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

Article information

J Musculoskelet Trauma. 2020;33(1):16-21

Publication date (electronic) : 2020 January 10

doi : https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2020.33.1.16

Woojin Shin, M.D., Seondo Kim, M.D., Jiyeon Park, M.D.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gwangju Veterans Hospital, Gwangju, Korea

Correspondence to: Woojin Shin, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Gwangju Veterans Hospital, 99 Cheomdanwolbong-ro, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju 62284, Korea Tel: +82-62-602-6162 Fax: +82-62-602-6936 E-mail: neolimp@naver.com

Received 2019 November 29; Revised 2020 January 03; Accepted 2020 January 03.

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Ankle; Lateral malleolus fracture; Operative procedure; Locking plate fixation; Tension band wiring fixation

Fig. 1.

(A) A 54-year-old female patient was diagnosed with isolated lateral malleolar fracture according to the simple radiography. (B) Surgical fixation with locking-plate screw on the postoperative radiography. (C) Bone-union was achieved within 12 months of surgery.

Fig. 2.

(A) A 32-year-old male patient was diagnosed with isolated lateral malleolar fracture according to the simple radiography. (B) Surgical fixation with the tension band wire on the postoperative radiography. (C) Bone-union was achieved within 12 months of surgery.

Table 1.

Baseline Characteristics and Demographics

Table 2.

Operation-Related Data Analysis

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