J Korean Fract Soc.  2001 Jan;14(1):79-84.

The Posterior Plate for Distal Fibular Fixation

• Song BY
• Kwak HY
• Bae SW
• Lee KT
• Choi NH
• Kim JY
• Kim HJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the clinical results between the posterior and lateral plate for distal fibular fixation in the bimalleolar, trimalleolar fracture and isolated lateral malleolar fractures with more than 3 mm of displacement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 69 cases treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the posterior or lateral plate for distal fibular fractures in the bimalleolar, trimalleolar fractures and isolated lateral malleolar fractures with more than 3mm of displacement. The follow up period was more than 12 months.
RESULTS
In the posterior plate group, radiographically there were no intraarticular screw, loss of fixation, nonunion and malunion, but 2 cases of distal tibiofibular synostosis were developed. In physical examination, there were no wound complication, palpable screws, peroneal tendinitis and limitation of motion, but 2 patients who had distal tibiofibular synostosis complained of mild discomfort after walking.
CONCLUSION
The posterior plate for distal fibular fixation is thought to be a favorable method and can be recommended as the fixation modality of choice regardless of level of fracture, because of increased biomechanical stability and few complication.

Keyword

Ankle fracture; Distal fibular fixation; Posterior plate

MeSH Terms

Ankle Fractures
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Methods
Physical Examination
Synostosis
Tendinopathy
Walking
Wounds and Injuries