Published online Aug 18, 2021. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v12.i8.548
Peer-review started: February 9, 2021
First decision: June 25, 2021
Revised: July 2, 2021
Accepted: August 2, 2021
Article in press: August 2, 2021
Published online: August 18, 2021
The lateral malleolus is key to the anatomical reduction of displaced bi-malleolar fractures, and restoring its structural integrity restores the integrity of the ankle. Various fixation techniques have been utilized in osteoporotic bone to ensure lateral malleolar integrity.
Biomechanical assessment of whether there is an increased strength to failure with a fibula pro-tibia construct when compared with standard locking plate fixation for ankle fractures in an ankle fracture saw bone model.
To compare a fibula pro-tibia construct to standard locking plate fixation in a saw bone model using biomechanical parameters.
After simulation of supination/external rotation injuries in a series of n = 10 sawbones, n = 5 were fixed with the fibula pro-tibia construct and n = 5 were fixed with the standard locking plate. Biomechanical analysis was performed to assess torque (N/m) at 30 degrees external rotation, maximum failure torque (N/m) and external rotation angle (°) at failure. Students t test was used for comparison of both groups.
The fibula pro-tibia construct was biomechanically superior to the standard locking plate in torque at 30 degrees external rotation, and maximum failure torque. There was no statistically significant difference in the external rotation angle at failure.
There is merit to considering the use of the fibula pro-tibia construct in fixation of bimalleolar ankle fractures in view of its biomechanical superiority over standard locking plates.
Future research should evaluate the clinical significance of these findings.