Does the Conventional Lateral Plate Still have Its Place in the Management of Weber B Fractures on Osteoporosis? Assessment of the Results of a Series of 56 Cases

Abstract

Background: Weber B fractures occur at the syndesmosis and are very common. They pose a problem of fixation due to the short available length of the distal fragment, in addition if the quality of the bone is poor as in the case of osteoporosis. Objectives: to assess the outcomes of the surgical management of Weber B fractures in osteoporosis by conventional lateral plate. Methodology: This is a retrospective study of 56 osteoporotic patients treated for trans- syndesmotic bimalleolar fracture in the Department of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery at the Ibn Sina University Hospital. The study was conducted over a period of two years. Results: The mean age was 61 years with a sex ratio of 2.5. 43 patients were followed for osteoporosis. Intraoperative evaluation of radiographs and bone quality confirmed the poor quality of the bone in our patients. Falls were the most frequent mechanism. All patients were operated on within 8 hours. Consolidation was obtained after an average of 4 months. Distal screw setback was reported in 5 cases requiring removal of the material. All of our patients were satisfied with the results. Conclusion: Although other studies report the superiority of locked plates or antiglide plates in osteoporosis, our data show no complications related to the use of conventional lateral plates with an advantage of low cost.