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Lover's fracture

Case contributed by Sovann Vathana Lay
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Mild ankle pain on walking. Uncertain history of trauma (under influence at the time of accident); possibly fall from height according to first responder. Blow-out fracture of the orbit confirmed on CT scan. X-ray to find cause of ankle pain.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Lover's fracture

 

Case Discussion

Lover's fracture, also known as Don Juan fracture is a fracture of the calcaneus. It is the most common fracture of the tarsal bones.

It is called a Lover's fracture because it may occur after an axial-loading traumatic force (fall on heel) produced by jumping out of a window upon seeing one's lover's spouse arrive at home.

CT scan is recommended to assess extra and intra-articular components of the fracture.

Thoracic or lumbar spinal fractures also possible, as these may be fractured by an axial-loading force transmitted through the heel.

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