A Retrospective Analysis of Distal Fibula Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Fibular Nail Fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Intramedullary fixation is increasingly favored for fracture care due to smaller incisions and improved outcomes.
• Traditional internal fixation methods often involve larger incisions and longer recovery times.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate postoperative outcomes of ankle fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation.
• To assess the largest patient cohort to date for this surgical technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 151 patients undergoing intramedullary nail fixation for fibular fractures (2015-2021).
• Analysis of fracture type, adjunct procedures, time to weightbearing, complications, and radiographic union.
• Radiographs assessed for reduction quality and union time.

Main Results:

• Mean time to weightbearing was 4.8 weeks.
• Low complication rates: minor wound dehiscence (1.3%), superficial infection (2.6%), deep infection (1.3%), nonunion (1.5%).
• Excellent outcomes: good reduction (86.1%), radiographic union (98.5%), comparable to plate and screw constructs.

Conclusions:

• Intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique for ankle fractures.
• It achieves accurate reduction, high union rates, and facilitates early weightbearing with a low complication risk.