Abstract
Objective
The literature entails various intramedullary and extramedullary methods for distal fibula fracture fixation; with no consensus yet over the ideal method of fixation. We have retrospectively analyzed the results of using a twisted and contoured 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) as a posterior buttress plate.
Methods
Of the 62 cases with ankle fractures managed at our institute by the senior author from 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2015, 41 patients met our inclusion criteria (Danis-Weber types B and C).
Results
All 41 distal fibular fractures healed uneventfully, at a mean of 10.4 weeks (8-14 weeks) (Figs. 6, 7, 8 to 9) with no complications. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 92.6 (86-100) at a mean follow-up of 31.5 months (14-61 months).
Conclusions
We have achieved excellent clinical and radiological outcomes using a twisted 3.5 mm LCP as a posterior buttress by combining the advantages of posterior antiglide plating and lateral LCP.
Keywords
ankle fractures; fracture fixation, internal; fractures, bone; fibula; bone plates
