Consequences of a missed ankle dislocation in an adolescent

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Pediatric Orthopedics

Background:

• Ankle dislocations without associated fractures are uncommon, particularly in adolescent patients.
• Early identification and treatment are crucial for optimal patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A case of anterior ankle dislocation in a 14-year-old is presented.
• The injury was undiagnosed for approximately 12 months, leading to significant joint instability and pain.

Findings:

• The delayed diagnosis necessitated multiple surgical interventions to restore a pain-free and stable ankle joint.
• Literature review on rare ankle dislocations without fractures is included.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of vigilant diagnosis of ankle injuries in adolescents.
• Delayed management of such rare injuries can result in prolonged morbidity and complex surgical requirements.