Final answer:
The lateral malleolus is more likely to be injured in two mechanisms: a strong blow to the lateral side of the extended knee, and a forceful eversion of the foot.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the mechanism of injury that is more likely to result in an injury to the lateral malleolus, we can look at two possibilities.
The first mechanism is a strong blow to the lateral side of the extended knee. This can cause a sequential injury to the tibial collateral ligament, damage to the medial meniscus, and rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. The knee is a complex joint, and this type of forceful impact on the lateral side can lead to injury to the lateral malleolus.
The second mechanism is a forceful eversion of the foot, such as when a person lands awkwardly after a jump or is hit on the lateral ankle. This can result in a Pott's fracture and dislocation of the ankle joint, where the medial malleolus of the tibia shears off.