This study aims prospective randomized comparison of mid-term clinical outcomes of middle-sized posterior malleolus fractures with and without internal fixation.
Although it has traditionally been accepted that posterior malleolar fractures involving less than 25 percent of the tibial plafond do not require operative fixation, this belief is now questioned. A number of studies have shown that the posterior malleolus contributes significantly to ankle stability. Many studies have also demonstrated that postoperative outcomes are better in patients who underwent posterior malleolar reduction and fixation. The aim of this prospective study is to show how internal fixation of the posterior malleolus, including middle-sized posterior malleolar fractures (10-25%), affects clinical outcomes and to discuss the factors that may lead to arthritis of the ankle joint. The groups will be randomized. The clinical and functional results of 40 patients who will be operated between 2015-2019 due to ankle fracture will be evaluated at short to mid-term (2-5 years). According to our hypothesis, internally fixed posterior malleolar fractures give better clinical and functional scores.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
40
Fixation of posterior malleolus with either plate or screws.
Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Questionnaire
Functional outcome score between 0 and 100. Higher score indicates a worse function.
Time frame: 2 year
Kellgren-Lawrence grading system for osteoarthritis
Grade of ankle osteroarthritis. Score between 0 to 4. Higher score indicates worse joint cartilage.
Time frame: 2 year
American Orhopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) Score
Functional outcome score between 0 and 100. Higher score indicates better function.
Time frame: 5 year
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