BACKGROUND: Immediate management of closed fracture-dislocations of the ankle requires urgent reduction and immobilisation of the ankle prior to definitive surgery. METHODS: The management of 23 patients attending the accident and emergency department of a district general hospital with this type of injury were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Paramedic reduction was attempted in 1 of the 22 patients brought by ambulance. Triage categorisation was inappropriate in 14 patients. Unnecessary pre-reduction radiographs were obtained in 8 patients. Reduction was initially inadequate in 2 patients, and no post-reduction splintage was applied in a further 2 patients. Recording of skin and neurovascular status was inadequate in the majority of the patient's notes. CONCLUSIONS: The necessary urgent reduction and splintage is being delayed in some cases because of inadequate injury recognition, inappropriate triage categorisation and unnecessary radiographs.
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