ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of posteromedial combined with lateral surgical approach in treatment of trimalleolar factures.Methods The clinical data of 37 patients with trimalleolar factures underwent open reduction and internal fixation through posteromedial combined with lateral surgical approach were retrospectively ana-lyzed.There were 21 males and 16 females with average age of 55.0 years (ranged 35 -80).Complications such as infection,nonunion,fixation failures were observed.All patients were followed up at 6 months and 12 months after sur-gery and assessed functionally with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Scores (AOFAS).After the 12 month follow up,the patients were also called for a radiological examination.Results Average follow -up time was 18.8 months (12 -27 months).All cases had no complications such as incision infection,skin necrosis,internal fixator loosening or rupture and bone nonunion.Using AOFAS,the scores were 82.9 and 89.7 respectively at the 6 month and 12 month follow up.The degree of arthrosis was grades Ⅰ in 2 ankles,Ⅱ in 1 ankle,and Ⅲ in 1 ankle according to Kellgren&Lawrence.Conclusion Posteromedial combined with lateral surgical approach for the treat-ment of trimalleolar factures has leaded to an satisfactory clinic outcomes.It is minimally invasive and has less compli-cations and cost.