Danis-Weber classification
Encyclopedia
The Danis-Weber classification (often known just as the Weber classification) is a method of describing Ankle fracture
s. It has 3 categories:
A
* below level of the ankle joint
* tibiofibular syndesmosis intact
* deltoid ligament intact
* medial malleolus often fractured
* usually stable : occasionally nonetheless requires an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
B
* at the level of the ankle joint, extending superiorly and laterally up the fibula
* tibiofibular syndesmosis intact or only partially torn, but no widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
* medial malleolus may be fractured or deltoid ligament my be torn
* variable stability
C
* above the level of the ankle joint
* tibiofibular syndesmosis disrupted with widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
* medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury present
* unstable : requires ORIF
Categories B and C imply a degree of damage to the syndesmosis itself (which cannot be directly visualised on X-ray). They are inherently unstable and are more likely to require operative repair to achieve a good outcome. Type A fractures are usually stable and can be managed with simple measures, such as a plaster of paris cast.
Ankle fracture
An ankle fracture is a break of the ankle bones. It is typically diagnosed by X-ray. Treatment is with either casting or surgery.-Signs and symptoms:...
s. It has 3 categories:
A
- Fracture of the lateral malleolus distal to the syndesmosis (the connection between the distal ends of the tibiaTibiaThe tibia , shinbone, or shankbone is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the leg below the knee in vertebrates , and connects the knee with the ankle bones....
and fibula).
* below level of the ankle joint
* tibiofibular syndesmosis intact
* deltoid ligament intact
* medial malleolus often fractured
* usually stable : occasionally nonetheless requires an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
B
- Fracture of the fibula at the level of the syndesmosis
* at the level of the ankle joint, extending superiorly and laterally up the fibula
* tibiofibular syndesmosis intact or only partially torn, but no widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
* medial malleolus may be fractured or deltoid ligament my be torn
* variable stability
C
- Fracture of the fibula proximal to the syndesmosis.
* above the level of the ankle joint
* tibiofibular syndesmosis disrupted with widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
* medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury present
* unstable : requires ORIF
Categories B and C imply a degree of damage to the syndesmosis itself (which cannot be directly visualised on X-ray). They are inherently unstable and are more likely to require operative repair to achieve a good outcome. Type A fractures are usually stable and can be managed with simple measures, such as a plaster of paris cast.