Avulsed posterior edge of the tibia. Earle's or Volkmann's triangle?
The term Volkmann's triangle for the avulsed posterior edge of the tibia in fracture-dislocations of the ankle is incorrect. Volkmann did not publish any articles relating to the posterior edge of the tibia. Credit should go to Henry Earle, who was an outstanding British surgeon of the first half of 19th century. He described avulsion of the posterior edge of the tibia in 1828. In 1823 he also published a monograph entitled Practical observations in surgery in which he described a specially designed bed for the conservative treatment of proximal fractures of the femur.
Orthopaedic Department of 3rd Medical Faculty, Charles University of Prague, Czech Republic.
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D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D005264:Femoral Fractures / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000266:history* / Q000628:therapy