Limb salvage of ankle fracture dislocation with LIMA external fixator: a case report

Open ankle fractures with dislocation are potentially limb-threatening injuries with complications ranging from infection to amputation. External fixation has been used in trauma institutions for limb salvage, particularly in the setting of extensive soft tissue compromise. The authors present a case of an elderly woman with an open ankle fracture dislocation who underwent a staged surgical approach. A LIMA external fixator was used in conjunction with antibiotic beads and subsequent definitive open reduction with internal fixation. At 5-year follow-up, the patient demonstrated pain-free range of motion with a return to activity comparable to the preinjury state. The authors highlight the benefit of procedure staging in the presence of a severe fracture dislocation of the tibiotalar joint.