Bi-Maleolar Fracture of Ankle
Bi and tri-malleolar fractures of the ankle are common results of many falldown cases. While the ankle joint is fairly simple to demonstrate, the complexity of such fractures and their impact on the stability of the joint should be demonstrated clearly.
Skeletal ankle model
This life-size model cast from a natural specimen allows the witness to demonstrate the location of the lateral and medial malleolus at the distal ends of the tibia and fibula whose function it is to keep the leg centered over the foot. The fracture of these compromises the stability of the ankle joint and generally requires internal fixation to repair properly. When using X-Ray prints, the model is especially helpful in allowing the jurors to understand at which angle the joint is being viewed. The Somso QS21/1 is our favorite model for this because of its complete functionality and high level of detail.
Ankle Illustrations
These simple line exhibits allow for the review of the anatomy of the ankle joint as well as a vehicle for identifying the location of the fractures and the subsequent repair methods. These black and white drawings are 30x40 prints, mounted with overlays. We supply a set of color markers with purchase or rental of these exhibits. The doctor can locate the fractures using the red markers, and draw in the plates and screws with the blue markers. If you are not having custom drawings done, this interactive method works great. Exhibits are available for anterior, lateral and posterior views of the joint.
X-Ray Prints
Pre-operative and post-operative prints of the x-rays are a must when presenting this type of injury. There are several reasons why these are important:
- You can prepare them far in advance of trial and walk around with them appearing ready for trial, fully intimidating your adversary into a reasonable settlement position. (It does work!)
- Planning to prepare these trial exhibits ahead of time will insure that you will find them. Don't wait until the week before trial to look for them, only to find that the doctor has them (maybe) but is on vacation until the day before he is scheduled to testify!
- Always have you client's x-rays, MRI's, etc on file in YOUR office as the case develops. It is safer, and much less expensive than chasing them down in the middle of trial.
- Don't count on the jury being able to see your x-rays on a light box in court. Some x-ray illuminators cannot be moved closer to the jury, and unless you hand out binoculars, will not be seen by many.
