[Kirschner wire transfixation of syndesmosis rupture--an alternative treatment of type B and C malleolar fractures].

After completing ORIF of the lateral malleolus, the standard technique for fixation of the syndesmosis involves placement of a 3.5 mm locking screw across the fibula to the tibia. Alternative there is a possibility to make the transfixation with two 1.6 mm Kirschner wires introduced obliquely across the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. No early removing of the implant is necessary. This retrospective study was conducted on a total of 50 cases of Weber type B or C malleolar fractures with syndesmotic rupture between 1988 and 1996. In 45 patients (90%) there is no complication seen for the transfixation, but in five patients a Kirschner wire dislocation was observed. We were able to review 36 of these patients after a median follow-up of 8.3 years (range 5-12 years). The results were evaluated using objective, subjective and roentgenographic criteria. Subjective rating had 29 patients (81%) with very good or good results. Good radiological results were found in 29 patients (81%). Concluding of this results the Kirschner wires transfixation is a technical simple method with good or very good results.