Comparison of posterolateral approach and combined approach in treatment of Mason type 2B posterior malleolar fracture / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effectiveness between the posterolateral approach and the posterolateral combined posteromedial approaches in the treatment of Mason type 2B posterior malleolar fracture.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 79 patients with posterior ankle fracture who met the selection criteria between January 2015 and January 2022. There were 62 cases of Mason 2B Pilon subtype and 17 cases of avulsion subtype. Among Mason 2B Pilon subtype patients, 35 were treated with posterolateral approach (group A), 27 patients were treated with combined approach (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, preoperative hospital stay, preoperative visualanalogue scale (VAS) score, and intraoperative internal fixation between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients with Mason 2B avulsion subtype were treated by posterolateral approach, including 7 males and 10 females, aged from 25 to 68 years, with an average of 46.1 years. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and complications were recorded. The reduction quality was evaluated by Ovadia deals radiographic score, and the ankle function and pain were evaluated by VAS score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and ankle range of motion.@*RESULTS@#Mason 2B Pilon subtype: There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay, and follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). The radiological evaluation of Ovadia deals in group A was significantly worse than that in group B ( P<0.05). The VAS score in the two groups significantly improved at each time point after operation, and the VAS score and AOFAS score further improved with the extension of time after operation, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05). Except that the AOFAS score of group A was significantly lower than that of group B at last follow-up ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in VAS score and AOFAS score between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the ankle range of motion in group A was significantly less than that in group B ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of sural nerve injury, deep tissue infection, limitation of toe movement, and traumatic ankle arthritis between the two groups ( P>0.05). Mason 2B avulsion subtype: The operation time was (119.47±20.61) minutes and the intraoperative blood loss was 50 (35, 55) mL. Seventeen patients were followed up 13-25 months, with an average of 18 months. The Ovadia deals score was excellent in 10 cases, good in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case at 1 week after operation, and the excellent and good rate was 94.1%. All fractures healed in 8-18 weeks with an average of 12.35 weeks. There were 1 case of sural nerve injury and 3 cases of traumatic ankle arthritis after operation. No deep tissue infection or limitation of toe movement occurred. The VAS score decreased significantly and AOFAS score increased significantly with time, and the differences were significant between different time points before and after operation ( P<0.05). The ankle range of motion at last follow-up was (56.71±2.47)°.@*CONCLUSION@#Compared with the posterolateral approach, the combined approach is a better choice for the treatment of Mason 2B Pilon subtype. If the posteromedial bone block does not affect the reduction of the medial malleolus, the posterolateral approach can achieve good effectiveness for Mason 2B avulsion subtype.

Selection of surgical approach for posterior malleolar fracture / 天津医药

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of posterior malleolar ankle fracture, and the selection of the surgical approach. Methods From January 2013 to September 2015, 83 cases of posterior malleolar fractures were retrospectively analyzed. Haraguchi typing was performed based on the three-dimensional CT. There were 54 cases with HaraguchiⅠtype, 16 cases with HaraguchiⅡtype, and 13 cases with HaraguchiⅢtype. The patients who were HaraguchiⅠand Haraguchi Ⅲtypes accepted the operation with posterolateral approach. The patients who were HaraguchiⅡtype and combined medial malleolus fracture accepted the operation with medial approach. The HaraguchiⅡpatients who were not combined medial malleolus fracture were used the medial paraachilles approach. Images of the ankle joint were filmed 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the surgery. The healing time, complications and corresponding record outcome were determined by X-ray and clinical examination. At the last follow-up, ankle function and quality of life of patients were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and SF-36. Results Eighty-three patients were follow-up for 6-24 (mean 15.4± 6.2) months. The fractures healed on X-ray. The average X-ray healing time was from 12 to 24 (mean 18.6±4.2) weeks. AOFAS score was 71 to 100 (mean 88.4±8.4) points. Sixty-seven cases were excellent, 14 cases were good, 2 cases were moderate, and good rate was 97.59%. SF-36 physiological score was 31.6-69.2 points(mean 48.4 ± 4.8 points);SF-36 psychological score 28.6-64.5 points(mean 45.8 ± 3.5 points). Chronic ankle pain was complained by one patient. He was diagnosed traumatic arthritis, oral non-steroidal drugs was used to relief his ankle pain. One patient wound infected, and healed after treatment. No instrument failure and fracture displacement were found. Conclusion According to fracture morphology and clinical features after posterior malleolar ankle fracture, different surgical approaches are selected, which will be satisfied with the outcome.

