Personal Injury Law

"Snowboarder's Ankle": Hard-To-Spot Fracture Often Misdiagnosed as a Sprain

A difficult-to-diagnose and once rare ankle injury is becoming more common with the increased popularity of snowboarding, according to a recent report by Reuters Health. 

Known as "Snowboarder's Ankle," the injury, commonly misdiagnosed as a sprain, is actually a lateral talus fracture -- a break in the lower ankle bone, at the outside of the joint.  Generally, the fracture occurs when landing after a jump, as the foot flexes up and inward simultaneously. 

Physicians interviewed by the news agency advise that among physicians, the index of suspicion regarding the possibility of a fracture should be high when a patient presents with the appropriate signs and symptoms, and a recent history of aggressive snowboarding.  Ideally, the injury should be treated by an orthopedic surgeon with experience in lateral talus fracture repair, experts advise. 

The American Academy of Family Physicians advises that most snowboarding injuries involve injuries to the hands, buttocks and head, and recommend the following preventive measures for all snowboarders:

Full post as published by DC Metro Area Personal Injury Law Blog on March 07, 2008 (boomark / email).