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Isolated distal fibula fractures can be treated with locking screw plates with an immediate postoperative
Tommaso Maluta1,2, Umberto Lavagnolo3,4, Andrea Amarossi1,2
1Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Background:
Isolated distal fibula fractures (DFF) are usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and non-weight-bearing protocols. The study assessed the outcomes of immediate weight-bearing on DFF healing and stability after lateral locking plating.
Materials And Methods:
For this study, 49 patients affected by isolated DFF were enrolled. They underwent ORIF with a lateral polyaxial locking plate and were allowed immediate weight-bearing with crutches postoperatively. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed at 2, 6, and 12 weeks using the AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) score and X-rays evaluations..
Results:
Immediate weight-bearing yielded positive outcomes, with a significant increase of the AOFAS score during the clinical re-evaluations. All patients tolerated early and progressive full weight-bearing without complications. Radiographic findings at 12 weeks showed complete bone healing in all cases.
Conclusions:
The immediate weight-bearing protocol combined with lateral locking plating resulted in favorable clinical outcomes, accelerated recovery, and successful bone healing for stable DFF cases.
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