Treatment and Outcome of a "Floating Fibula" Injury: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2023 Jun 1;13(2). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.23.00154. eCollection 2023 Apr 1.

Abstract

Case: We report a case of a rare "floating fibula" ankle injury characterized by dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ), syndesmosis disruption, complete deltoid disruption, and tibiotalar dislocation without fibula fracture in a 44-year-old man. Imaging includes preoperative and postoperative radiographs and CT scans. Treatment involved reduction and screw fixation of the syndesmosis and PTFJ with planned screw removal. A successful clinical and radiographic outcome was achieved at the 15-month follow-up.

Conclusion: This case highlights the unique features of the "floating fibula" injury and shows that reduction and intraoperative assessment may be more challenging than a typical Maisonneuve injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ankle Injuries* / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Injuries* / surgery
  • Fibula / diagnostic imaging
  • Fibula / injuries
  • Fibula / surgery
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome