Quick refreshers before your next procedure

Ankle Dislocations/Fractures Reductions

Anterior Ankle Dislocation (+ Fracture) Reduction

Time: 10 mins
Personnel Required:
1-2
Equipment Required:
1. adequate analgesia 
2. If adding procedural sedation, end tidal CO2 + monitor

Steps:

1. Operator: Flex hip and knee to 90 degrees.

2. (Optional) Assistant: Provide countertraction at the knee.

3. Operator: Dorsiflex the foot to disengage the talus.

4. Operator: Apply axial traction. 

5. Operator: Push heel backward while pulling the tibia anteriorly.

6. Operator: Plantarflex the foot.

7. Splint: Posterior short leg with stirrups. Keep ankle at neutral position, 90% to leg.

Lateral Ankle Dislocation (+ Trimalleor Fracture) Reduction

Time: 10 mins
Personnel Required:
2
Equipment Required:
1. adequate analgesia 
2. If adding procedural sedation, end tidal CO2 + monitor

Steps:
1. Operator: Flex hip and knee to 90 degrees.

2. Assistant: Provide countertraction at the knee.

3. Operator: Provide axial traction with one hand on the heel and other hand on dorsum of the foot.

4. Operator: Provide axial traction/countertraction, by recreating the motion of the initial injury before bringing it back to midline.

5. Operator: Check neurovascular exam (DP/PT pulses, cap refill, light touch, pain, motor).

6. Consult Ortho for formal ORIF.

Lateral Ankle Dislocation (+ Fracture) Reduction

Time: 10 mins
Personnel Required:
1-2
Equipment Required:
1. adequate analgesia 

Steps:
1. Operator: Flex hip and knee to 90 degrees.

2. (Optional) Assistant: Provide countertraction at the knee.

3. Operator: Place one hand on the heel and other hand on dorsum of the foot.

4. Operator: Provide axial traction and manipulate medially to bring the ankle back into position.

5. Operator: Check neurovascular exam (DP/PT pulses, cap refill, light touch, pain, motor).

6. Splint: Posterior short leg with stirrups. Keep ankle at neutral position, 90% to leg.

Posterior Ankle Dislocation (+ Fracture) Reduction

Time: 10 mins
Personnel Required:
1-2
Equipment Required:
1. adequate analgesia 
2. If adding procedural sedation, end tidal CO2 + monitor

Steps:

1. Operator: Flex hip and knee to 90 degrees.

2. (Optional) Assistant: Provide countertraction at the knee.

3. Operator: Plantarflex the foot to disengage the talus.

4. Operator: Apply axial traction. 

5. Operator: Pull heel forward while pushing the tibia posteriorly.

6. Operator: Dorsiflex the foot.

7. Splint: Posterior short leg with stirrups. Keep ankle at neutral position, 90% to leg.