Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fragment of Trimalleolar Fracture Using Posterolateral Approach: Preliminary Report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We wanted to evaluate the effectiveness of posterolateral approach for open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolar fragment with trimalleolar fracture of ankle joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 27 cases of trimalleolar fracture in our hospital from Jan. 2005 to Dec. 2007. We investigated 10 patients who underwent operation with the posterolateral approach. The mean follow up period was 20 (6-36) months. Preoperative posterior malleolar fragment involved above 25% of articular surface in 10 cases and displaced more than 2 mm in 4 cases. We analyzed the radiologic type of posterior malleolar fragments and complications, and evaluated the AOFAS score. RESULTS: All cases showed primary union mean 11.8 (8-14) weeks. The complication focal skin necrosis in one case and all patients showed excellent AOFAS score. CONCLUSION: The posterolateral approach may be a useful for open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolar fragment with trimalleolar fracture, especially simultaneous management of lateral malleolar fracture.