Atypical Suprasyndesmotic Distal Fibular Fracture in an Adolescent Athlete with Minimal Symptoms: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Fractures of the distal fibula are common injuries in adolescent athletes, usually associated with identifiable trauma and rapid, uneventful healing. However, atypical mechanisms and minimal symptoms may obscure the diagnosis. We aim to describe the clinical course, imaging findings, and management of a suprasyndesmotic distal fibular fracture sustained during football practice, characterized by an unusual fracture mechanism without direct contact or major trauma and minimal clinical symptoms. Case Report: We present the case of a 15-year-old male admitted to the emergency department after an injury to the left leg while at a football practice. He reported missing the ball while attempting a shot and immediately perceived a crack in the kicking leg, without any collision or contact with another player. Clinical examination revealed painless palpation of both malleoli, varus stress testing, and isolated tenderness at the distal third of the fibula, without spontaneous pain.Radiographs confirmed a fracture located between the middle and distal thirds of the fibula, compatible with a suprasyndesmotic Weber C pattern. The lesion was non-displaced and initially described as a greenstick-type fracture. Conservative treatment with a plaster splint and non-weight-bearing was initiated. No analgesics were required. Conclusion: Distal fibular fractures in young athletes may occur through unusual, contactless mechanisms with minimal symptoms, even in a suprasyndesmotic Weber C fracture pattern. Clinical assessment must remain the cornerstone of decision-making, while complementary imaging is useful to rule out complications, such as pseudarthrosis. Conservative management allowed full and safe return to sport in this patient after 4 months.
Institutions: Centre Hospitalier Interrégional Edith Cavell, UCLouvain
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $250
OpenAlex ID: W7225583179
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