A rare Bosworth Variant Isolated Distal Fibula Dislocation with a Successful Closed Reduction: A Case Report and Technique

Abstract

Introduction: The Bosworth fracture-dislocation is a rare injury originally described as an irreducible dislocation of a distal fibula fracture where the proximal fibular fragment becomes incarcerated behind the distal tibia. There have since been a few cases described of an intact distal fibula with dislocation and similar difficulties in closed reduction attempts, typically seen with associated injuries to the ankle or proximal fibula. Regardless of the specific fracture or dislocation pattern, closed reduction attempts have consistently failed in the significant majority of these cases, which can lead to complications including soft-tissue compromise, severe post-traumatic arthritis, compartment syndrome, avascular necrosis of the talus, and neurovascular compromise. There is only one case in recent literature that describes an isolated distal fibula dislocation without associated fractures or dislocations of the lower extremity; however, it required an open reduction. Cases where a closed reduction was successful to achieve an anatomic reduction of a Bosworth-type injury are exceedingly rare. Case Report: We present a rare case of a purely ligamentous, isolated distal fibula dislocation in a 21-year-old male who underwent a successful closed reduction upon initial presentation and later underwent surgical fixation with a syndesmosis repair system. We describe the technique used for a successful closed reduction for this injury and present a 1-year follow-up with excellent outcomes. Conclusion: This is the only known case report of a successful closed reduction in an isolated distal fibula dislocation, as well as demonstrating a minimally invasive technique for definitive treatment with a syndesmosis repair system. Accurate diagnosis, early treatment, and anatomic reduction are imperative for good clinical outcomes and reducing complications for Bosworth injuries. This technique may improve the rates of successful closed reductions of Bosworth injuries upon initial presentation, leading to decreased complications and improved patient outcomes. Keywords: Bosworth, fibula dislocation, reduction technique, syndesmosis repair.