Evaluation of functional outcome following ORIF of bimalleolar fractures of the ankle-A prospective study of 30 patients

Abstract

Bimalleolar fractures are common injuries, and stable fracture patterns can be treated conservatively, while complicated, unstable fractures would require surgical intervention. This study aimed to evaluate the functional outcome following ORIF (Open reduction and internal fixation) of these fractures. This was a study of 30 patients with bimalleolar fractures who presented between January 2013 to January 2016 treated with ORIF with a follow-up period of 3 years. Functional outcome was performed with the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle society) score. The mean age of the patients was 41.6 years. There was a female preponderance seen in our study with the left side being more commonly affected. The mean time to fracture union was 12.13 weeks, and we had excellent outcomes in 18 patients, good in 10, while two patients had a fair result. We did not lose any of our patients to follow up. All of our patients were happy with the functional outcome achieved. No significant complications were seen in our study. ORIF in bimalleolar fractures enables restoration of the ankle mortise to an anatomical position and facilitates early mobilization of the ankle resulting in good functional outcomes.