Isolated dislocation of the ankle: two cases and review of the literature

Isolated dislocation of the ankle without fracture is a rare event, being the largest series published by Toohey and Worsing (Clin Orthop 239:207–210, 1989). Apart from this, other cases have been reported only scarcely. Factors that may contribute to this uncommon event are medial malleolus hypoplasia, ligaments laxity, peroneus muscles atrophy or recurrent ankle ligament sprains (Toohey and Worsing in Clin Orthop 239:207–210, 1989; Rivera et al. in Clin Orthop 382:179–184, 2001; Nusem et al. in J Trauma 46(2):350–351, 1999; Uyar et al. in Br J Sport Med 38:342–343, 2004). The motorvehicle accident is the predominant etiologic factor. Ankle dislocations are classified as posterior, anterior, medial or lateral as dictated by the position of the talus in relation to the tibioperoneal mortise. Treatment consists in prompt reduction and cast immobilisation. In case of open ankle dislocation, reduction must be accompanied by wound debridment and capsular repair. Open dislocations are more frequent in adults compared to closed dislocations in the paediatric population. We report two cases of isolated ankle dislocation, an open anteromedial dislocation in a young girl and a closed posterior ankle dislocation in an adult male. No limitations in function have been observed post-treatment.