[Surgical treatment for posterior malleolus fracture of external rotation].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a surgical technique and outcome and illustrate its important of open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of posterior malleolus.


METHODS
From Jan. 2004 to Jan. 2008, 25 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation involving 17 males and 8 females with an average age of 34 years (ranged from 21 to 67 years old). According to Lauge-Hansen classification: 13 cases of type pronation-external rotation (IV), 7 and 5 cases of type supination-external rotation (III and IV). Twenty cases were treated with screw, 5 cases were treated with gypsum. To evaluate the outcome of operation with X-ray.


RESULTS
After seven months to three years followed-up, clinic therapeutic effect of each patient was evaluated according to the Leeds scoring system, the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 2. As compared with the uninjured side on the evaluation of the activity range of ankle joint, there were no significant difference in back-extend and plantar flexion.


CONCLUSIONS
In order to obtain ankle joint satisfactory result, open reduction and rigid internal fixation must be adopted in the fracture of posterior malleolus.
Fu
Sheng-Liang
SL
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shijitan Hospital, Beijing 100038, China.
Ding
Li-Xiang
LX
Yao
Qi
Q
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012399:Rotation; D016896:Treatment Outcome