OBJECTIVETo explore a new method for the treatment of ankle joint fractures, and to evaluate its therapeutic effects.

METHODSAmong 42 patients with ankle joint fractures, 34 patients had complete data for analysis, 19 patients were male and 15 patients were female, ranging in age from 21 to 61 years, with an average of 37 years. According to Weber-AO classification, there are 28 patients of B-type and 6 patients of C-type. The Baird and Jackson Rating System was used to evaluate therapeutic effects, and the relationship between the final function and fracture type, fracture fixation and, the time of functional training after operation were analyzed. Thirty-four patients with ankle joint fractures of B and C type were treated with internal fixation of posterior fibula plate to avoid injury of articular facet by the nails. The patients combined with the fractures of posterior malleolus were treated with fixation of both fibula and posterior malleolus through the same incision.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up ranging from 1.2 to 3.2 years, with an average of 1.8 years. According to evaluation criterion, 24 patients got an excellent result, 6 good and 4 fair, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%.

CONCLUSIONThe internal fixation of posterior fibula plate, as a treatment for ankle joint fractures, successfully avoids the injury of articular facet by the nails. Not only does it enhance the pullout strength of the nails, but it is able to treat the fracture of lateral malleolus and posterior malleolus with a single incision. It has provided a new way for the treatment of ankle fractures.