What Is a Maisonneuve Fracture of the Ankle?

Typically ligaments or muscles are injured in an ankle sprain. In some cases, however, a fracture may occur. In the case of most ankle fractures, the bones around the ankle, the bottom part of the tibia or fibula, are fractured, but this is not always the case, as with a Maisonneuve fracture.

Definition

• A Maisonneuve fracture is a fracture to the top part of the fibula, which is the bone on the outside of the lower leg.

Mechanism of Injury

• When the ankle is forcefully rotated to the outside, it may twist the fibula, causing a fracture to the top of the bone.

Evaluation

• A physician will must take an X-ray to diagnose a fracture. Various orthopedic tests also will be performed.

Symptoms

• A Maisonneuve fracture leads to point tenderness on the outside portion of the lower leg just below the knee. Pain also will be felt in the ankle as the result of the sprain.

Treatment

• Treatment varies based on severity. Typically with this injury the ankle sprain is severe, potentially calling for surgery on the ankle. Surgery may also be needed to fix the Maisonneuve fracture. Extensive rehabilitation will follow.