Posterior malleolus fixation in trimalleolar ankle fractures: outcomes from a single-centre retrospective cohort.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fixation of the posterior malleolus in ankle fractures has evolved from simple size-based criteria to morphology-guided indications informed by computed tomography (CT). Direct posterior approaches now permit anatomic reduction of the posterior tibial plafond and restoration of syndesmotic stability. However, real-world functional outcomes and complication data from United Kingdom (UK) centres remain limited.
OBJECTIVE: To describe patient-reported outcomes and complication patterns following morphology-guided posterior malleolus fixation for trimalleolar ankle fractures in a single National Health Service (NHS) teaching hospital.
METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures who underwent posterior malleolus fixation between 2020 and 2022. Functional outcome was assessed using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Scores were categorised as poor (<30), fair (30-59), good (60-79), very good (80-99), and excellent (≥100). Complications and reoperations were identified from electronic records. All summary data are reported as frequency (n) and percentage (%), and figures were generated directly from the clinical dataset.
RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients contributed OMAS data. The median OMAS was 85, with an interquartile range of 27.5, indicating a distribution skewed towards higher function. Category distribution was poor in 2/39 (5.1%) patients, fair in 6/39 (15.4%), good in 8/39 (20.5%), very good in 16/39 (41.0%), and excellent in 7/39 (17.9%). Minor complications occurred in 10/39 patients (25.6%), most commonly pain in 2/39 (5.1%), post-traumatic arthritis requiring steroid injection in 2/39 (5.1%), and issues related to syndesmotic screws in 2/39 (5.1%). Seven patients (17.9%) underwent removal of metalwork. No deep infections or permanent neurological deficits were recorded.
CONCLUSION: Morphology-guided posterior malleolus fixation in trimalleolar ankle fractures was associated with high functional scores and an acceptable complication profile in this single-centre series. These findings support contemporary practice that emphasises CT-based assessment and direct posterior fixation when morphology or instability indicates, while highlighting the need for further prospective studies with standardised reporting and long-term follow-up.
Date
2026-01-08
Type
Article
Subject
Ankle Injuries, Outcome and Process Assessment, Treatment Outcome, Fracture Fixation
Collections
Citation
Shah S, Fernandes A, Shiers-Gelalis F, Bidwai R, Alcelik I, Mahmoud M, Upadhyay V, Stanley J, Budgen A, Jowett C. Posterior Malleolus Fixation in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures: Outcomes From a Single-Centre Retrospective Cohort. Cureus. 2026 Jan 8;18(1):e101072. doi: 10.7759/cureus.101072.
Journal / Source Title
Cureus
DOI
10.7759/cureus.101072
PMID
41527670
Publisher
Cureus, Inc.
Publisher’s URL
http://www.cureus.com/