OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of Knowles pin fixation for isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures and to present our surgical experience using this method. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. SETTING: The study was carried out at a municipal teaching hospital. The senior surgeons were all orthopedic trauma subspecialists. PATIENTS: A total of 168 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, an isolated displaced lateral malleolar fracture surgically treated by a Knowles pin between 1995 and 2000, were studied. All the patients had a stable syndesmosis, less than 50% comminution, and had no other operations in the same extremity. Patients were assigned into 4 groups according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of ankle fractures. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation with a Knowles pin fixation of the lateral malleolus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional results were evaluated using the Baird and Jackson ankle scoring system. RESULTS: There was a 100% union rate. The average satisfactory outcome of the 4 groups was 88.1%. No instrumentation problems were encountered. Three complications occurred, but resolved with nonoperative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowles pin fixation for displaced lateral malleolar fractures is a useful and effective method. This implant offers several advantages, including easy application, less soft tissue dissection, less palpable instrumentation, stable fixation, and a short operating time.
OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of Knowles pin fixation for isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures and to present our surgical experience using this method. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. SETTING: The study was carried out at a municipal teaching hospital. The senior surgeons were all orthopedic trauma subspecialists. PATIENTS: A total of 168 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, an isolated displaced lateral malleolar fracture surgically treated by a Knowles pin between 1995 and 2000, were studied. All the patients had a stable syndesmosis, less than 50% comminution, and had no other operations in the same extremity. Patients were assigned into 4 groups according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of ankle fractures. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation with a Knowles pin fixation of the lateral malleolus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional results were evaluated using the Baird and Jackson ankle scoring system. RESULTS: There was a 100% union rate. The average satisfactory outcome of the 4 groups was 88.1%. No instrumentation problems were encountered. Three complications occurred, but resolved with nonoperative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowles pin fixation for displaced lateral malleolar fractures is a useful and effective method. This implant offers several advantages, including easy application, less soft tissue dissection, less palpable instrumentation, stable fixation, and a short operating time.
Authors: Assaf Kadar; Steven M Tommasini; Amit Singla; Brian G Beitler; Alexander M Moushey; Michael R Baumgaertner Journal: Indian J Orthop Date: 2021-11-18 Impact factor: 1.033
Authors: R Daniel Ricci; James Cerullo; Robert O Blanc; Patrick J McMahon; Anthony M Buoncritiani; David A Stone; Freddie H Fu Journal: J Athl Train Date: 2008 May-Jun Impact factor: 2.860