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Updated: Feb 6, 2026
C-arm-Free Simultaneous OLIF51 and Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Fixation in a Single Lateral Position
Published on: September 16, 2022
Percutaneous screw fixation for painful non-union of lateral malleolus ankle fractures
Timothy J Batten1, Charlotte Scott-Davies2, Michael Butler1
1Royal Cornwall Hospital, Penventinnie Lane, Truro, TR1 3LJ, United Kingdom.
Introduction:
Lateral malleolus non-union can cause pain and loss of function. Standard treatment involves open approach with debridement, bone-grafting and plate stabilisation, with published surgical site infection rates to 17%. To minimise the risk of soft tissue complications and allow early mobilisation, we describe a technique for percutaneous cannulated screw stabilisation.
Materials And Methods:
Retrospective case review for all percutaneous lateral malleolus non-union stabilisation procedures undertaken in our hospital between 2011 and 2017 was performed. Fracture union was diagnosed by resolution of pain and swelling, with a return to full weight-bearing mobilisation and two-view radiographs consistent with union.
Results:
Twelve cases were reviewed. All fractures united. There was one superficial wound infection treated with oral antibiotics, and one early case with drill-piece fracture requiring conversion to open procedure with plate stabilisation.
Conclusion:
We believe this to be the first report of percutaneous stabilisation for non-union of lateral malleolus fractures. We demonstrate this to be a safe and effective technique.
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