Introduction to Lauge Hansen & Danis Weber Classifications Ankle Fracture

Lauge–Hansen Classification

The Lauge–Hansen classification describes ankle fractures by their mechanism of injury, reducing a complex three-dimensional injury to two terms:

1. The position of the foot at the time of injury.
2. The direction or force involved.

Originally, the system described the talus moving relative to the tibia and fibula. Because it was based on cadaver studies, it was later reframed as the tibia moving relative to the talus, as in a weight-bearing person.

The classification uses a numbered, stepwise progression to represent how an injury develops. For interpretation:

• Consider rotational injuries in a clockwise sequence.
• Consider direct-blow injuries in a transverse abductory or adductory direction.
• Pronation injuries generally begin on the medial side of the ankle; supination injuries generally begin on the lateral side.

The system accounts for both bone injuries and potential ligament damage. It can also help indicate the maneuvers needed for closed reduction.

Danis–Weber Classification

Danis–Weber classifies fractures by the position of the fibular fracture line relative to the ankle joint:

• Type A: Below the ankle joint; corresponds to Lauge–Hansen supination–adduction.
• Type B: At the level of the ankle joint; corresponds to supination–external rotation or pronation–abduction.
• Type C: Above the ankle joint; corresponds to pronation–external rotation.

Danis–Weber is simpler than Lauge–Hansen, but focuses on the fibula’s anatomy and does not account for associated soft-tissue injuries. The AO group expanded the classification to address some of its limitations. Both systems are guidelines, and atypical fracture patterns can occur.

Speakers and Sources

• Speaker: An unidentified narrator.
• Classification systems discussed: Lauge–Hansen and Danis–Weber.
• Other source mentioned: The AO group, which expanded the Danis–Weber classification.