Non-union of Weber B fractures: A case series

Abstract

Non-union of the distal fibula is considered rare. The fibula may serve as a model for successful fracture healing due to its endosteal blood supply and its reduced exposure to biomechanical stress. Fractures of the fibula that begin at the joint line and extend proximally, with or without the anterior syndesmosis intact (Weber B) are the commonest ankle fractures. They are generally considered to be stable if damage to the medial complex is excluded. In the absence of medial ligament injury conservative treatment is considered to provide excellent results. We report three cases of fractures through the fibula at the level of the syndesmosis, with intact medial ligament complexes, in which fracture nonunion developed despite adequate management. The purpose of this case series is to demonstrate the clinical and radiographic features of fibular nonunion and to discuss its effect on management.