Isolated distal fibula fractures can be treated with locking screw plates with an immediate postoperative weight-bearing
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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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