Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Posterior Malleolus Fractures via a Posteromedial Approach. 2020

Robert M Zbeda, and Steven Paul Friedel, and Stuart D Katchis, and Lon Weiner

Ankle fractures with a posterior malleolus component are complex injuries. The most commonly used operative methods include indirect reduction via a percutaneous anterior approach and direct reduction via a posterolateral approach. For large posterior malleolus fractures with medial extension, direct reduction via a posteromedial approach is an alternative operative option. The authors hypothesized that fixation of large posterior malleolus fractures via a posteromedial approach results in anatomic reduction and stable plate fixation. From 2008 to 2015, 22 (9.0%) of 244 consecutive operative ankle fractures were identified as posterior malleolus fractures treated using a posteromedial approach. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, operative details, follow-up time, and any postoperative complications. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to ensure that anatomic reduction and stable fixation was maintained. Sixteen (72.7%) of 22 patients were female, and the average age at the time of surgery was 54.1 years (range, 26-86 years). The average follow-up time was 13.0 months (range, 2.0-41.4 months). Twenty-one (95.5%) of 22 patients healed on a radiographic and clinical basis. There was an 18.2% (4 of 22) postoperative complication rate: 1 patient had a nonunion, 1 patient had cellulitis, 1 patient had osteomyelitis involving the fibula, and 1 patient had symptomatic heterotopic ossification. Open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolus fractures via a posteromedial approach achieved anatomic reduction, stable plate fixation, and complete healing in all but 1 patient. This study demonstrates that the posteromedial approach is a reasonable alternative to other more commonly used methods for treating these fractures. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):e166-e170.].

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011183 Postoperative Complications Pathologic processes that affect patients after a surgical procedure. They may or may not be related to the disease for which the surgery was done, and they may or may not be direct results of the surgery. Complication, Postoperative,Complications, Postoperative,Postoperative Complication
D011859 Radiography Examination of any part of the body for diagnostic purposes by means of X-RAYS or GAMMA RAYS, recording the image on a sensitized surface (such as photographic film). Radiology, Diagnostic X-Ray,Roentgenography,X-Ray, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X-Ray,Diagnostic X-Ray Radiology,X-Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,Diagnostic X Ray,Diagnostic X Ray Radiology,Diagnostic X-Rays,Radiology, Diagnostic X Ray,X Ray Radiology, Diagnostic,X Ray, Diagnostic,X-Rays, Diagnostic
D001860 Bone Plates Implantable fracture fixation devices attached to bone fragments with screws to bridge the fracture gap and shield the fracture site from stress as bone heals. (UMDNS, 1999) Bone Plate,Plate, Bone,Plates, Bone
D005260 Female Females
D005593 Fracture Fixation, Internal The use of internal devices (metal plates, nails, rods, etc.) to hold the position of a fracture in proper alignment. Osteosynthesis, Fracture,Fixation, Internal Fracture,Fixations, Internal Fracture,Fracture Fixations, Internal,Fracture Osteosyntheses,Fracture Osteosynthesis,Internal Fracture Fixation,Internal Fracture Fixations,Osteosyntheses, Fracture
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000070799 Open Fracture Reduction Restoration of normal alignment of a fractured bone via an OPERATIVE SURGICAL PROCEDURE. Open Reduction, Fracture,Fracture Open Reduction,Fracture Open Reductions,Fracture Reduction, Open,Open Fracture Reductions,Open Reductions, Fracture,Reduction, Fracture Open,Reductions, Fracture Open
D000328 Adult A person having attained full growth or maturity. Adults are of 19 through 44 years of age. For a person between 19 and 24 years of age, YOUNG ADULT is available. Adults

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