ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2013 December;64(6):603-8

Copyright © 2013 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Comparison between angular stability plate and conventional plate for the treatment of lateral malleolar fractures

Parchi P. D., Piolanti N., Castellini I., Andreani L., Marchetti S., Niccolai F., Lisanti M. ✉

Orthopedics and Traumatology I Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy

Aim: Ankle fractures are common and treatment can be conservative or surgical. We evaluated results of lateral malleolar fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation with two types of different plates.
Methods: Fifty-eight patients with Danis-Weber B or C lateral malleolar fractures treated between January 2007 to December 2009 were included in this study. Fifty-two patients were re-evaluated between May and December 2011 and only 4 patients by telephone interview. Mean age of patients was 53.6 (18-77) years and female were 65.4%. Mean follow-up was 48.2 (24-59) months. Group A included 30 patients treated with angular stability plate (O’nil malleolar plate, made by IntraumaÔ); Group B included 22 patients with one-third tubular plate. Patients were evaluated through clinical-radiographic examinations, the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and a self-administered questionnaire and also evaluating radiographics parameters as proposed by Baird and Jackson in 1987. For statistical analysis the Student’s t test was used.
Results: The ankle’s range of motion was similar in the two groups, although slightly better in group B. Worse results were registered in Group B. We have recorded one case of deep infection, no plate breakage nor loosening.
Conclusion: Despite the limits of the present study, according to our opinion the angular stability plate is a good option for the treatment of lateral malleolar fractures. Increased initial stability of such plate is useful especially in patients with poor bone quality and in elderly population to avoid pressure on bones and preserve periosteal vascularity.