The Outcomes of Mini-Plate Fixation for Unstable Wagstaffe Tubercle Fracture, an Indirect Syndesmosis Injury in Rotational Ankle Fracture

<b>Background:</b> Wagstaffe fracture constitutes an indirect injury to the AITFL and can precipitate syndesmotic instability. The prevailing fixation methods often involve the use of mini-screws or K-wires, with absorbable suture repair reserved for cases with small or comminuted fragme...

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Main Authors: Byung-Ryul Lee, Ki-Jin Jung, Eui-Dong Yeo, Sung-Hun Won, Yong-Cheol Hong, Chang-Hwa Hong, Chang-Hyun Kim, Ho-Sung Kim, Jae-Young Ji, Je-Yeon Byeon, Dhong-Won Lee, Woo-Jong Kim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-03-01
Series:Journal of Clinical Medicine
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/6/1605
Description
Summary:<b>Background:</b> Wagstaffe fracture constitutes an indirect injury to the AITFL and can precipitate syndesmotic instability. The prevailing fixation methods often involve the use of mini-screws or K-wires, with absorbable suture repair reserved for cases with small or comminuted fragments exhibiting instability. In this study, we devised a mini-plate fixation method capable of securing the fracture fragment irrespective of its size or condition. <b>Methods:</b> A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures between May 2022 and October 2023. The surgical technique involved direct fixation of the Wagstaffe fracture using mini-plate fixation. Radiologic evaluation was performed using postoperative CT images, and clinical outcomes were assessed using the OMAS and VAS. <b>Results:</b> Fourteen patients with an average age of 62.5 years were included. Most fractures were associated with the supination-external rotation type. The average preoperative OMAS significantly improved from 5.95 to 83.57 postoperatively. The average VAS score decreased from 7.95 preoperatively to 0.19 postoperatively. <b>Conclusions:</b> The mini-plate technique for Wagstaffe fractures exhibited dependable fixation strength, effective fracture reduction, a minimal complication rate, and judicious surgical procedure duration.
ISSN:2077-0383