Ankle stiffness after Bosworth fracture dislocation of the ankle.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to review the result of patients with Bosworth fracture dislocation of ankle.

TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective case series.

METHODS

Four patients with Bosworth fracture-dislocation of ankle are evaluated clinically and radiologically.

RESULT: All four cases have failed initial closed reduction of the ankle and open reduction is required. Three patients with delayed presentation suffered from post-traumatic ankle stiffness and subsequently developed ankle degeneration.

CONCLUSION

Early recognition and prompt reduction of the dislocated ankle is important in case of Bosworth fracture dislocation in order to prevent late complication. Closed reduction of dislocated ankle is usually not helpful and repeated attempts may be harmful. Emergency operation of open reduction and internal fixation is usually required to reduce the ankle joint without delay.