Diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the lower leg with associated injury of the ankle mortise.

Fractures of both bones of the lower leg may be accompanied by a disruption of the mortise with a shortening of the fibula. This combination was observed in four cases reported in this paper. The incidence of this injury may be higher if proper physical and radiological examinations are performed. Therefore, a thorough clinical and radiographic examination of the ankle joint is imperative, before and after reduction of the tibial fracture. Any shortening of the fibula should be corrected surgically, preferable at the time of injury. Malunion should be treated by corrective osteotomy.