Fracture of the anterior process of the calcaneum on lateral ankle radiograph

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Inversion injury. Tender lateral malleolus.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male

Alignment is normal. The lateral projection demonstrates a cortical breach in the dorsal aspect of the anterior process of the calcaneum, suspicious for an undisplaced fracture. Malleoli are intact and the syndesmosis is normal.

Case Discussion

A CT performed elsewhere (images not available) confirmed the fracture.

The anterior process of the calcaneum is one of the review areas on the lateral projection of ankle radiographs, along with the base of the 5th metatarsal. Both these fractures can present with pain isolated over the lateral malleolus.

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