Bosworth ankle fracture-dislocation: current concept review

Abstract

• Bosworth fracture (BF) is a special type of locked ankle fracture-dislocation, characterized by displacement of a fragment of the fractured fibula from the fibular notch behind the posterior surface of the distal tibia. • BF is a complex injury affecting multiple structures of the ankle joint, which is still frequently misjudged even today, potentially leading to severe complications. • CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, should be the diagnostic standard in BF, as it provides a complete picture of the fracture pathoanatomy, most prominently the morphology of the frequently associated posterior malleolar fracture. • BF requires early reduction of the displaced fibular fragment without repeated attempts on closed reduction. Non-operative treatment of BF almost always fails. The standard treatment procedure is early open reduction internal fixation. • Due to the relative severity and paucity of the injury, BF seems to be particularly prone to soft tissue complications, including compartment syndrome. • The results of operative treatment are mixed. Many studies report persistent pain even after a short time interval, with limitations of the range of motion or even stiffness of the ankle joint, and development of degenerative changes. Larger studies with long-term results are still missing.

Keywords

• ankle fracture
• bosworth fracture
• compartment syndrome
• posterior malleolus fracture