Study On Distal Fibular Epiphyseal Fracture With Orthofix Radiolucent Ankle Clamp

Objective:To analyse the clinical effect of distal fibular epiphyseal fracture with orthofix Radiolucent Ankle Clamp, and preliminary estimate its advantages by comparing with splinted patients.Methods:analysed 40 cases of distal fibular epiphyseal fracture (S-H typeⅡ). All of them received reduction manipulation called "Zhenggu shisi fa". Depending on the external fixation types, there were two groups. One was orthofix group, the other was splinted group. There were 27 male and 13 female in total. As to the injury type,27 cases for fell down,8 for traffic accident, 5 for sports. Analysed their hospital stays, recovery time, rehabilitation and complications in SPSS18.0.Results:Two groups were no different in age, sex, causes and Salter-Harris type. In comparing the hospital stays, splinted group was 28.47±2.25d, orthofix group was 16.36±3.42d. The difference was proven significant difference (P<0.05). However, the recovery time of two groups were the same. In function estimate, according to Ovadia, orthofix group was better than splinted group (P<0.05). In comparing the premature fusion of epiphyseal plates, malunion and range of motion(ROM), two groups were no significant difference in the early 3 months.6th months later, one X-ray evidence of 16-year old girl showed suspicious premature fusion in the splinted group,2 cases with malunion, and average ROM was 52.3%; while no premature fusion of epiphyseal plates, malunion existed in orthofix group, average ROM was 74.9%. 9th months later,2 cases showed suspicious premature fusion in the splinted group,2 cases with malunion, and average ROM was 69.4%; while no premature fusion of epiphyseal plates existed in orthofix group, average ROM was 87.2% with only one case of malunion. Conclusion:Reduction manipulation with Orthofix Radiolucent Ankle Clamp is a effective treatment for distal fibular epiphyseal fracture, which can shorten the hospital stays, prevent bone bridge formation and is advantage for patient to perform early functional training to prevent stiffed ankles, therefore achieved better rehabilitation.