Classification
Lauge-Hansen
(Position of foot/ direction of deforming force)
| Mechanism | Stage | Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Supination adduction | I | Rupture or avulsion of the lateral collateral ligament |
| II | Vertical medial malleolus fracture | |
| Supination external rotation | I | Anterior tibiofibular ligament rupture |
| II | Spiral fibular fracture | |
| III | Posterior malleolus fracture or posterior tibiofibular ligament rupture | |
| IV | Medial malleolus fracture | |
| Pronation abduction | I | Medial malleolus avulsion fracture |
| II | Syndesmosis rupture | |
| III | Fibular fracture above the syndesmosis | |
| Pronation external rotation | I | Medial malleolus avulsion fracture or deltoid rupture |
| II | Anterior tibiofibular ligament and interosseous membrane rupture | |
| III | High fibular fracture | |
| IV | Posterolateral malleolus fracture or posterior tibiofibular ligament rupture |
Original publication Lauge-Hansen N. Fractures of the ankle. II. Combined experimental-surgical and experimental-roentgenologic investigations. Arch Surg (1920). 1950;60(5):957-85.
- Axial load produces a pilon fracture
- Mnemonic SAD SEX, PAB, PEX
Danis-Weber
| Type | Fibular fracture level |
|---|---|
| A | Below the syndesmosis |
| B | At the syndesmosis |
| C | Above the syndesmosis |
Reviewed by Professor Phong Tran, Head of Orthopaedic Surgery, Western Health. Last updated 10 October 2026.