Introduction:

The incidence of open ankle fracture-dislocation is low, which makes its combination with a fracture of the distal third of the tibia serious and very complex to treat. It is an entity caused by high-energy trauma and is associated with neurovascular injuries.

Objective:

To present a serious and complex case of open ankle fracture-dislocation and fracture of the distal third of the tibia.

Clinical case:

A 33-year-old male patient, who was admitted to the emergency orthopedics and traumatology service, for having suffered direct trauma in the coupling of two train cars. He presented an open tibiotalar fracture-dislocation III-B, associated with an oblique fracture of the distal third of the tibia and fibula, of the left lower limb. He underwent emergency surgery; Extensive surgical debridement, reduction of the dislocation, fixation of the tibial malleolus, primary repair of the ligamentous injuries, and external stabilization for early arthrodesis were performed. The patient evolved with infection of the surgical wound, for which he needed sequential dressings and hyperbaric oxygenation. Full recovery at 8 months.

Conclusions:

Open ankle fracture-dislocation and fracture of the distal third of the tibia is a rare, serious and complex combination to treat. Due to high energy trauma. Emergency surgery, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and hyperbaric oxygenation contributed to the definitive treatment of this patient.

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