Altuğ Duramaz1, Ali Can Koluman2, Alkan Bayrak2, Nezih Ziroğlu3, Mustafa Gökhan Bilgili2, Cemal Kural2. 1. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Tevfik Sağlam St., Number 11, 34147, Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey. altug.duramaz@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Education and Research Hospital, Tevfik Sağlam St., Number 11, 34147, Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey. 3. Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Beylikdüzü State Hospital, Pınartepe Ave, 253 St, Number 8, 34500, Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, Turkey.
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.
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.