The Treatement of ankle Fracture

Moon, Dou Hyun; Oh, In Suk; Lee, Seung Jong

Abstract

The ankle stability has a vital role in normal gait and walking. An accurate and anatomic reduction with rigid fixation has been emphasized as important regimens as well as early motion and weight bearing exercises. The authors analysed 90 cases(88 patients) of ankle fractures which were admitted and treated in orthopedic department, Chung-Ang Gil General Hospital from March 1987 to May 1992. Males were affected 1.7times than female and the age group of third and fourth decades constituted 60.2%. The most common cause was vehicle accident(35 cases; 38.9%). According to Lauge-Hansen classification, supination-external rotation type was most common(32 cases; 35.6%). Accoompanyng injuries were noted on 45 cases(50%) and fractures in lower extremities were most common(17 cases; 18.9%). According to meyer's assessment of result, the clinical and radiologic results were better in operative method than conservative ones. From the evaluation of clinical results, anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation of lateral malleoli and distal tibiofibular joint are more important factors. Complications are resulted in 19cases(21.1%) and traumatic arthritis is the most common (10 cases; 11.1%). The extent and degree of injury was an important factor in an overall results of treatment as well as the anatomic reduction of fracture alignment.