Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 27, 2026
07:24
Autologous Microfractured and Purified Adipose Tissue for Arthroscopic Management of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
Published on: January 23, 2018
Ankle fractures. The Lauge-Hansen classification revisited
J Michelson1, D Solocoff, B Waldman
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|January 7, 1998
Summary
The Lauge-Hansen classification for ankle fractures may be inaccurate. Supination and external rotation injuries require a valgus load, not just rotation, to occur, challenging the traditional mechanism.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Biomechanics
- Trauma research
Background:
- Accurate ankle fracture classification is crucial for effective treatment.
- The Lauge-Hansen classification links fracture patterns to injury mechanisms.
- Modern biomechanical analysis is needed to validate existing classifications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reexamine the experimental basis of the Lauge-Hansen supination and external rotation ankle fracture classification.
- To test the hypothesis that this specific fracture pattern results from a different mechanism than proposed.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-two cadaveric ankle specimens were subjected to simulated injury.
- Testing involved combined axial loading with external rotation and foot supination.
- Ankles were tested in various positions: neutral, plantar flexion, dorsiflexion, and with leg valgus.
Main Results:
- Pure supination and external rotation did not produce Lauge-Hansen supination-external rotation type fractures.
- Adding a valgus load was necessary to replicate the classic Lauge-Hansen supination-external rotation fracture pattern.
- Lateral fibular or combined lateral and medial injuries were consistently observed.
Conclusions:
- The proposed mechanism for supination-external rotation ankle fractures by Lauge-Hansen may not be accurate.
- A valgus force component is critical in creating these specific ankle fracture patterns.
- Findings suggest a need to revise the understanding of ankle fracture biomechanics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:18Classification of Bones
The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four major classes: long bones, short bones, flat bones, and irregular bones. Some classifications include a fifth type, the sesamoid bones, as a separate class, whereas others categorize them under short bones.
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
Long and Short Bones
The appendicular skeleton, particularly the upper and lower limbs, is primarily made of long and short bones. The long...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
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 procedure...
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 procedure...
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest bone in the body and is located right below the skin. The proximal end of the tibia forms the medial and the lateral condyle, which articulates with the condyles of the femur to form the knee joint. Between the articulating surfaces is the irregular elevated area known as the intercondylar eminence that serves as the inferior attachment point for...
01:10Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...