A fracture of the lateral margin of the distal tibia has commonly been called a Tillaux fracture, which is an avulsion-type fracture that can result from the pull of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. The common mechanism of injury described and observed has been one of external rotation of the foot relative to the tibia. Historically, this fracture pattern has been noted in the pediatric and adolescent populations and classified as a Salter-Harris III fracture through the epiphysis. It has typically occurred in children aged 12 to 14 years and is not commonly seen in adults. We discuss 2 cases of isolated Tillaux fractures in skeletally mature adults, aged 47 and 37 years, a population in which this fracture pattern to our knowledge and after review of the published data has not been described. It is important to recognize these distinct injuries and appropriately treat the pathologic features to prevent further instability and arthritis.
Keywords: ankle fracture; diagnosis; open reduction; radiograph; syndesmotic injury; tibiofibular ligaments.
Copyright © 2014 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.