Neutralization versus Compression Plate on Lateral Malleolus Fracture: Is Lag Screw Necessary?

Introduction: Our aim was to compare clinical and radiological results of lateral malleolus fracture treated with neutralization and compression plate. Material and Methods: 54 patients with isolated lateral malleolus fractures treated between March 2012 and April 2015 at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital were evaluated with the Ankle-Hindfoot Scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score (excellent, ≥90; good, 75 - 89; acceptable, 50 - 74; poor, <50); patient satisfactory score (PSS) (0, very unhappy; 10, very happy) and weight-bearing walking based a visual analogue scale (VAS) (0, pain-free; 10, the most unbearable pain). The union of the fractures also evaluated. Results: There was no significant change in AOFAS, VAS, PSS and the union rates between two plating techniques. Conclusion: Similar results have shown both of two plating techniques were successful treating isolated lateral malleolus fracture.