Ankle Arthrodesis using Retrograde Nail in Case of Bosworth Fracture with Ankle Dislocation : A Rare Case Report

The Bosworth fracture is a distal fibula oblique fracture with proximal fibula posterior dislocation behind the posterior tibia tubercle. Extreme external rotation of the supinated foot causes it. These types of fractures and their treatment are infrequently described in the literatures.

A 72 -year-old female pillion rider on a two-wheeler had a Road traffic accident. The patient arrived at the emergency room with a Bosworth fracture along with an open ankle dislocation (Gustilo-Anderson Type 2B). She underwent a staged procedure in form of an external fixator and later on definitive fixation in the form of ankle fusion with retrograde nailing. Since there is very little information regarding treatment modality for an open Bosworth fracture with an ankle dislocation, this case report is very rare. Fracture united well within 8 weeks.

These fractures in elderly patients with comorbidities if poorly managed can lead to severe consequences like an amputation. Awareness of these fractures patterns and their treatment can play a potential role in limb salvage.