Abstract

Background & Objective: Malleolar fractures account for 10% of all lower limb fractures. However, the therapeutic results of fractures of this joint are of paramount importance due to the significant role of this joint in walking and weight bearing. The study aimed to investigate the outcomes of ankle fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 169 pa􀆟ents with malleolar fractures, who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Patients were evaluated and allocated scores by the clinical rating system for the ankle and hindfoot. In addition, the subjects were divided into three groups of A, B, and C. Results: In total, 53 females and 116 males were enrolled in the research. According to the results, bimalleolar was the most common type of fractures, and most patients suffered from daily dysfunction and pain. Furthermore, the gait pattern of the subjects was changed. According to Danis-Weber classification system, fracture type B had the highest incidence rate (45%) The mean score of clinical rating system for the ankle and hindfoot was 51 (95% CI 49-53) with a lower mean score of 47 in the B groups, compared to groups A and C. Conclusion: According to the results of the study, the outcomes of surgical treatment of malleolar fractures are still not favorable (especially in the Danis-Weber type B), and further investigations are required to find more appropriate interventional methods in order to obtain the desired results. To achieve optimal surgical outcomes, it is recommended that the injury-to-surgery interval does not exceed four days.

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