PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to present outcomes of operative treatment of the posterior malleolus fractures of type four of the Bartoníček/Rammelt classification. METHODS: In 19 patients, direct reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolus was performed from the posterolateral or posteromedial approaches. The accuracy of reduction was assessed with the use of postoperative CT scans. RESULTS: The mean size of the avulsed articular surface carried by posterior malleolus amounted to 36%. Reduction of the posterior malleolus fracture was assessed as anatomical in 14 cases and as satisfactory in five cases. Position of the distal fibula was assessed as anatomical in 15 cases. The mean AOFAS score was 89.4 points. All nine patients with anatomical reduction of all lesions achieved the mean AOFAS score of 93.1 points, five patients with malposition of posterior malleolus 89.1 points and five patients with malposition of the fibula in the fibular notch 87.8 points. A total of six patients developed osteoarthritic changes of grades one and two according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification. CONCLUSIONS: Outcomes of the study demonstrated good mid-term results in type four fractures of the posterior malleolus treated by direct reduction from posterior approaches. Postoperative CT examination allowed evaluation of the accuracy of reduction of all fractures and reduction of the distal fibula into the fibular notch. Based on postoperative CT examination, it will be possible to assess the effect of reduction of individual lesions on the functional results.

Department of Orthopaedics 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University and Military University Hospital Prague U Vojenské Nemocnice 1200 169 02 Prague 6 Czech Republic

Surgical Department Thomayer's Hospital 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Vídeňská 800 140 59 Prague 4 Czech Republic

University Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden Fetscherstrasse 74 01307 Dresden Germany

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