Intramedullary fixation versus anatomically contoured plating of unstable ankle fractures: a randomized control trial

Aim This study compared functional outcomes between anatomical shaped fibular plates and intramedullary nail fixation of adult patients who sustained unstable ankle fractures. Methods A prospective randomized control trial was conducted between November 2013 and December 2016 on patients that presented with an unstable ankle fractures. They were randomized into a plate-and-screw group and a fibula nail group. At each post-operative visit the wounds were reviewed, and specific outcome measures were recorded, which included (i) the patient reported outcome measure (PROM) Olerud and Molander functional score, (ii) the Grimby score, (iii) swelling around the malleoli, (iv) plantar flexion, (v) dorsiflexion, (vi) inversion, and (vi) eversion. Results Significant differences were observed in scar size (p < 0.001) and screening time (p < 0.001) whilst no differences were observed in functional and PROM measures. Although not statistically significant, of clinical value is one deep infection that occurred in the plate group, whilst no infections occurred in the nail group. Conclusion Both fixation methods yielded very similar functional results with differences only in scar size, screening time and swelling. Although none of these warrant a change in surgical decision-making processes, taken together, these factors potentially influence the decisions made in terms of surgical modalities used.