The effect of pin distractor assistance on the reduction of fibular fractures in the treatment of ankle fracture: A retrospective case-control study

This study will evaluate the therapeutic effect of pin distractor assisted reduction of fibular fracture on ankle fracture. A retrospective analysis was performed on 98 patients diagnosed as ankle fracture or pilon fracture. These patients were all combined with fibular fracture. Retrospective analysis included 48 patients in the experimental group (distractor assisted reduction) and 48 patients in the control group (without pin distractor). The statistical indexes include: the time spent in fracture reduction and fixation, the length of surgical incision, the operative blood loss of fracture operation, the incidence of incision skin necrosis, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of fracture reduction, the time of fracture healing, infection rate, and The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at the last follow-up. There were statistical differences between the 2 groups in the time spent in the reduction and fixation of fractures, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of anatomical reduction of fractures, and the healing time of fractures. The experimental group was better than the control group. In addition, for patients with long spiral fracture, comminuted fracture, osteoporotic fracture and preoperative delay time for operation more than 2 weeks, the time spent in the reduction and fixation of fracture, the operative blood loss of fracture operation, the incidence of fracture end splitting during reduction, the quality of anatomical reduction of fracture, and the healing time of fracture in the experimental group are also better than those in the control group. The pin distractor assisted reduction of fibular fracture has the advantages of simple operation, less trauma, short operation time, less operative blood loss, and fewer complications. It is especially suitable for patients with long spiral fibular fracture, comminuted fracture, osteoporotic fracture, and long preoperative delay time in ankle fracture.