D Heim1, U Heim, P Regazzoni. 1. Departement für Chirurgie, Universitätsspital Basel, Schweiz.
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Malleolar fractures with an unstable ankle joint require additional stabilization. Different implants exist: We present the results of 135/155 patients treated with the so-called positioning screw. In 123 patients the positioning screw showed a spontaneous loosening with functional treatment and was therefore removed with the rest of the implants after eight to twelve months. In twelve cases the screw was broken. In 3/21 patients with the old 3.5 mm cortical screw with a core diameter of 1.9 mm in a correct position and in 9/113 patients with the new 3.5 mm cortical screw with inner core of 2.4 mm in an incorrect position. CONCLUSION: Positioning screws require early removal only if they fail to loosen or if a persistent limitation of dorsiflexion is still present after three months.
UNLABELLED: Malleolar fractures with an unstable ankle joint require additional stabilization. Different implants exist: We present the results of 135/155 patients treated with the so-called positioning screw. In 123 patients the positioning screw showed a spontaneous loosening with functional treatment and was therefore removed with the rest of the implants after eight to twelve months. In twelve cases the screw was broken. In 3/21 patients with the old 3.5 mm cortical screw with a core diameter of 1.9 mm in a correct position and in 9/113 patients with the new 3.5 mm cortical screw with inner core of 2.4 mm in an incorrect position. CONCLUSION: Positioning screws require early removal only if they fail to loosen or if a persistent limitation of dorsiflexion is still present after three months.
Authors: Adam C Shaner; Norachart Sirisreetreerux; Babar Shafiq; Lynne C Jones; Erik A Hasenboehler Journal: J Orthop Surg Res Date: 2017-10-27 Impact factor: 2.359