Publication:

Demographic profile and functional outcome following fixation of malleolar fractures in adults

Background Malleolus are important structures which forms part of ankle mortise and provide stability to it. This article underlines the current demographic profile of patients sustaining malleolar fractures in adults. It also discusses the modalities of treatment and functional outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of these fractures as well as the improvement in functional outcome following early mobilization.

Methods 30 patients sustaining malleolar fractures who attended the Department of Orthopedics were included in the study. The patients were operated as and when the soft tissue condition permitted and were followed up in outpatient department at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months where functional outcome based on Baird and Jackson scoring system was assessed.

Results In this study, the average age of patients was 43.8 years with a male preponderance. Supination-external rotation was the most common mechanism of injury following a slip or twisting injury. According to Baird and Jackson scoring system 20% patients had excellent, 50% patients had good results, 20% patients had fair results and 10% patients had poor results.

Conclusions 70% patients had excellent to good results following fixation of malleolar fractures. Early mobilization was started in 5 patients with 80% patients showing excellent results. Open reduction and Internal fixation proved to be an excellent procedure leading to union in all cases, less complication and early resumption of routine activities.