Danis–Weber classification

{{short description|Method to classify an ankle fracture}}

File:Weber Classification - latin.svg

File:Danis–Weber classification on X-ray.jpg.]]

The Danis–Weber classification (often known just as the Weber classification) is a method of describing ankle fractures. It has three categories:{{cite book |last1=Mcrae |first1=Ronald |last2=Esser |first2=Max |title= Practical Fracture Treatment |year=2008 |edition= Fifth |isbn=978-0-443-06876-8 |page=382 }}

;Type A

Fracture of the fibula distal to the syndesmosis (the connection between the distal ends of the tibia and fibula). Typical features:

• below level of the ankle joint
• tibiofibular syndesmosis intact
• deltoid ligament intact
• medial malleolus occasionally fractured
• usually stable: occasionally nonetheless requires an open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) particularly if medial malleolus fractured

;Type B

Fracture of the fibula at the level of the syndesmosis. Typical features:

• at the level of the ankle joint, extending superiorly and laterally up the fibula
• tibiofibular syndesmosis intact or only partially torn, but no widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
• medial malleolus may be fractured or deltoid ligament may be torn
• variable stability

;Type C

Fracture of the fibula proximal to the syndesmosis. Typical features:

• above the level of the ankle joint
• tibiofibular syndesmosis disrupted with widening of the distal tibiofibular articulation
• medial malleolus fracture or deltoid ligament injury present
• unstable: requires ORIF

Categories B and C imply a degree of damage to the syndesmosis itself (which cannot be directly visualised on X-ray). They are inherently unstable and are more likely to require operative repair to achieve a good outcome. Type A fractures are usually stable and can be managed with simple measures, such as a plaster of paris cast.{{cn|date=August 2021}}