Three-Dimensional Anatomically Pre-Contoured Locking Plate for Isolated Weber B Type Fracture

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of a three-dimensionally (3D) pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures and to evaluate the necessity of an interfragmentary lag screw in the use of the plate. Patients who underwent surgery for isolated Weber B type fracture were divided into two groups: 41 patients treated with the 3D plate and lag screw (Group A) and 31 patients treated with the 3D plate only (Group B). The included patients were evaluated regarding the functional and radiographic outcomes. According to the McLennan and Ungersma criteria, the majority of patients showed good or fair outcomes in both groups. Comparing the two groups, Group B showed better functional outcomes (p < 0.0046), while no difference between the two groups was found in terms of the radiographic outcomes (p = 0.143). The operation time was significantly shorter in Group B (p < 0.001) and the time to bony union was within 14 months in all patients with no significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.0821). No postoperative complication was observed in both groups. In conclusion, the use of a 3D pre-contoured lateral locking plate fixation for isolated Weber B type fractures demonstrated satisfactory functional and radiographic outcomes, regardless of lag screw insertion.

Clinical study of intramedullary nailing fixation for the treatment of Danis-Weber B in lateral malleolus fracture

“…The effect of postoperative fracture reduction was evaluated using the McLennan method as follows: 14 (i) good reduction: no loss of the length of the fibula, within 2 mm of the posterior movement, an increase of 1 mm in the internal talotibial space; (ii) fair reduction: reduction of the tibia less than 2 mm, posterior displacement of 2-4 mm, external displacement of 2 mm and an increase of the internal talotibial space of 1-3 mm; (iii) poor reduction: the tibia shortened by more than 2 mm, the posterior displacement was more than 4 mm, the lateral displacement was more than 2 mm and the internal talotibial space increased by more than 3 mm.…”