Usefulness of Computed Tomography in Patients with Acute Malleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: We compared plain radiographs with computed tomography (CT) images to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative CT in acute ankle malleolar fracture in terms of accuracy of diagnosis and planning of operative strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 210 cases of malleolar fracture treated at our institute for which plain radiograph and CT were obtained preoperatively. Observers had reviewed plain radiographs and recorded fracture classification, anatomical diagnosis, extent and configuration of fractures and then subsequently reviewed CT images. Records from each image were compared and information regarding the differences in fractures was assessed. RESULTS: Fractures were notably changed in appearance in 88 cases (41.9%) and diagnosis changed in 30 cases (14.3%). According to the change of diagnosis and fracture appearances, the operative strategy was changed in 15 cases (7.1%) including incision, order of reduction, and target of fixation. CONCLUSION: CT could be a useful adjunctive imaging tool in addition to the plain radiograph in planning of operative treatment for acute malleolar fracture in terms of estimating exact configuration, extent of fractures and even newly revealed hidden fractures.

Treatment of Isolated Posterior Malleolus Fracture in the Ankle / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: An isolated posterior malleolar fracture in the ankle is very rare. We treated eight cases of isolated posterior malleolar fracture, and describe the clinical features and outcomes of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between from March 2008 to February 2012, eight cases of isolated posterior malleolar fracture were treated in Ilsan Paik Hospital. The mean age of patients was 30 years (11-49 years); six patients were male and five were right. Slip down (4 cases) was the most common injury mechanism. We treated four cases surgically, three cases by cast and one case by ankle brace. We could not recognize three cases of isolated posterior malleolar fracture at first. The time delay to diagnose unrecognized isolated posterior malleolar fracture was nine days, 56 days and 110 days respectively. We were able to diagnose the unrecognized isolated posterior malleolar fracture using computed tomography (two cases) and magnetic resonance imaging (one case). RESULTS: The main symptom was painful swelling. The average for articular involvement of the posterior malleolar fragment was average 21.4%, and average displacement was 1.25 mm. We treated three cases surgically using a posterior lateral approach and one case using a posterior medial approach. The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 92.5 at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The isolated posterior malleolar fracture is very rare and if it is neglected, persistent ankle pain can remain. Isolated posterior malleolus fracture should be included as one of the differential diagnoses after ankle trauma.

Isolated Posterior Malleolar Fracture of Ankle Occurring with Total Knee Arthroplasty in Severe Osteoporotic Patient / 대한골다공증학회지

There are numerous reports of fractures associated with total knee arthroplasty. But, to our knowledge, isolated posterior malleolus fracture associated with TKR has not previously been reported. Here, we report a case of isolated posterior malleolar fracture that occurred with total knee arthroplasty. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication.

Comparison of Antiglide Plate Fixation and Lateral Plate Fixation for Danis-Weber Type B Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed retrospectively and to compare the clinical outcomes of the surgical management using Antiglide plating and lateral plating for Danis-Weber type B isolated lateral malleolar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2004 and March 2009, 92 patients were followed up for more than 6 months after surgical treatment. 49 patients were treated with Antiglide plating, whereas the remaining 43 patients underwent lateral plating. The results of the two groups were analyzed both radiographically and clinically using Ankle scoring system. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable for age, sex distribution, time to surgery, and operation time. Bone union was noted at average of 8 weeks in all fractures. The mean ankle score was similar in both groups (94% versus 93%). CONCLUSION: Antiglide plating for Danis-Weber type B isolated lateral malleolar fracture is one of the good methods which has some advantages such as early ankle motion, ambulation and smaller operative incision.

