Lateral transmalleolar approach and miniscrews fixation for displaced posterolateral fragments of posterior malleolus fractures in adults: a consecutive study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the lateral transmalleolar (LTM) approach for a displaced posterolateral fragments of a posterior malleolus fracture.


METHODS
Prospective, consecutive.


METHODS
Level 1 trauma center.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients.


METHODS
The x-rays, evaluation of arthritic changes of the ankle joint, range of motion, and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire (SMFA).


METHODS
The LTM approach followed by multiple interfragmentary miniscrew-only fixation.


RESULTS
No patients experienced intraoperative or postoperative complications that required a revision operation. All fractures healed. There were no infections, and no patient required implant removal. The median range of motion showed no significant difference as compared with the uninjured side. Patients achieved a mean SMFA dysfunction index of 8.2 ± 2.4 points and a mean SMFA bother index of 3.2 ± 1.2 points. All patients performed normal daily life activities at averagely 3 (range, 2-5) months postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Direct visualization with the LTM approach followed by fixation with multiple miniscrews may be an alternative option for the treatment of ankle fractures with a posterolateral fragment associated with a posterior malleolar fracture.


METHODS
Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea.
Min Bom
MB
Kim
Young Ho
YH
Lee
Jeong Hwan
JH
Kim
Jung Eun
JE
Lee
Goo Hyun
GH
Baek
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D064386:Ankle Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult