Now that i've actually read all of this.
Hammerski - my fracture was in powershells. The velcro was partially separated, but since i don't tighten the rear boot nearly as much as the front my rear foot pulled most of the way out of the boot and the front was fully in. I don't believe the powershells will release nearly as easy in the situation. I have had the plate come entirely off before but this was more of a tip hits the water and compresses the front ankle, then twisting over the ski with some pull on the front heel only. The front heel came partially up as well and was wedged in the binding.
A few years back a broke the tip of the tibia off as well, but i never got xrays and left the fragment in the ankle joint for a 3 years - no idea what other damage was done. When the fragment was finally removed the recovery time was very short and felt way better.