Abstract: Background:Conservative therapy is suitable for stable isolated lateral malleolus fractures (LMF), but surgical fixation is the preferred approach for displaced, unstable LMF. This work aimed to contrast the findings of fixation of lateral malleolus fracture by using locked or conventional plates at least for 6 months.
Methods: This prospective comparative work had been conducted on 30 participants aged from 18 to 65 years old, both genders, with ankle fractures. Participants had been categorised into two groups equally in a parallel manner: Group 1: Participants with ankle fracture that had been managed with conventional methods band Group 2: Participants with ankle fracture that had been managed with distal fibular locked plate.
Results:American orthopaedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) score had been significantly greater at 6 m and 12 m in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.05). Range of motion (ROM) (extension and flexion) were significantly higher at 1 m, 2 m, 3 m, 6 m and 12 m in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.05). Radiography union was significantly higher at 2 m, 3 m and 12 m in group 2 compared to group 1 (p<0.05). Healing time was significantly decreased in group 2 compared to group 1 (P=0.001). Superficial infection delayed wound healing and plate removal were insignificantly different between two groups.
Conclusion: In patients with ankle fracture, fixation of lateral malleolus fracture by using locked plate had higher AOFAS score, ROM (Extension and flexion), Radiography union and lower healing time than conventional plate at least for 6 months.
