Curriculum · Musculoskeletal / Orthopedic / Rheumatology
Ankle fracture and the Weber classification
What it is
A Weber B fracture is a fracture of the distal fibula at the level of the syndesmosis, and it may be comminuted.
How it is diagnosed
The Ottawa foot and ankle rules decide whether radiographs are needed after a foot or ankle injury. A radiograph of the ankle is recommended if there is pain in the malleolar zone together with either the inability to bear weight for at least four steps immediately after the injury and again in the office or the emergency department, or tenderness at the tip of the posterior medial or lateral malleolus. A radiograph of the foot is recommended if there is pain in the midfoot zone together with either the inability to bear weight for four steps immediately after the injury and again in the office or the emergency department, or tenderness at the base of the fifth metatarsal or over the navicular bone. The rules are up to 99% sensitive for detecting fractures, although they are not highly specific.