI JAWAD

    26 V ZSEBE ERIKA PARASCA ANDREEA FILIP CRISTIAN VAINAK NICOLAE

    27 S DASCALESCU DIANA DUMA DAN FILEP ALEXANDRU PASCA ALEXANDRA

    28 D CONT DANIEL VINTILESCU ADELINA DEAC DIANA DEE ANA MARIA

    29 L DUMINECA IULIA CAMPEAN ANDREI GORI MARIANA POO TEODORA

    30 M JURCA LAURENTIU SIPOS SERENELA MOLDOVAN RAMONA OBADA OANA

    31 M JURJ ANA MARIA BARNEA LAURENTIU BUTE NICOLETA BERINDE ELENA

    COORDONATOR PROF. DR. SILVIU A. SFRANGEU