A Clinical Study of the Ankle Fracture

The ankle is a complex structure supporting the entire musculoskeletal system during standing and walking. The injuries to the ankle joint result in a severe functional disturbance because of complex anatomical characteristics around the ankle joint. 69 patients(72 cases) of the ankle fracture that were treated in Orthopedic Dept. Chonbuk National University Hospital from Jan. 1979 to Dec. 1983 were analized in clinical and radiological aspects. The following results were obtained: 1. Among the 69 patients, male was 54 and female 15 with ratio of 3.5: 1.The average age was 32. 2. Main cause of fracture was traffic accident(58%). 3. The musculoskeletal system was injured most frequently associated with the ankle fracture(66%). 4. According to the ankle fracture classification, the most common type was Pronation-external rotation type in Lauge-Hansen classification, and the type C in Weber classification. 5.The average duration of cast immobilization was 8.8 weeks in closed reduction and 7.4 weeks in open reduction. 6. The lateral malleolar fracture involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis was very important in ankle stability so accurate anatomical reduction by internal fixation was necessary for satisfactory functional results. 7. In clinical and radiological analysis, the better results were obtained from open reduction.