Pearls

• Frequently misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain.
• Typically seen in snowboarders from compression on the leading foot that leads to impact on the lateral talus.
• CT scan is frequently needed to characterize the full extent of injury, which is often underestimated on x-rays.
• Minimally displaced lateral process fractures can be treated non-operatively.

Complications

Around 50% of patients initially treated conservatively will require surgery. This has led to a trend for higher utilization of early surgery.