Surgical Treatment of Trimalleolar Fracture in 32 Cases

[Objective]To study the surgical techniques and results of the open reduction and internal fixation for trimalleolar fracture.[Methods] Thirty two patients with trimalleolar fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from June 1999 to January 2006. The choose of the surgical approach and fixation methods were accord with the classification of trimalleolar fracture. [Results] The follow-up period varied from 12~43 months with the average of 22.5 months. All the patients were evaluated with Olerud and Monlander scoring system. The number of patients whose results were excellent, good, fair and poor was respectively 18, 8, 4 and 2.The total percentage of good and excellent clinical fractures results was 82%. There were no local complication, malunion of fracture, the deformity of ankle and the broken of the inserted screw. However, the delayed union was observed in one case. [Conclusion] The first choice of the treatment of complex trimalleolar fracture is open reduction and internal fixation, which leads to good clinical results. The fracture pattern and the surgical techniques will also affect the results of the therapy. The reconstruction of the stability of trimalleolar should be emphasized.