Bosworth fracture. An atypical case of irreducible ankle fracture-dislocation
Francisco Jose Martin-Somoza1, David Ruiz Picazo1, Jesús Amador Martinez Cabezuelo1
1Department of Orthopaedics Surgery and Traumatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Albacete, Spain.
Abstract:
An irreducible ankle-fracture dislocation in which the proximal fibular shaft fragment locks behind the posterior tibial tubercle is defined as "The Bosworth injury". Characteristically, this fracture is generally not reducible using closed methods. A high number of attempts can be counterproductive to get a good final functional result and it may also lead to the appearance of future complications. Although it is a recognized and published cause of irreducible ankle dislocation, it is an unusual and rare injury. The initial radiological diagnosis is difficult, usually going unnoticed, and it is frequently diagnosed during the surgical act, appreciating the retrotibial position of the proximal fibular fragment. The present report is the first in the medical data to describe a case of Bosworth injury in a 32-week-old pregnant woman. The initial diagnosis went unnoticed. After unsuccessful closed reduction attempt, urgent surgical intervention was performed.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Ankle Joint
Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula


