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European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery 5/2022

11-03-2022 | Tibia Fracture | Original Article

Fibular fixation improves ankle functional outcomes and alignment in the intramedullary nailing of distal third tibiofibular diaphyseal fractures

Authors: Altuğ Duramaz, Ali Can Koluman, Alkan Bayrak, Nezih Ziroğlu, Mustafa Gökhan Bilgili, Cemal Kural

Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 5/2022

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Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine the effect of fibular fixation on alignment and fracture healing of tibia, and ankle functional outcomes in the treatment of distal third tibiofibular diaphyseal fractures.

Methods

Consecutive 111 patients (33 females and 78 males) with distal third tibiofibular diaphyseal fracture who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups as those who underwent fibular fixation with tibia intramedullary nailing (study group) and those who did not (control group). Groups were compared in terms of demographic features, trauma and fracture characteristics, functional and radiological outcomes.

Results

No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of demographic features, trauma characteristics, complications, and follow-up time (p > 0.05). Surgery time was significantly lower in the control group (p = 0.001). Ankle joint range of motion, AOFAS score, OMAS score, and full weight-bearing time were significantly better in the fibular fixation group (p = 0.023, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.039, respectively). Significantly better coronal alignment and sagittal alignment were found in the fibular fixation group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Patients who underwent fibular fixation had significantly better radiological outcomes in terms of fibular rotation angle and ankle arthrosis (p = 0.000 and p = 0.022, respectively).

Conclusion

Fibular fixation not only contributes to fracture union, early full weight-bearing, and alignment but also improves ankle functional outcomes in the distal third tibiofibular fractures treated with intramedullary nailing for tibia.

Level of evidence

Level III, retrospective study.
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Metadata
Title
Fibular fixation improves ankle functional outcomes and alignment in the intramedullary nailing of distal third tibiofibular diaphyseal fractures
Authors
Altuğ Duramaz
Ali Can Koluman
Alkan Bayrak
Nezih Ziroğlu
Mustafa Gökhan Bilgili
Cemal Kural
Publication date
11-03-2022
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword
Tibia Fracture
Published in
European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery / Issue 5/2022
Print ISSN: 1863-9933
Electronic ISSN: 1863-9941
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00068-022-01934-x

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