[Analysis of results of surgical treatment of malleolar fractures]. / Analiza kasnih rezultata kirurskog lijecenja maleolarnih prijeloma.

ABSTRACT

Late results of operatively treated malleolar fractures were analyzed. 101 patients were operated on, 58 (57.4%) were available for follow-up. There were 5 patients with A-type fractures according to Weber's classification, 28 with type-B and 25 with type-C fractures. One year or more after the treatment the patients were evaluated on follow-up checks where ranges of ankle dorsiflexion, plantar extension, pronation and supination were recorded, circumference of the injured ankle was measured and the patients were interviewed about subjective complaints. Normal range of motion of the injured ankle (normal range of motion represented by the healthy ankle) was found only in patients with type-A fractures while in other two groups the patients had significantly decreased motility of the injured ankle (P < 0.05). The circumference of the injured ankle was increased in most patients with 25.9% patients ankles being 20 mm or more thicker than the uninjured side. Only seven patients (12.1%) were without subjective complaints while other patients experienced pain with load, pain with weather changes, swelling of the ankle etc. Malleolar fractures still represent a significant surgical problem and only an early operation, anatomic reduction and fixation as well as proper rehabilitation guarantee good results.