Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC) Practice Test

What is the MOST likely mechanism of injury for a fracture of the distal lateral malleolus?

1. Supination

2. Inversion

3. Eversion

4. Plantarflexion

The correct answer is: Eversion

The mechanism of injury for a fracture of the distal lateral malleolus is primarily associated with inversion injuries. This involves the ankle rolling inward, which places significant stress on the lateral structures of the ankle, including the lateral malleolus—an area where fractures often occur when excessive force is applied. Inverison typically happens during activities where the foot turns inward and the outer ankle rolls up, creating tension on the ligaments and bones on the outside of the ankle. When a person lands awkwardly or pivots on their foot, the lateral malleolus can break due to this excessive force. Plantarflexion may happen during many common activities but does not directly result in a fracture of the lateral malleolus in the same manner as an inversion mechanism. Similarly, while eversion involves the foot rolling outward, it's more commonly associated with damage to the medial structures of the ankle rather than the lateral aspect. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for injury prevention and appropriate treatment strategies in athletic training and rehabilitation contexts.