Radiolucent Triangle as a Positioning Tool to Simplify Prone Ankle Fracture Surgery

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Surgical Techniques
• Trauma Management

Background:

• Prone positioning is a standard treatment for trimalleolar ankle fractures.
• Current methods face challenges with medial ankle access and lateral fluoroscopic imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a simple, cost-effective technique to overcome positioning challenges in prone surgery for ankle fractures.
• To improve surgical site access and fluoroscopic imaging efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing a radiolucent triangle placed under the nonoperative leg in the prone position.
• An alternative involves placing the triangle under the operative leg with reverse Trendelenberg positioning.

Main Results:

• The described technique provides unobstructed access to the medial ankle.
• It simplifies lateral fluoroscopic imaging during surgery.

Conclusions:

• This positioning technique offers a practical solution to common obstacles in prone ankle fracture surgery.
• Surgeons can incorporate these methods to optimize operative management of trimalleolar ankle fractures.