Maisonneuve fracture

Maisonneuve fracture
Radiograph showing a Maisonneuve fracture of the proximal fibula
SpecialtyOrthopedics
SymptomsSwelling around medial and lateral sides of ankle joint, pain during external rotation of foot
ComplicationsOsteoarthritis, peroneal nerve palsy
CausesForceful, external rotation of the foot
Risk factorsSporting injuries, falls, motor vehicle accidents
Diagnostic methodPhysical examination, radiography, X-ray, CT, MRI, arthroscopy
Differential diagnosisIsolated tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, isolated fibula fracture
TreatmentOrthopedic casting, ORIF, CRIF

The Maisonneuve fracture is a spiral fracture of the proximal third of the fibula associated with a tear of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the interosseous membrane. There is an associated fracture of the medial malleolus or rupture of the deep deltoid ligament of the ankle. This type of injury can be difficult to detect.[1][2]

The Maisonneuve fracture is typically a result of excessive, external rotative force being applied to the deltoid and syndesmotic ligaments. Due to this, the Maisonneuve fracture is described as a pronation-external rotation injury according to the Lauge-Hansen classification system.[3] It is also classified as a Type C ankle fracture according to the Danis-Weber classification system.[4]

The Maisonneuve fracture is similar to the Galeazzi fracture in the sense that there is an important ligamentous disruption in association with the fracture.[5] The fracture is named after the surgeon Jules Germain François Maisonneuve.[6]

  1. ^ Wilson, F. C. (2000). Fractures of the ankle: pathogenesis and treatment. J South Orthop Assoc. 9(2):105-115.
  2. ^ Thordarson, D. B. (1996). Detecting and treating common foot and ankle fractures: Part 1: the ankle and hindfoot. Phys Sportsmed. 24(9): 29-38.
  3. ^ Lauge-Hansen, N. (1950). Fractures of the ankle. II. Combined experimental-surgical and experimental-roentgenologic investigations. Arch Surg. 60(5): 957- 985.
  4. ^ Sproule, J. A., Khalid, M., O’Sullivan, M., & McCabe, J. P. (2004). Outcome after surgery for Maisonneuve fracture of the fibula. Injury. 35(8): 791-798.
  5. ^ Atesok, K. I., Jupiter, J. B., & Weiss, A. P. (2011). Galeazzi fracture. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 19(10): 623-633.
  6. ^ Stufkens, S. A., van den Bekerom, M. P. J., Doornberg, J. N., Niek van Dijk, C., & Kloen, P. (2011). Evidence-Based Treatment of Maisonneuve Fractures. J Foot Ankle Surg. 50(1): 62-67.