Trimalleolar fracture

Trimalleolar fracture
X-ray of trimalleolar fracture repair before and after ORIF surgery
SpecialtyOrthopedics

A trimalleolar fracture is a fracture of the ankle that involves the lateral malleolus, the medial malleolus, and the distal posterior aspect of the tibia, which can be termed the posterior malleolus. The trauma is sometimes accompanied by ligament damage and dislocation.[1]

The three aforementioned parts of bone articulate with the talus bone of the foot. Strictly speaking, there are only two malleoli (medial and lateral), but the term trimalleolar is used nevertheless and as such is a misnomer. The trimalleolar fracture is also known as cotton fracture.

  1. ^ Orthopaedic Trauma Association (September 2007). "Ankle Fractures". AAOS.