Achilles Tendon Rupture Associated With Ipsilateral Medial Malleolar Fracture (A Case Report) / 대한족부족관절학회지

Ankle fracture and Achilles tendon rupture are common as an isolated injury. However, Achilles tendon rupture with ipsilateral ankle fracture is uncommon, and occurs by a different injury mechanism with a risk of negligence. We report a case of Achilles tendon rupture with ipsilateral medial malleolar fracture.

Treatment of Lateral Malleolar Fracture Associated with Disruption of the Deltoid Ligament / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity for repair of associated deltoid ligament rupture in lateral malleolar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty of twenty-five patients were evaluated. Each received surgical treatment without repair of the ruptured deltoid ligament. We found that the medial clear space was widened more than 5 mm in intraoperative stress tests which had been done between May 2003 and June 2008. We did follow-up on these patients for more than 1 year after surgery. At the final follow-up, radiologic and clinical assessment were evaluated on plain X-ray and according to Olerud Molander ankle scores. RESULTS: Open reduction and internal fixation of the lateral malleolar was done in all cases and an additional transfixation screw was needed in 17 patients who had concurrent syndesmotic disruption. Average medial clear space widening before surgery was 9.28 mm (7.0-17.14 mm), at final follow-up time it was 3.43 mm (2.9-5.28 mm). And there were 8 (40%) good, 10 (50%) fair and 2 (10%) poor ratings on radiologic evaluation, but the mean clinical score was 93.75, with 17 (85%) being excellent, 2 (10%) good and 1 (5%) fair on clinical evaluation. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of lateral malleolus fracture associated with disruption of the deltoid ligament, satisfactory clinical results could be obtained including lateral joint stability, with accurate anatomical reduction and internal fixation of the lateral malleolus and distal tibio-fibular joints. Medial joint stability could be obtained without deltoid ligament repair.

Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture Using Posterior Approach

PURPOSE: For fixation of the large posterior malleolar fracture fragment, indirect anterior fixation with cannulated screw has been widely used, but the anatomical reduction is not always obtained. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the clinical result of posterior malleolar fractures treated with anatomical reduction and internal fixation using posterior approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have analyzed the 15 patients with posterior malleolar fractures, treated with posterior approach from August 2005 to August 2008. The mean follow up period was 17.6 months, We have reviewed the perioperative joint integrity, method of operation, postoperative care, bony union and complication. A clinical outcome was evaluated by AOFAS (American orthopedic foot and ankle society) scaling system and Olerud & Molander scoring system. RESULTS: Among 15 cases, posterolateral approach and posteromedial approach were chosen in 9 cases and 6 cases respectively. The radiologic unions were achieved at 12.4 (12~18) weeks. Mean AOFAS score was 90.3 (72~98), and Olerud & Molander score was "excellent" in 5 cases, "good" in 7 cases, "fair" in 1 case and "poor" in 2 cases. Postoperative complications in 2 cases revealed a posttraumatic arthritis and a scar band contracture respectively. CONCLUSION: In posterior malleolar fracture of ankle joint, the integrity of joint has closely affected clinical outcomes. We suggest that a posterior approach for posterior malleolar fracture with especially incarcerated fragments and comminuted fractures, can be a useful method for anatomical reduction and stable fixation, and satisfactory clinical results.

Surgical Treatment of Using Acutrak Screw for Ankle Medial Malleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of using Acutrak screws for treating ankle medial malleolar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 38 cases of ankle medial malleolar fracture treated with Acutrak screws from February 2005 to May 2008. RESULTS: In clinical result, there were 30 exellent cases, 7 good cases, 1 fair case. In radiologic result, there is no case with reduction loss. Average union time is 10.5 weeks. CONCLUSION: We conclude that Acutrak screw fixation is a useful method for ankle medial malleolar fracture, there are many advantages in accurate anatomical reduction, small incision, short operative time.

