When repairing a medial malleolus fracture, which ligament may be trapped in the fracture?

When dealing with a medial malleolus fracture, the deltoid ligament is the structure that may become trapped within the fracture. The deltoid ligament is a robust ligament located on the medial side of the ankle, and it plays a crucial role in stabilizing the ankle joint.

During a fracture of the medial malleolus, which is the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle, the surrounding soft tissues, including the deltoid ligament, can become compromised or entrapped within the fracture site. This entrapment can lead to complications, such as impaired healing, malunion, or ongoing instability if not recognized and addressed during surgical repair.

In contrast, the other ligaments listed, like the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, and posterior talofibular ligaments, are located on the lateral side of the ankle and predominantly associate with lateral ankle stability. Therefore, they are not typically involved with trapping in the scenario of a medial malleolus fracture. Understanding the anatomy and the dynamics of the ankle helps in anticipating potential complications during repair.