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Abstract
Subtle ankle fractures may escape detection on plain radiography. These occult fractures
can cause prolonged disability and pain. We present a case of blunt ankle trauma where
plain radiography failed to reveal any bony abnormalities. The recognition of an ankle
effusion on plain radiographs prompted us to perform a computed tomography (CT) scan
of the ankle. The CT scan demonstrated an anterior plafond fracture of the distal
tibia, which required surgical fixation. Had the fracture not been identified, our
patient would have been treated inappropriately for a ligament sprain. An occult fracture
should be suspected if an ankle is grossly swollen after blunt trauma, and plain radiography
demonstrates an effusion. In this circumstance, performance of further imaging studies,
such as conventional or CT, are advised to rule out an occult ankle fracture.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
February 2,
1996
Received in revised form:
January 12,
1996
Received:
September 27,
1995
Footnotes
☆Emergency Radiology is coordinated by Jack Keene, md, of Emergency Treatment Associates, Poughkeepsie, New York.
Identification
Copyright
© 1996 Published by Elsevier Inc.
