Final answer:
A trimalleolar fracture involves the fractured lateral malleolus of the fibula, fractured medial malleolus of the tibia, and the fractured posterior margin of the tibia, affecting ankle stability and mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The components of a trimalleolar fracture include:
- Fractured lateral malleolus of the fibula,
- Fractured medial malleolus of the tibia,
- Fractured posterior margin of the tibia.
During a trimalleolar fracture, these structures are typically impacted due to high-energy trauma, such as a fall or a collision. The lateral malleolus is the bony prominence on the lateral side of the ankle and is part of the fibula; the medial malleolus is the bony prominence on the medial ankle and part of the tibia; the fractured posterior margin of the tibia often refers to the posterior malleolus. These injuries commonly occur together when the ankle joint sustains significant force, resulting in a trimalleolar fracture that can severely affect stability and mobility of the ankle joint.