Twisted Plating - A Method of Distal Fibula Fixation

Objective The literature entails various intramedullary and extramedullary methods for distal fibula fracture fixation; with no consensus yet over the ideal method of fixation. We have retrospectively analyzed the results of using a twisted and contoured 3.5 mm locking compression plate (LCP) as a posterior buttress plate. Methods Of the 62 cases with ankle fractures managed at our institute by the senior author from 1 (st) January 2012 to 31 (st) December 2015, 41 patients met our inclusion criteria (Danis-Weber types B and C). Results All 41 distal fibular fractures healed uneventfully, at a mean of 10.4 weeks (8–14 weeks) (Figs. 6, 7, 8 to 9) with no complications. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 92.6 (86–100) at a mean follow-up of 31.5 months (14–61 months). Conclusions We have achieved excellent clinical and radiological outcomes using a twisted 3.5 mm LCP as a posterior buttress by combining the advantages of posterior antiglide plating and lateral LCP.