Comparative Study for the Fixation Method in the Danis-Weber Type B Lateral Malleolar Fractures: An Antiglide Plate Fixation versus A Lateral Plate Fixation

Danis-Weber B형 족관절 외과 골절의 고정방법 비교연구 : Antiglide 금속판 고정술 대 외측 금속판 고정술

Purpose: To evaluate the advantages of the antiglide plate fixation procedure for Danis-Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures of ankle compared to other methods of lateral plate fixation. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 70 cases that antiglide plate fixation and lateral plate fixation procedures were performed from Mar. 2001 through Mar. 2006. Of the total 70 cases, they were divided into two groups ; 22 cases were treated with the antiglide plate procedure (Group I) and 48 cases were treated with the lateral plate procedure (Group II). The results of the two groups were analyzed both radiographically and clinically using Ankle-Hindfoot scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS). Results: All fractures were healed at average of 8 weeks both radiographically and clinically. According to the Ankle-Hindfoot scale, all cases of Group I and 48 cases of Group II were above 80 points. 2 cases (9%) in Group I complained of peroneal tendinitis, while 19 cases (39%) in Group II showed skin irritation resulting from the screw or the plate. A total of 6 cases (27%) in Group I and 27 cases (55%) in Group II complained cosmetic problems. Conclusion: we concluded that the antiglide plate fixation for Danis-Weber type B lateral malleolar fractures is one of the good methods. But, further analysis will be need to find a solution for the peroneal tendinitis.