Posteromedial Approach in Fracture Fixation of Malleoli and Posterior Edge of Tibia

Abstract

Background. Surgical treatment of malleoli injuries is performed according to the principles of articular fractures management. It is particularly true for ankle injuries involving fractures of posterior edge of the tibia. The posteromedial approach enables to improve the results of surgical treatment of patients due to the direct reduction of tibia fragments.
 Aim of the study to evaluate the efficacy and advisability of the modified posteromedial approach in patients with unstable fractures of malleoli and posterior edge of the tibia.
 Methods. Twenty two patients with unstable fractures of malleoli and posterior edge of the tibia underwent surgical treatment via the posteromedial approach. The X-ray control was performed the next day after the surgery as well as 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks from the osteosynthesis. The functional results were evaluated in 12, 24 and 48 weeks after the surgery with the use of AOFAS and Neer scales.
 Results. The average duration of postoperative period (9.33.8 days) was mainly determined by the state of the soft tissues. 91% of patients had anatomical reduction of posterior edge fragment of the tibia, 17 (77%) from 22 patients demonstrated fracture consolidation in X-rays 12 weeks after the surgery and all 22 patients (100%) 24 weeks after surgery. There were no cases of postoperative complications in patients 24 weeks after the surgery. While managing patients the range of motion in the ankle joint increased from 41.16.9 12 weeks after the surgery to 57.34.6 48 weeks after the surgery, that was statistically significant (p0.01). The functional results improved as well according to both AOFAS and Neer scales and this improvement was also statistically significant (p0.01).
 Conclusion. The is rather effective in Patients with unstable fractures of malleoli and posterior edge of the tibia had a statistically significant improvement in function after posteromedial approach.