Ankle Dislocation: Diagnosis and Treatment

Pure ankle dislocation is a very rare injury. More commonly fracture and dislocation both are present.

Before reading further it would first be good to know the relevant ankle anatomy. (skip this it you have already read the page)

Pure dislocation of the ankle joint is caused by a force directed posteriorly over the ankle joint with the foot flexed downwards. It is caused by high energy injuries such as road traffic accidents.

In majority of cases the skin and other tissues covering the bones of the ankle break down, resulting in a contaminated wound.

Symptoms are similar to ankle fracture.

Diagnosis is by clinical history and examination. X rays show the position of dislocated bones and rule out the presence of fractures.

As this is a emergency hence treatment includes urgent reduction (realignment) of the dislocated bones. This is followed by immobilization in a plaster cast for 6 to 8 weeks.

Complications include

• infection
• osteochondral fractures due to cartilage injury
• late arthritis
• calcification of ligaments

I hope the information provided was helpful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 2nd March 2009.

Other causes of ankle pain ...

Ankle Fracture

Ankle Sprain

Pilon Fracture

Tillaux Fracture

Ankle Arthritis

Go back from Ankle Dislocation to Ankle Pain