EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS OF INTERNAL FIXATION TREATMENT OF THE ANKLE FRACTURE

Abstract

Background: Ankles play an important rolesince the whole body weight is transmitted through this region, and locomotion depends on the stability of the ankle. Ankle fractures are most commonly foundat the lower extremity. Open reduction and internal fixation have become the main treatment for most of ankle fractures because these operative methods help restore the anatomy, biomechanics and contact loading characteristics of ankles. The aim of this research is to evaluate the results of surgical treatment for ankle fractures and give suggestions for proper indications and better techniques to improve the quality of treatment. Materials & Methods: The study surveyed a number of 41 patients whose fractures were classified according to Danis - Weber classification. They were operated from January 2012 to June 2014 and then treated with internal fixations. Assessment of postoperative outcomes was done at the third month and the sixth month basing on Baird and Jackson’s scoring system with clinical and radiological criteria. Results: Forty one patients (male : female = 2,7; with a mean age of thirty six years) were involved in the study; 17 of the fractures were classified as Weber B (41,5%) and 24 as Weber C (58,5%). 19 patients (46,4%) had peroneous fractures and 22 patients (53,6%) had peroneous fractures combinedwith the other malleolar fractures.Evaluation of 39 patients at sixth month postoperation shows overall good to excellent results were obtained in 33 patients 38,4% and 48,7% of Weber B and C fracture), fair in 3 patients (7,7% of Weber C) and poor in 2 patients (2,6% and 2,6% of Weber B and C). No intra operative complications were found. Skin infection was identified as postoperative complications in 3 patients. Conclusions: Internal fixation for treatment of ankle fractures obtain good results. Anatomical structures and functions of ankles were well restored in the malleolar fractures.