Page 131 - ASOP Orthopedic Casting Manual

3.3.3 Fracture Type(s) for Short Leg

Cast

Ankle Fractures
✓ Clinical Relevant Anatomy: The ankle joint consists of the tibia, fibula, and

talus, with stabilizing ligaments including the anterior talofibular,
calcaneofibular, and del toid ligaments. The syndesmosis, a fibrous joint
bet ween the tibia and fibula, is critical for stabilit y LMoore et al., 2020M.
✓ Epidemiology / Etiology / Mechanism of Injur y: Ankle fractures represent 9%

of all fractures, affecting young athletes and elder ly individuals. Common
mechanisms include: L1M Inversion injuries → Lateral malleolus fractures; L2M
Eversion injuries → Medial malleolus fractures; L3M Torsional forces →

Bimalleolar fractures
✓ Clinical Characteristics / Presentation: Pain, swelling, and bruising localized at

the ankle; Difficul t y bearing weight; Instabilit y in ligamentous injuries
✓ Fracture Diagnosis Process: L1M X-ray LAP, lateral, mor tise views) for fracture

classification; L2M Ottawa Ankle Rules to deter mine imaging necessit y
✓ Treatment / Management Considerations: Stable fractures are treated with

SLC for 6 weeks, while unstable fractures require ORIF LBucholz et al., 2021M.