Medoff, R, MD
Abstract, Castle Medical Center, Kailua, Hawaii, USA
Introduction: The charts of all ankle fractures surgically treated with ORIF by surgeons at Windward
Orthopaedic Group, Inc. (Kailua, HI) over the past two years were pulled and evaluated. Of the ankle
fractures treated with standard Synthes fixation, about one in five was treated with a locking
semitubular plate, which was higher than expected.
Methods: Over 2 years, all patients with internal fixation of malleolar fractures without syndesmosis
tear at a single group practice were reviewed. 48 patients fit this criterion. 29 patients required only
lateral malleolar fixation; 15 were treated with standard fixation and 14 with a Sidewinder or Hook
plate. 19 patients had bimalleolar fixation; 11 were treated with a lateral plate and screws medially, and
8 were treated with a Sidewinder plate and Medial Malleolar Sled. Tourniquet time, time of
immobilization, and time to return to full activity were recorded.
Results: Comparing standard fixation to TriMed fixation for isolated lateral malleolar
fixation, the average tourniquet time was 50 minutes / 43 minutes, average immobilization was 10
weeks / 5 weeks, and average time to return to full activity was 16 weeks / 10 weeks respectively; for
fractures treated with bimalleolar fixation, the average tourniquet times were 91 minutes / 74 minutes,
average immobilization was 12 weeks / 7 weeks, and average time to return to activity was 18 weeks /
10 weeks respectively.
Conclusion: The TriMed Ankle Fixation System reduces operative time, decreases the immobilization
period and allows patients with unimalleolar fractures an earlier return to activity.