The Treatment of Posterolateral Malleolar Fractures using Percutaneous Reduction Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefullness of the percutaneous reduction technique with K-wire that could reduce the displaced posterolateral fracture fragment which persisted even after an anatomical reduction of the lateral malleolar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2006, we reviewed 72 patients who underwent surgical treatment for their trimalleolar fractures. We estimated the clinical and radiological results of 5 cases treated by percutaneous reduction technique with K-wire when more than the distal tibial articular step-off was left after reduction of the lateral malleolar fracture. The method of reduction starts with temporary fixation of lateral malleolar fracture followed by checking ankle radiographic image to confirm the accuracy of reduction. In case of incomplete reduction of the posterior fragment, a K-wire is inserted into the posterior fragment and pushed downward to the ankle joint level, and then lag screws were inserted. RESULTS: The average articular involvement by the posterolateral fracture fragment was 30.2%. The average step-off after reduction of the lateral malleolar fracture was 3.7 mm. At the final follow up, step-off was less than 2 mm in all cases. In clinical results by Baird and Jackson score, 3 out of 5 cases were excellent, other 2 were good. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous reduction technique for posterolateral fragment using the K-wire is relatively easy. This technique may be useful when the posterolateral fragment is large (more the 25% of articular surface) and not severely comminuted.

Radiologic Analysis and Treatment of Posterior Malleolar Fractures of the Ankle

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to classify posterior malleolar fractures according to the position of fragments and to analyze radiologic features of each type. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed forty-six patients of ankle fractures involving a posterior malleolus who were treated between January 2004 and December 2007. The posterior malleolar fractures were categorized into three types (posterolateral, posteromedial, shell) based on the major fracture line. In each type, we analyzed amount of displacement, involvement of articular surface, existence of subluxation and osteochondral impacted fragments. RESULTS: The forty-six patients were categorized into three types: Posterolateral (PL) type (33 cases, 72%), Posteromedial (PM) type (8 cases, 17%), shell type (5 cases, 11%). Of the 8 cases with PM type, 7 cases showed displacement more than Grade II, 4 cases showed subluxation of ankle joint, and 3 cases showed osteochondral impacted fragment. Average involvement of articular surface of PM type is 35% (15~65%). CONCLUSION: Posterior malleolar fractures with medial extension tended to have adverse effect on ankle stability and Preoperative CT scan is essential for evaluation of fracture type and determination of appropriate surgical approach.

Ankle arthroscopy in Viet Duc Hospital: 10 cases report

Background: Ankle arthroscopy has been used in Viet Duc Hospital for 4 years and now has become a routine surgery with about 200 patients, who has had ankle arthroscopy to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament or operate ragged meniscectomy. Objectives: Evaluate the result of ankle arthroscopy in Viet Duc Hospital and review the indication and surgical technique of ankle arthroscopy in the literature. Subject and methods: Retrospective study on 10 patients with ankle arthroscopy in Viet Duc Hospital from May 2006 to May 2007. Results: 5 patients with impingement, 4 patients with OCD lesion and 1 case of an old displaced fracture of lateral malleolar. Postoperative evaluation with Olerud Molander, ankle function improves at least 10 points and all the patients are satisfied with the results. Conclusions: Ankle arthroscopy gives good result and can be recommended for other cases.

