Abstract

Introduction: Our objective is to describe the technique and report the outcome of intramedullary (IM) Kirshner (K) wire of lateral malleolus in the surgical management of ankle fractures. The IM fixation of the fibula has been recently introduced as an alternative to the standard open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws, mainly for some potential complicated situations with the potential benefit of soft tissue preservation, and provision of biomechanical efficiency. Method: This is a retrospective study of Forty two consecutive patients between April 2015 and March 2022 who were managed with K wire fixation for lateral malleolar fractures. The fracture reduction was performed either percutaneously with a small pointed reduction clamp or use of longitudinal traction and rotation for closed fractures, or direct reduction in open fractures. Results: The outcome measures were mainly based on radiological and clinical evaluation during follow. Out of the 42 patients in our study, thirty four (81%) patients had good results, 5 (11.8%) fair results, and three (7.2%) had poor results using Weber subjective assessment. Conclusion: Fixation with K-wire is a viable option for the surgical treatment of lateral malleolus in ankle fractures almost similar to use of IM nail device and should be considered in the surgeon’s choice of fixation procedure particularly in a limited resource environment.

Keywords

ankle fracture, kirschner wire, fibula fracture, intramedullary fixation