OBJECTIVETo evaluate a surgical technique and outcome and illustrate its important of open reduction and internal fixation for fractures of posterior malleolus.

METHODSFrom Jan. 2004 to Jan. 2008, 25 cases were treated with open reduction and internal fixation involving 17 males and 8 females with an average age of 34 years (ranged from 21 to 67 years old). According to Lauge-Hansen classification: 13 cases of type pronation-external rotation (IV), 7 and 5 cases of type supination-external rotation (III and IV). Twenty cases were treated with screw, 5 cases were treated with gypsum. To evaluate the outcome of operation with X-ray.

RESULTSAfter seven months to three years followed-up, clinic therapeutic effect of each patient was evaluated according to the Leeds scoring system, the results were excellent in 21 cases and good in 2. As compared with the uninjured side on the evaluation of the activity range of ankle joint, there were no significant difference in back-extend and plantar flexion.

CONCLUSIONIn order to obtain ankle joint satisfactory result, open reduction and rigid internal fixation must be adopted in the fracture of posterior malleolus.