Clinical Research on Foot & Ankle
Open Access

Review Article

Posterior versus Lateral Plate Fixation of Short Oblique Fractures of the Distal Fibula: A Literature Review

Julia S Sanders^1*, James R Bailey³, Ryan R Fader¹ and Justin J Mitchell²

¹Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, United States

²The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Vail, CO, United States

³Naval Hospital - Bremerton, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bremerton, WA

*Corresponding Author:

Julia S Sanders
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado School of Medicine
12631 E. 17th Avenue, Mail Stop B202 Aurora, CO, 80045, United States
Tel: 3037242963
Fax: 303.724.1593
E-mail: julia.sanders@ucdenver.edu

Received date: May 12, 2016; Accepted date: August 27, 2016; Published date: September 02, 2016

Citation: Julia SS, James RB, Ryan RF, Justin JM (2016) Posterior versus Lateral Plate Fixation of Short Oblique Fractures of the Distal Fibula: A Literature Review. Clin Res Foot Ankle 4:200. doi:10.4172/2329-910X.1000200

Copyright: © 2016 Julia SS, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Background: Oblique spiral fractures of the distal third of the fibula are commonly encountered in any orthopedic practice. Controversy persists over various fixation methods and their corresponding risks and benefits.
Methods: A systematic review of the pertinent literature pertaining to these fractures was performed, and currently published results were summarized.
Results: There are advantages and disadvantages to each fixation method. Supporters of direct lateral plating argue for less peroneal irritation, ease of exposure, and direct fracture reduction. Those in favor of posterior plating report increased biomechanical strength, less lateral skin irritation, infrequent need for hardware removal, and ability to use bicortical fixation in the distal fragment. Modern implant advances and minimally invasive approaches have added complexity to fixation choices.
Conclusion: Presently there is insufficient evidence to support either posterior or lateral fibular plating as a gold standard. Choice of approach and surgical technique should be individually based on fracture pattern, patient characteristics and surgeon experience.

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