Van der Merwe, JohanVan Staden, Gideon Francois2019-07-102019-07-102018-10http://hdl.handle.net/11660/9997Introduction: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with anatomical reduction of displaced ankle fractures have been the standard of care since the 1960, but are associated with increased risk of complication, especially wound dehiscence and infections. Studies showed that minimal invasive ankle fracture fixation with a fibula intramedullary nail can reduce these complications with good clinical results after fracture fixation. Biomechanical evidence of its strength compared with locking plates and screws, is currently limited. Aims: We examined the biomechanical properties of a distal fibular locking plate with the fibula intramedullary nail for fixation of ankle fractures induced in cadaveric models. Methods: 14 cadavers (28 limbs) were used and supination external rotation (SER) IV injury was surgically created. Right limbs was allocated to the locking plate group and left limbs to the intramedullary fibula nail group. Biomechanical testing was performed simulating an external rotation force. Results: There was no statistical difference between the mean force needed for loss of anatomical reduction in the locking plate group and fibula nail group. There was, however, a statistical difference between the mean forces for total implant failure between the locking plate group and fibula nail group. Conclusion: This cadaver study supports previous biomechanical research findings of comparable stability between the two surgical techniques when looking at the force needed to cause loss of anatomical reduction. The locking plates, was however superior to the fibula nail with regards to the amount of force needed to cause implant failure. From a biomechanical perspective, this showed that the fibula nail is be a viable option when treating unstable fibula fractures.enAnkle fractureBiomechanical stabilityLateral malleolusFibular nailIntramedullary nailLocking plateSupination external rotation IV injuryCadaver studyDissertation (M.Med. (Orthopedic Surgery))--Univesity of the Free State, 2018DissertationUniversity of the Free State