Fig. 3. Mechanism of posterior malleolar fracture Fig. 3. Mechanism of posterior malleolar fracture. (A) Combination of axial load plus the plantar flexion position of the foot at the time of impact. (B) Combination of axial loading plus a supinated foot or external rotation of the talus. By virtue of the obliquity of the axis about which subtalar movement occurs, inversion, external rotation of the talus occurs. First, the fibula fails, producing an oblique fracture. (C) Progressive talar external rotation causes posterior malleolar fractures. Clin Orthop Surg. 2015 Mar;7(1):15-21. http://dx.doi.org/10.4055/cios.2015.7.1.15