Lateral Malleolar Revision and Trimalleolar Fracture Fixation Case Study

A 56- year-old female, with a medical history of hyperlipidemia and previous open reduction and fixation of lateral malleolar fracture, sustained a trimalleolar ankle fracture dislocation above previous hardware (Figure 1 and 2). The patient was initially seen in the emergency department after a slip and fall on leaves. She underwent reduction and splinting at that time (Figure 3). The patient maintained non-weight-bearing and elevation in splint until soft tissue swelling allowed surgical intervention. The patient was subsequently seen in an outpatient clinic setting with windowing of the splint to allow evaluation of soft tissue. There was a fracture blister formation laterally above the level of the indwelling plate. The plan for open reduction and fixation along with previous hardware removal was discussed with the patient and her consent was acquired.