Pure Open Ankle Dislocation Leading to Isolated Lateral Ligament Complex Tear: A Rare Case

Cureus. 2024 Jan 24;16(1):e52855. doi: 10.7759/cureus.52855. eCollection 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Pure open ankle dislocation is a rare orthopedic emergency characterized by the absence of associated bony lesions, necessitating prompt and immediate management to prevent disastrous complications. This article details a distinctive case of open pure ankle dislocation in an 18-year-old female following a motorcycle accident, resulting in a 6-cm wound and a dislocated left ankle with a concurrent tear of the anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament. Immediate reduction under sedation was performed, followed by intensive debridement and ligament repair in the operating room. Postoperatively, the patient received antibiotic coverage for five days and underwent immobilization for six weeks. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient exhibited a complete range of motion with no reported pain or instability. This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a successful treatment paradigm, providing valuable insights for practitioners encountering similar cases.

Keywords: ankle and foot; antibiotic; open dislocation; pure ankle dislocation; debridement.

Publication types

  • Case Reports