A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF TREATMENT FOR LATERAL MALLEOLUS FRACTURE TREATED WITH PLATING VS TENSION BAND WIRING

Abstract

Introduction: Ankle fractures, often caused by falls or impacts, cause moderate to severe pain and difficulty walking. They are common in emergency departments and can be treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or tension band wiring (TBW). This study aims to compare functional and radiological outcomes of lateral malleolus fractures treated with plating versus TBW, addressing the current lack of consensus among orthopedic surgeons. Aims: The study compares plating and tension band wiring for treating lateral malleolus fractures, focusing on fracture union duration, functional and radiological outcomes, and post-operative complications. Methodology: This study compares functional and radiological outcomes of lateral malleolus fracture treatment with plating vs. tension band wiring at Krishna Hospital, Karad. The study involved 30 patients aged 18 and above, with exclusion criteria including compound fractures, pathological fractures, Weber type c fractures, and revision surgery. Results: The study found no significant age, gender, affected side distribution, Weber types distribution, postoperative complications, or success rates between patients treated with lateral malleolus plating and tension band wiring. Both techniques yielded similar functional improvements and no significant difference in AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scores at 3 months. Discussion: The study compared the functional and radiological outcomes of lateral malleolus fractures treated with plating and tension band wiring. Results showed no significant age, gender, or postoperative complications between the two groups. The plating group had a higher prevalence of road traffic accidents, while the tension band wiring group had a lower prevalence. Both techniques yielded comparable functional recovery and complication rates. Conclusion: The study demonstrates the effectiveness of lateral malleolus plating and tension band wiring techniques in treating lateral malleolus fractures, with comparable radiological outcomes and postoperative complications rates.