Abstract: Fractures involving the ankle are one of the most common injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. The anatomy of the joint makes it very unstable in cases of fractures or ligamentous injuries of the ankle. As fractures of the ankle have been treated with various modes of internal fixation devices, the best possible implant is determined according to the anatomy of the fracture. Various internal fixation devices like interfragmentary screw, reconstruction plate, tubular plate have been used for lateral malleolus fracture. We studied the use of fibula hook plate for lateral malleolus fracture.
Total 40 patients were studied and were followed up post-operatively after 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. The fractures were classified according to the Lauge-Hansen classification system. Ankle score for symptom evaluation of ankle fracture by C. Olerud and H. Molander was calculated. Radiological evaluation was done by Kristenson’s criteria.
Out of 40 patients, 10 patients had excellent outcome and 19 patients had good outcome. Eight patients showed fair results whereas three patients had poor results. No intra-operative complication was observed. Post-operatively six patients developed skin infection.
Anatomical reduction of ankle fractures is very important for normal weight bearing stress. The length of fibula must be maintained for this purpose. Hook plate helps to achieve this by holding the reduction of lateral malleolar fragment.
