Clinical Results of Ankle Fractures

Cheong, Hee Young; Lim, Bong Yeol; Yoo, Byung Young; Shin, Dong Bai

Abstract

The ankle is a modified complex hinge joint consisting of the distal tibio-fibula joint (Syndesmosis), and the ankle joint proper(hinge joint), and is important in weight bearing, standing and walking. So, the goals of treatment of ankle fracture are anatomical positioning of talus in the mortise and regaining a smooth articular suface. Unless these requisites are achieved by treatment, post-traumatic arthritis is likely to occur. We analyzed 120 cases of ankle fracture, most of which were treated surgically by A-0 method, in Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hyundai Haesung Hospital from January, 1982 to December 1985. The results are as follows; 1. The most common victim was 3rd-4th decades man, and the cause was direct blow. 2. The most common type was pronation-external rotation type of Lauge-Hansen classification, and Type A of Danis-Weber type. 3. The more favorable result was noted in Danis-Weber type A than type B and type C,and noted worst result in pilon fracture. 4. Favorable results can be gained by semi-tubular plate in fibular fracture than any other fixation material. 5. On application of semi-tubular plate, there were no significant differences in results between that placed posteriorly and that placed laterally. 6. We did not transfix the distal tibio-fibular joint in stable Danis-Weber type C injury without any specific sequellae. 7. We obtained better result by removal of transfixing screw 6 weeks after operation. 8. We obtained good results with only 3 weeks immobilization after operation.