Treatment of Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fractures Using Locking Compression Plate Fixation and Tension Band Wiring Fixation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of locking compression plate (LCP)-screw fixation and tension band wiring (TBW) fixation in isolated lateral malleolar fractures.MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2016 to August 2018, 52 patients with isolated lateral malleolar fracture were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into 30 cases of the LCP fixation group (Group I) and 22 cases of the TBW fixation group (Group II). The clinical and radiological results of those groups were compared. Pearson chi-square tests and independent t-tests were used in the statistical analysis.RESULTS: The mean length of the surgical incision was 8.3 cm in Group I and 4.9 cm in Group II. Radiological union was obtained at a mean of 8.4 weeks in both groups. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 90 (range, 85–97) and 92 (range, 85–100) in Groups I and II, respectively, at the last follow up.CONCLUSION: Both the LCP-screw and TBW techniques revealed excellent results in isolated lateral malleolar fractures. The tension band technique may be a fine alternative method of fixation in the treatment of isolated lateral malleolar fracture.

A Case of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implantation in a Patient with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

PURPOSE: To report a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease with chronic recurrence, which was treated with intravitreal dexamethasone implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 39-year-old female presented with decreased visual acuities in both eyes accompanied by headaches and tinnitus the previous week. On fundus examination and optical coherence tomography, multiple serous retinal detachments with subretinal septa were observed in both eyes, and she was diagnosed with VKH disease. After undergoing high dose intravenous steroid therapy at another hospital, she was treated with oral prednisolone and immunosuppressant drugs. However, she showed frequent recurrences, and also complained of side effects from prolonged systemic steroids. We then performed intravitreal injections of dexamethasone implants in both eyes at 3-week intervals. One month following the injections, the inflammations in the anterior chamber and vitreous opacities were improved. Until the last visit at 6 months after the injection, there was no significant recurrence of inflammation, although oral prednisolone had been tapered. CONCLUSIONS: In VKH disease, intravitreal dexamethasone implantation may be an effective treatment option if chronic recurrence occurs, despite systemic steroid and immunosuppressant therapy or sustained treatment being difficult to maintain because of side effects.