Comparative Study for the Fixation Method in the Danis-Weber Type B Lateral Malleolar Fractures: An Antiglide Plate Fixation versus A Lateral Plate Fixation / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the advantages of the antiglide plate fixation procedure for Danis-Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures of ankle compared to other methods of lateral plate fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 70 cases that antiglide plate fixation and lateral plate fixation procedures were performed from Mar. 2001 through Mar. 2006. Of the total 70 cases, they were divided into two groups ; 22 cases were treated with the antiglide plate procedure (Group I) and 48 cases were treated with the lateral plate procedure (Group II). The results of the two groups were analyzed both radiographically and clinically using Ankle-Hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). RESULTS: All fractures were healed at average of 8 weeks both radiographically and clinically. According to the Ankle-Hindfoot scale, all cases of Group I and 48 cases of Group II were above 80 points. 2 cases (9%) in Group I complained of peroneal tendinitis, while 19 cases (39%) in Group II showed skin irritation resulting from the screw or the plate. A total of 6 cases (27%) in Group I and 27 cases (55%) in Group II complained cosmetic problems. CONCLUSION: we concluded that the antiglide plate fixation for Danis-Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures is one of the good methods. But, further analysis will be need to find a solution for the peroneal tendinitis.

Treatment of Fractures of the Lateral Malleolus using Locking Compression Plate / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) as an open reduction technique by evaluating clinical results obtained from the patients with lateral malleolar fracture treated by internal fixation using LCP after open reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients with lateral malleolar fracture, the 28 patients who were treated by internal fixation using Locking compression plate after an open reduction and were able to be followed up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Final postoperative evaluation was done based on the Meyer's clinical and radiologic evaluation system. RESULTS: All cases achieved anatomical reduction and fixation of the reduction postoperatively. 28 minutes were taken meaningly from the incision to the fixation of LCP plate after the anatomical reduction. Everage bony union time was 8.2 weaks, and the result was excellent in 23 cases (82%), good in 5 cases (17%) and poor result was abscent according to the criteria of Meyer et al. One case of post traumatic arthritis and one case of superficial infection on the operation site were found, but non-union, delayed union and malunion were not occurred. CONCLUSION: The internal fixation after open reduction using LCP is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including easy application and a greater stability due to its capability of maintaining exact anatomical reduction even though the screw does not penetrate the medial cortex of fibular to add the stability and rigidity of the fixation.

The Necessity of Deltoid Ligament Repair in Lateral Malleolar Fracture Combined with Medial Clear Space Widening

PURPOSE: To evaluate the necessity of deltoid ligament repair in lateral malleolar fracture associated with medial clear space widening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 82 cases of 82 patients received surgical treatment for lateral malleolar fracture with medial clear space widening in our hospital from Jan. 1996 to Feb. 2002. 73 male and 9 female patients were included respectively. Average follow-up period was 13.2 month (12~50). The methods of internal fixation of lateral malleolar fracture were 66 cases by cortical screw, 16 by plate and screws, and 9 by transfixing screw. RESULTS: Satisfactory reduction was obtained in 65 of 73 cases by only internal fixation of lateral malleolar fracture. Transfixing screw was needed in 8 cases. There was no need for repair of deltoid ligament. In clinical evaluation, no cases of limitation of movement in ankle was seen at final follow-up time. In radiologic evaluation, average medial clear space widening before operation was 5.89 mm (4.5~13 mm) and that of last follow-up time was 2.54 mm (1.5~3.5 mm). 95.2% was above good result. CONCLUSION: In treatment of unstable lateral malleolar fracture associated with medial clear space widening due to rupture of deltoid ligament, we obtained satisfactory result by accurate anatomical reduction or internal fixation. In these cases, there were no need for repair of deltoid ligament.

Modified Tension Band Wiring using Cortical Screw for Medial Malleolar Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of modified tension band wire technique using cortical screw for treatment of displaced medial malleolar fractures of the ankle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to January 2003, 24 patients were treated by modified tension band wiring using cortical screw for medial malleolar fracture. The follow-up period was 12~35 months (average 18 months). There were 13 males and 11 females, and the mean age was 46 years. Fractures were classified by Lauge-Hansen's classification. The results were analyzed by Meyer and Kumler's criteria. RESULTS: There were 13 cases (54%) of excellent, 9 cases (38%) of good, and one case of fair because of limitation of motion of the ankle joint and one case of poor which showed post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle. CONCLUSION: Modified tension band wire technique using cortical screw can be an effective operative method for the treatment of displaced medial malleolar fractures of the ankle.

