Ankle Case 11 Diagnosis

Weber C Fracture

Diagnosis

Standard three-view plain radiograph ankle series should be obtained which includes AP, lateral, and mortise (an AP view shot in 10-20° internal rotation) views. The fibular fracture line should be identified in relation to the ankle mortise.  Fibular fractures that originate proximal to the mortise are Weber C.  Like Weber B fractures, Weber C are often spiral fractures and often extend superiorly.

The joint space should be uniform all around the talus on the mortise view.  The “medial clear space” between the medial malleolus and talus should be ≤ 4 mm. Radiographic signs of ankle instability/syndesmotic injury (details of which are beyond the scope of this case) include abnormalities of tibiofibular overlap and tibiofibular clear space.  

Stability can be assessed without obtaining CT or MRI.  In Weber C fractures, the tibiofibular syndesmosis is torn with widening of the disal tibiofibular articulation and medial malleolus fractures and/or deltoid ligament tears are present. These are unstable.