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Original Article
Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture Using Posterior Approach
Hyun Wook Chung, M.D., Dong Hwan Kim, M.D., Si Hoon Yoo, M.D., Jin Soo Suh, M.D.
Journal of the Korean Fracture Society 2010;23(1):50-56.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2010.23.1.50
Published online: January 31, 2010

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Jin Soo Suh, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, 2240, Daehwa-dong, Ilsan-seo-gu, Goyang 411-706, Korea. Tel: 82-31-910-7968, Fax: 82-31-910-7967, sjs0506@paik.ac.kr
• Received: June 7, 2009   • Revised: October 29, 2009   • Accepted: November 4, 2009

Copyright © 2010 The Korean Fracture Society

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  • Purpose
    For fixation of the large posterior malleolar fracture fragment, indirect anterior fixation with cannulated screw has been widely used, but the anatomical reduction is not always obtained. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the clinical result of posterior malleolar fractures treated with anatomical reduction and internal fixation using posterior approach.
  • Materials and Methods
    We have analyzed the 15 patients with posterior malleolar fractures, treated with posterior approach from August 2005 to August 2008. The mean follow up period was 17.6 months, We have reviewed the perioperative joint integrity, method of operation, postoperative care, bony union and complication. A clinical outcome was evaluated by AOFAS (American orthopedic foot and ankle society) scaling system and Olerud & Molander scoring system.
  • Results
    Among 15 cases, posterolateral approach and posteromedial approach were chosen in 9 cases and 6 cases respectively. The radiologic unions were achieved at 12.4 (12~18) weeks. Mean AOFAS score was 90.3 (72~98), and Olerud & Molander score was "excellent" in 5 cases, "good" in 7 cases, "fair" in 1 case and "poor" in 2 cases. Postoperative complications in 2 cases revealed a posttraumatic arthritis and a scar band contracture respectively.
  • Conclusion
    In posterior malleolar fracture of ankle joint, the integrity of joint has closely affected clinical outcomes. We suggest that a posterior approach for posterior malleolar fracture with especially incarcerated fragments and comminuted fractures, can be a useful method for anatomical reduction and stable fixation, and satisfactory clinical results.
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Fig. 1
Posterolateral approach to the posterior malleolar fracture. Intraoperative finding showing fixation of posterior malleolus using plate and screws.
jkfs-23-50-g001.jpg
Fig. 2
A schematic picture showing the posterolateral approach.
jkfs-23-50-g002.jpg
Fig. 3
(A) Preoperative CT image showing posterior malleolar fracture with displacement and incarcerated bony fragment.
(B) Postoperative lateral radiograph showing anatomical reduction of posterior malleolus.
jkfs-23-50-g003.jpg
Fig. 4
(A) Preoperative sagittal CT image showing posterior malleolar fracture with comminution.
(B) Postoperative lateral radiograph showing reduction and stabilization with plate and screws (C) 1 year follow-up sagittal CT image showing incongruity of joint.
(D) 2 year follow-up lateral radiograph with arthritic changes.
jkfs-23-50-g004.jpg
Table 1
Summary of cases
jkfs-23-50-i001.jpg

*PM: Posteromedial, PL: Posterolateral.

Figure & Data

REFERENCES

    Citations

    Citations to this article as recorded by  
    • Single lateral approach for open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolar fragment in Weber B rotational ankle fracture
      Jaehyung Lee, Hwan Ryu, Jae Yong Park
      Medicine.2023; 102(3): e32725.     CrossRef
    • Posterior Malleolus Fractures in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures: Malleolus versus Transyndesmal Fixation
      Bilgehan Tosun, Ozgur Selek, Umit Gok, Halil Ceylan
      Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.2018; 52(3): 309.     CrossRef
    • Single Oblique Posterolateral Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterior Malleolar Fractures With an Associated Lateral Malleolar Fracture
      Jun Young Choi, Ji Hoon Kim, Hyeong Tak Ko, Jin Soo Suh
      The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery.2015; 54(4): 559.     CrossRef

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      Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture Using Posterior Approach
      J Korean Fract Soc. 2010;23(1):50-56.   Published online January 31, 2010
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    Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture Using Posterior Approach
    Image Image Image Image
    Fig. 1 Posterolateral approach to the posterior malleolar fracture. Intraoperative finding showing fixation of posterior malleolus using plate and screws.
    Fig. 2 A schematic picture showing the posterolateral approach.
    Fig. 3 (A) Preoperative CT image showing posterior malleolar fracture with displacement and incarcerated bony fragment. (B) Postoperative lateral radiograph showing anatomical reduction of posterior malleolus.
    Fig. 4 (A) Preoperative sagittal CT image showing posterior malleolar fracture with comminution. (B) Postoperative lateral radiograph showing reduction and stabilization with plate and screws (C) 1 year follow-up sagittal CT image showing incongruity of joint. (D) 2 year follow-up lateral radiograph with arthritic changes.
    Treatment of the Posterior Malleolar Fracture Using Posterior Approach

    Summary of cases

    *PM: Posteromedial, PL: Posterolateral.

    Table 1 Summary of cases

    *PM: Posteromedial, PL: Posterolateral.


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