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.

Features of Lateral Malleolar Fractures in Elderly Patients and Clinical Outcome of Locking Compression Plate Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Several studies have reported on the biomechanical advantages of a locking compression plate (LCP) for treatment of lateral malleolar fracture. However, few studies have reported clinical outcome after treatment of lateral malleolar fracture using a LCP in elderly patients. Thus, this study investigated the trends of lateral malleolar fractures in elderly patients and evaluated the clinical and radiological outcome of treating them using a 'locking compression distal fibula plate'. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (male: 3, female: 18) over 65 years old, who were followed-up for at least one year were enrolled in this study. They were treated surgically with open reduction and internal fixation using a LCP for lateral malleolar fracture from 2011 to 2014. Lauge-Hansen and Danis-Weber classification were used for preoperative classification of fractures. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, 4-graded subjective satisfaction and post-operative range of motion were used for the clinical evaluation. Time to bone union, non-union, mal-union, metal failure and implant loosening were assessed for radiographic outcomes. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 71.2 years old, pain VAS and AOFAS score was 1.6 points and 94.2 points, respectively and 18 cases (85.7%) showed more than satisfaction in subjective satisfaction. Comminuted fracture was observed in 8 cases (38.1%) and lag screw insertion was performed in 7 ankles (33.3%). The mean bony union period was 3.6 months. There were 5 cases of mal-union, no case of non-union and metal failure. CONCLUSION: Satisfaction level of elderly patients with lateral malleolar fracture was significantly associated with only pain at the final follow-up. Fixation with a LCP distal fibula plate can sometimes lead to metal irritation but largely resulted in good clinical outcome without serious complication.

Arthroscope-guided Closed Reduction and Internal Fixation of the Lateral Malleolar Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: In this study, we introduced an newly developed technique of operation for fracture of lateral malleolus of the ankle. We treated the fracture by close reduction and internal fixation using arthroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2006 to June 2007, we had treated 23 cases of lateral malleolar fracture (SER type) by closed reduction and internal fixation with arthroscopy and followed them up more six month. Operation time, union time, clinical and functional result were evaluated. RESULTS: After the final follow-up, all the fractures were healed with satisfactory bony union. The subjective result was excellent in 15 cases (65%), good in 8 cases (35%), the objective result was excellent in 13 cases (57%), good in 10 cases (43%), and the roentgenographic result was excellent in 17 cases (74%), good in 6 cases (26%). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and internal fixation with arthroscopy technique is an effective treatment method in treating lateral malleolar fracture of the ankle since it offers advantages including corrective anatomical reduction and minimizing complication associated with injury of soft tissue.

Nonoperative Treatment of Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment for isolated lateral malleolus fracture without medial ankle injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 1999 to February 2003, 25 ankles in 25 patients were treated for isolated lateral malleolus fracture and followed for more than one year. Mean age was 46.9 years (range, 20~71 years). Cases without any swelling or tenderness on the deltoid area, or cases with minimal pain, swelling or tenderness on the deltoid area and medial clear space 1 mm or less on stress radiograph were included for the study. Immediate weight bearing was allowed with below-knee cast immobilization in all cases. RESULTS: All were supinatin-external rotation stage II injury and mean duration of cast immobilization was 6.3+/-1.6 weeks after injury. There was no case which showed widening of medial clear space during routine radiographic follow-up. There was no change in the degree of displacement in spite of immediate weight bearing with short leg cast on. CONCLUSION: Because the lateral malleolus fracture without medial injury can be managed nonoperatively, we need to differentiate this type of fracture to avoid unnecessary surgery, and for early return to normal daily activity.

Treatment of Lateral Malleolar Fractures using Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis Technique

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complication of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique for lateral malleolar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2001 to December 2003, we had treated 13 cases of lateral malleolar fracture (AO-OTA classification, type A: 4, type B: 9) by MIPO technique and followed them up more than 1 year. Operation time, union time, radiologic alignment, range of motion of the ankle joint, functional results according to criteria of Meyer and complication were evaluated. RESULTS: After the final follow-up, all the fractures were healed without any second procedure, full-weight bearing ambulation was started in average 10 weeks. Any malunion was not observed by the inadequate bending of plate. Two patients felt a discomfort of ankle because the location of plate was lower than the tip of the lateral malleolus, but all the patients had excellent or satisfactory ankle functions. No deep infection or soft tissue compromise were observed at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique is safe and worthwhile method in management of lateral malleous fractures while avoiding the complications associated with conventional open plating methods.