WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

*Zuhair Hashim Yaseen, Hassanein Hadi Alwan and Haider Hekmat Jewaid

ABSTRACT

Background: Medial malleolar fractures are a common subset of ankle fractures, frequently resulting from twisting injuries. These fractures range in severity, with simple fractures often managed nonoperatively, while more complex cases require surgical intervention. Various fixation techniques are employed, depending on the fracture pattern and bone quality. The aim of study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial malleolar fracture fixation using bicortical fully threaded lag screws versus partially threaded malleolar lag screws. Patients and Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare two methods of screw fixation in medial malleolar fractures. A total of 22 patients diagnosed with isolated medial malleolar fractures and admitted for surgical treatment were included in the study. They were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I consisted of 11 patients treated with unicortical partially threaded lag screws, while Group II included 11 patients who received bicortical fully threaded lag screws. Results: In Group I, 24% of patients (n=3) experienced complications, specifically screw loosening and nonunion, suggesting inadequate stability with the unicortical partially threaded screw fixation. In contrast, Group II, treated with bicortical fully threaded screws, showed no such complications (0%), indicating superior mechanical stability and improved bone healing outcomes. Conclusion: Fixation using bicortical fully threaded lag screws demonstrated significantly better radiological and clinical results compared to unicortical partially threaded screws in the treatment of medial malleolar fractures. This technique appears to provide enhanced fracture stability and should be considered the preferred method in surgical fixation of these fractures.