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Operative time increased with fibular fixation during external fixation placement
Operative time statistically increased during temporization and did not significantly decrease during definitive stabilization when the fibula was fixated during external fixation placement, according to study results.
Researchers reviewed 131 adult patients with 137 high-energy pilon injuries, and assessed the effect of fibular fixation and timing on radiographic and clinical outcomes.
Results showed no effect on the timing or rate of union of pilon fractures at 18.7 month follow-up regardless of whether fibular fixation was present. Researchers also found no significant difference in the presence or development of coronal or sagittal malalignment between the two groups intraoperatively or at final follow-up. Although results showed no significant difference of fibular union rates between the two groups, researchers found fibular fixation increased operative time in a statistically significant manner. According to study results, early fixation of the fibular fracture had no effect on alignment, healing or complication rates when comparing fibular fixation during the temporization stage vs. the definitive fixation stage. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Chan reports no relevant financial disclosures. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.