A Maisonneuve fracture not treated in time can lead to lasting instability of the ankle, so it is important to make a timely diagnosis by a trauma expert. In the post we tell you everything you need to know about the Maisonneuve fracture, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is Maisonneuve fracture?
The Maisonneuve fracture is a spiral fracture of the proximal third of the fibula. associated with a disruption of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the interosseous membrane. This fracture is associated with fractures of the medial malleolus or rupture of the deep deltoid ligament of the ankle.
This fracture is the result of force Excessive external rotation in the deltoid and syndesmotic ligaments. According to the Danis-Weber classification system, it can be classified as a type C ankle fracture. Thus, the Maisonneuve fracture is more common in athletes who practice sports such as skiing, gymnastics or dancing, where there is a risk of suffering an injury in the foot and leg.
Signs and symptoms of a Maisonneuve fracture
The most common symptoms of a Maisonneuve fracture, as occurs when the patient has a sprained ankle, are pain, swelling, tenderness and bruising over the ankle joint. The pain worsens when performing any movement with the foot, along with difficulty supporting weight on the affected foot.
The pain is also accompanied by sensitivity in the fibula bone, in the same way that the area from the knee to the ankle can become inflamed.
Main causes of Maisonneuve fractures
The main cause of the appearance of a Maisonneuve fracture is foot that lands incorrectly, so that the leg wraps around the foot and the ankle becomes twisted. All of this causes a sprain of the ankle and a crack in the fibula.
A patient with a previous history of ankle injuries is more likely to suffer such an ankle fracture.
Diagnosis and treatment of Maisonneuve fracture
Before proceeding with treatment for Maisonneuve fractures, the specialist will carry out a thorough diagnosis of the patient, as well as an assessment of the patient's medical history.
Diagnosis of Maisonneuve fracture
Diagnosing the Maisonneuve fracture can be somewhat complicated, since it requires identifying various injuries. X-rays are the tests initially requested by the specialist to detect this type of injury.
Another complementary test to this is the computed tomography, where the expert will assess the position of the fibula with respect to the tibia.
Treatment for Maisonneuve type fractures
Rehabilitation is essential for a correct return to sports practice. Physiotherapy aims to enable the patient to regain flexibility, strength and balance in the shortest possible time, so that they can return to daily activities and recover the functionality they had before suffering the injury.
When a Maisonneuve fracture involves severe ligament injuries, the patient will be required to undergo surgery to stabilize the ankle joint., to allow the recovery to be the most adequate. The most likely treatment of the ankle is through arthroscopy, a technique that allows the patient to experience less pain during the intervention and recover in a shorter time than estimated with open surgery.
When the ankle joint is not positioned well during the recovery process, there is a risk that the patient may develop arthritis, which can lead to chronic pain, tenderness, and loss of ankle flexibility.
Maisonneuve Fracture Recovery Period
The recovery time of patients who suffer a Maisonneuve fracture depends mainly on the severity of the injury and the discipline of the patient and the specialist during the rehabilitation time. Generally, it is estimated to take between 8 and 12 weeks for the patient to overcome the pain in the foot and ankle and progress adequately at approximately 16 weeks.
Generally speaking, patients with this type of fracture can gradually return to sports practice after 20 – 24 weeks, but this will depend on the progression of the injury.
In order to ensure the short- and long-term health of the patient, it is important to have trauma specialists who can thoroughly evaluate trauma fractures, diagnose them in time, and treat them in a timely manner. At Elgeadi Traumatology we have a team of trusted doctors and traumatologists, with extensive experience, experts in each of the fields of medicine, who can help you combat your pathology, solve the pain and return to a normal life. Make your appointment with him team of expert traumatologists in Madrid.
8 thoughts on “Fractura de Maisonneuve: síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento”
Interesting, very easy to understand... I learned a lot
Good morning,
Thank you very much for your comment, we are glad to know that it has been useful to you.
You can also visit the Elgeadi Traumatology YouTube channel if you wish.
All the best.
My son has been operated on for this fracture in a hospital in Madrid. I have read your explanation, I understood it very well, thank you.
Good morning Magdalena,
Thank you very much for your comment, we are glad to know that you found our post useful.
All the best.
GOOD AFTERNOON SINCE I HAD OPERATION ON THIS FRACTURE, I'VE BEEN 18 WEEKS AND MY ANKLE IS STILL SWELLING.
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF IT IS NORMAL.
THANK YOU.
Hello Maria,
Yes, there are usually inflammatory changes in the first 6 months. But it is always recommended that you review it constantly with the traumatologist to rule out other possible complications.
Cheer up!
Hello, good evening. A friend of mine has had this fracture for two weeks, with a splint and weekly check-ups in hospital. Today they told her that they cannot operate until the swelling goes down. I don't know to what extent she will recover. Can they operate after so much time? Thank you in advance.
Hi carmen,
In order to give you an answer, we would need to see the case in person. You can make an appointment by calling 91 005 39 00.
Greetings