Early full weight-bearing in patients with isolated displaced lateral malleolar fracture after rigid internal fixation with locking plates

• Published in: Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 2021-04, Vol.84 (4), p.438-440
• Main Authors: Yeung, Chi-Yung, Hung, Shih-Hsin, Hsu, Kuei-Hsiang, Chiu, Fang-Yao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ankle Fractures - surgery; Female; Fracture Healing; Humans; Internal Fixators; Male; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Postoperative Period; Retrospective Studies; Weight-Bearing; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1726-4901; 1728-7731
• DOI: 10.1097/JCMA.0000000000000494

The timing of post-operative full weight-bearing in patients of isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of early full weight-bearing after rigid internal fixation of such fractures with locking plates. From 2012 to 2018, 46 patients who had closed isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures were included in the study. All fractures were managed with open reduction and internal fixation with locking plates. The patients were allowed to walk bearing their full weight 2 weeks after the operation. The follow-up period was 41.5 months on average (range: 12-70 months). The patients were available to evaluate union conditions, functional results, and complications. The fractures united smoothly with an average union time of 10.5 weeks (range: 8-16). At the final follow-up, the average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score Ankle-Hindfoot Score was 91 (range: 85-98). No complications were observed. For patients with isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures, full weight-bearing is safe and effective, without an increase in the rate of complications, 2 weeks after open reduction and rigid fixation with locking plates.