Anterior Displacement of a Posterior Malleolar Fragment Through the Syndesmosis: A Case Report

Ankles are the most common site of injury in lower limb fractures. Despite this, the classification of the Maisonneuve fracture is still highly controversial, perhaps due to its low incidence. Typically described as a proximal fibular fracture with associated injury to the syndesmosis and medial structures secondary to an external rotation mechanism, the injury often necessitates surgical intervention to restore joint stability for good functional outcomes. A 32-year-old lady sustained a pronation external rotation injury resulting in a proximal fibula fracture with disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis as well as an associated posterior malleolar fracture with displacement of the fragment anteriorly through the syndesmosis to the ventral aspect of the ankle joint. The patient underwent surgical fixation of the posterior malleolar fracture as well as repair of the syndesmosis with a screw. This report aims to highlight the details of a Maisonneuve fracture with the rarer associated posterior malleolar fracture, and its anterior displacement through the syndesmosis, as well as provide a narrative review of the current literature.