Comparison of the Results after the Surgical Treatments of the Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the methods and results of the surgical treatment in the trimalleolar fracture of the ankle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed the results of the ankle trimalleolar fracture which were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from January 1999 till September 2003. There were 45 patients who had at least six months follow up, 16 men, and 29 women. We have analysed the mechanism of injury, methods of operation and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The results were assessed on ankle AP, lateral and mortise X-rays and retrospective chart review. There were 30 supination-external rotation, 13 pronation-external rotation, 2 pronation-abduction in the mechanism of injury by Lauge-Hansen classification. Cases of the posterior malleolar fracture which involved more than 25% of the weight bearing surface were 7 (15.6%). Medial malleolar mono-fixation was done in 5 cases, fibular mono-fixation in 2 cases, bimalleolar fixation in 32 cases, trimalleolar fixation in 6 cases. 38 cases (84.4%) were good or excellent in clincal assessment and 39 cases (86.7%) were good or excellent in radiological assessment according to the criteria of the Meyer. There was no difference of results among the surgical treatment methods. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that the rigid fixation with early ankle motion and weight bearing is needed in ankle trimalleolar fracture. But minimal fixation is not bad in slight displaced fracture. Both anterior approach and posterior approach were useful methods to stabilization the posterior malleolar fracture. And pre-operative evaluation to detect the hidden soft tissue injuries and fracture mechanism is very important to avoid the failure.

Surgical Treatment of Malleolar Fracture with or without Use of a Tourniquet / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To determine the advantage and disadvantage of using tourniquet in the malleolar fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Randomized 12 patients were operated on with use of a tourniquet (Group T), and 12 patients without use of a tourniquet (Group NT). The operation time, the technical difficulty during operation, the incidence of postoperative complication and the intensity of postoperative pain were compared between the two groups. RESULT: The demographic of the two groups, including age, sex, fractire type, and delay after injury were similar. The average duration of the operation and the technical difficulty during operation were similar between the both group (76min. in Group T, 81min in Group NT, p=0.28) There were no severe complications, however, Four patients had local redness and oozing (3 in group T, 1 in group NT). The patients in group T had higher VAS (Visual Analogue Scale, p=0.014) and more frequencies of analgesic injection (p=0.03) than within 24 hours after operation than those in Group NT, which difference was more significant in male patients and the patient of more than 40-year old. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation of the malleolar fracture without use of a tourniquet can be performed with little difficulty and the severity of postoperative pain and the incidence of postoperative complication can be reduced.

Biodegradable Internal Fixation For Displaced Non: Comminuted Malleolar Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Displaced fracture of the ankle are probably the most common skeletal injury managed today by open reduction and internal fixation. But, it is recommended that metallic implant might be removed to restore normal biomechanical forces on hone and to reduce discomfort directly under the skin. in order to reduce the resources needed for the removal of metallic fixation devices, absorbable impiants of biodegradable synthetic polymers were deveioped. However reports of clinical application of such implants have so far been very few. This prospective study represents the good resuits in 15 displaced non-comminuted closed malleolar fractures of the ankle treated using hiodegradahle internal fixation in department of orthopedic surgery of Kwang Myung Sung Ae general hospitai from June I 995 to December 1996. The results were as follows 1. All cases were united and the average time for union was 7.6 weeks. 2. As a results of comparison with normal side, a restriction of 10 degrees or more of dorsiflexion of the ankle joint was present in 4 cases, a restriction of 20 degrees or more of plantar tlexion was present in 2 cases, a restriction of supination was present in 3 cases and a restriction of plantar flexion was present in 4 cases. 3. According to Phillips functional scoring scale, 4 cases were excellent, 7 cases good, 4 cases fair and no cases were poor. 4. There were no complications in all cases.