[Intramedullary locked fixation and compression nail (IP-XS-Nail): treatment of ankle joint fractures].
OBJECTIVE
Reconstruction of the anatomy of the ankle joint while protecting the soft tissue, and osteosynthesis to maintain stability for function and weight bearing.


METHODS
Distal fractures of the fibula, bimalleolar fractures, and isolated fractures of the medial malleolus.


METHODS
Very small (< 5 mm) distal fragments (if fixation of the fragments is not possible using a small XXS nail) and very narrow (< 2.5 mm) medullary cavity (conversion to plate fixation).


METHODS
With displaced fibula fractures, open reduction should be performed with fracture retention using wide-armed reduction forceps, insertion of a central guide wire into the medullary cavity, use of a cannulated drill bit, introduction of the nail using an aiming arm and locked fixation with threaded wire. After checking the position using X-ray, the wire should be shortened using the bolt cutters. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT (Depending on the Weber classification): Full weight bearing for all isolated distal fractures of the fibula (Weber types A and B) and isolated fractures of the medial malleolus. For distal fractures of the fibula (Weber types A and B) with additional fracture of the medial malleolus or involvement of the medial ligament partial weight bearing of 20 kp for 4 weeks, followed by full weight bearing. For all Weber C fractures and/or additional Volkmann fracture only 10 kp of partial weight bearing with a rocker-sole orthosis should be allowed for 6 weeks followed by full weight bearing. No weight bearing for 6 weeks until the screws are removed is only recommended, if positioning screws have been used for Weber C fractures.


RESULTS
In the period from 05/2000 to 01/2002, 194 ankle fractures were treated with the IP-XS-Nail((R)). Follow-up examinations were conducted on 162 patients with an average age of 51.2 years after an average of 15 months. 62 Weber B fractures (38.3%) and 45 Weber C fractures (27.7%) were evaluated. There were bimalleolar fractures in 55 cases (34.0%). According to the Olerud Score (clinical and radiologic score), 95 patients (58.6%) had an excellent, 54 (33.3%) a good, nine (5.5%) a moderate, and four (2.4%) an unsatisfactory result.
Gehr
Jonas
J
Abteilung Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Klinikum Aschaffenburg, Am Hasenkopf, D-63739 Aschaffenburg. jondra@web.de
Friedl
Wilhelm
W
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001858:Bone Nails; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome