The role of a fibular nail in the management of Weber type B ankle fractures in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone--a preliminary report.

Abstract

Fibular nailing was performed in 11 Weber type B ankle fractures in elderly patients (average 67.2 years) with osteoporotic bones between March 1996 and February 2000. All the fractures were displaced with significant talar shift. Nine patients remained under follow-up (average 25.9 months). Results were good and excellent in 88% of cases by the modified Olerud and Molander scoring system. One patient developed post-operative ankle subluxation and required ankle fusion. We feel that fibular nailing is an important tool in managing specific types of ankle fracture.