What is the common name for lateral tibial fractures in sports?

The term "boot top fractures" refers specifically to lateral tibial fractures that often occur in sports, particularly in activities such as skiing. These fractures are typically caused by a significant impact to the lateral aspect of the leg, often at or near the level of the top of a ski boot, hence the name. This type of fracture is commonly associated with the mechanism of an ankle injury where there is indirect trauma to the tibia.

In contrast, stress fractures are generally characterized by small cracks in the bone resulting from repetitive forces or overuse, often seen in runners or athletes who undergo high-impact training, but they do not typically refer to lateral tibial fractures specifically. Spiral fractures are characterized by a helical break in the bone that usually results from a twisting force and are not exclusive to lateral tibial fractures. Comminuted fractures involve the bone breaking into several pieces, which is a potential fracture type but does not specifically identify lateral tibial fractures as "boot top fractures" do.

Therefore, the phrasing "boot top fractures" conveys a concise and specific meaning associated with lateral tibial injuries resulting from particular sports-related impacts.