In Adults Aged <65 Years with Unstable Ankle Fractures, Fibular Nailing Did Not Differ from Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Functional Outcome at 1 Year

Abstract

Patients: 125 patients aged 18 to 64 years (mean age, 42 years; 50%women)who had an ankle fracture within the past 2 weeks that was unstable as indicated by talar displacement on ankle radiographs at presentation or at 1 week after injury. Exclusion criteria included bilateral injuries, ipsilateral lower-limb injury, pilon fractures, or ankle fractures not requiring lateral fixation. 88% of patients completed follow-up at 1 year and 79%at 2 years.