What denotes injury to the outer ankle bone?

Injury to the outer ankle bone is specifically associated with a fractured lateral malleolus, which is the bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle. The lateral malleolus is part of the fibula, one of the two bones of the lower leg, and directly contributes to the stability of the ankle joint. When this area is fractured, it can lead to significant instability and pain, which is characteristic of a lateral malleolus fracture.

Understanding that the lateral malleolus is crucial for ankle stability helps clarify why this injury is significant. It plays a vital role in weight-bearing and movement, and its fracture can lead to complications that affect mobility.

In contrast, a fractured calcaneus pertains to the heel bone and does not directly indicate injury to the outer ankle. A dislocated foot involves the joints in the foot rather than the bony structures of the ankle, and a severely angulated fracture may refer to any bone but lacks the specificity concerning the ankle area. Thus, the other options do not accurately describe an injury to the outer ankle bone.