Complex Ankle Fractures: Practical Approach for Surgical Treatment

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Anatomical reduction of the posterior malleolus is essential for successful ankle fracture treatment.
• Inadequate reduction can lead to poor functional outcomes and long-term complications.
• Current surgical approaches vary, necessitating clear guidelines for optimal selection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a guideline for selecting the optimal surgical approach for posterior malleolus fractures.
• To correlate posterior malleolus fracture anatomy with surgical approach efficacy.
• To minimize complications by improving preoperative planning and surgical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• Review of posterior malleolus fracture anatomy using computed tomography (CT) scans.
• Analysis of axial CT views to inform surgical approach and positioning.
• Development of a decision-making guideline based on fracture characteristics.

Main Results:

• Preoperative CT axial views are vital for surgical planning.
• Fracture anatomy dictates the most suitable surgical approach.
• A structured guideline can aid in choosing approaches that offer the best exposure with fewer complications.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative planning using CT scans is indispensable for posterior malleolus fractures.
• A systematic approach based on fracture anatomy improves surgical outcomes.
• The proposed guideline facilitates informed decisions for optimal surgical management.