title: Internal fixation of distal fibula fractures: a case presentation demonstrating a unique technique for a severely comminuted fibula.
abstract: The laterally comminuted fracture-dislocation of the ankle can be associated with devastating consequences. Previously described surgical as well as nonsurgical-treatment results have been disappointing. Accurate anatomical reduction and rigid fracture stabilization of a comminuted fibula can be extremely difficult. This manuscript presents some of the more common methods of comminuted fibular fracture fixation described in the literature. A case report demonstrates successful anatomical stabilization of a comminuted fibula, utilizing a method for internal fibular fixation which has been previously employed, but has not been advocated, in the literature. Clinical and radiographic results at 12 and 20 months post-injury are promising.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Savage
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: McGarry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D001860:Bone Plates; D005360:Fibula / Q000293:injuries*; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography