Three-Dimensional Anatomically Pre-Contoured Locking Plate for Isolated Weber B Type Fracture.

Jahyung Kim,Min-Soo Cho,Tae-Hong Min,Suyeon Park,Sung-Hun Won,Dong-Il Chun,Young Yi,Jaeho Cho

doi:10.3390/jcm10132976

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of a three-dimensionally (3D) pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures and to evaluate the necessity of an interfragmentary lag screw in the use of the plate. Patients who underwent surgery for isolated Weber B type fracture were divided into two groups: 41 patients treated with the 3D plate and lag screw (Group A) and 31 patients treated with the 3D plate only (Group B). The included patients were evaluated regarding the functional and radiographic outcomes. According to the McLennan and Ungersma criteria, the majority of patients showed good or fair outcomes in both groups. Comparing the two groups, Group B showed better functional outcomes (p < 0.0046), while no difference between the two groups was found in terms of the radiographic outcomes (p = 0.143). The operation time was significantly shorter in Group B (p < 0.001) and the time to bony union was within 14 months in all patients with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0821). No postoperative complication was observed in both groups. In conclusion, the use of a 3D pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures demonstrated satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes, regardless of lag screw insertion.

Highlights

Ankle fractures are one of the most frequently encountered injuries by orthopaedic surgeons. Among these fractures, isolated unimalleolar distal fibular fractures are known to account for more than 50% of all ankle fractures [1]. These fractures generally result from rotational injuries and form a spiral or oblique fracture line originating at the level of tibial syndesmosis
No significant differences in patient demographics were detected between the two groups (Table 2)
The operation time was significantly shorter in Group B (Group A, 45.29 ± 8.98 min; Group B, 32.9 ± 9.73 min; p < 0.001)

Summary

Introduction

Ankle fractures are one of the most frequently encountered injuries by orthopaedic surgeons. Among these fractures, isolated unimalleolar distal fibular fractures are known to account for more than 50% of all ankle fractures [1]. These fractures generally result from rotational injuries and form a spiral or oblique fracture line originating at the level of tibial syndesmosis. The treatment options for an isolated Weber B type fracture vary, and surgical stabilization is usually recommended to prevent ankle joint subluxation and promote biomechanical recovery in an unstable fracture [4,5].

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