Studies have compared open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with fibular nail fixation (FNF) and shown reduced wound complications with minimal difference to PROMS in the short term. Our aim is to compare long-term outcomes for unstable ankle fractures at 10 year follow up. Patients from a previously conducted RCT were contacted at a minimum of 10 years post intervention at a single study centre. Case notes were reviewed, and patient reported outcome measures acquired at 10 years.Background
Methods
To compare the long-term outcomes of fibular nailing and plate fixation for unstable ankle fractures in a cohort of patients under the age of 65 years. Patients from a previously conducted randomized control trial comparing fibular nailing and plate fixation were contacted at a minimum of 10 years post intervention at a single study centre. Short term data were collected prospectively and long-term data were collected retrospectively using an electronic patient record software. Ninety-nine patients from one trauma centre were included (48 fibular nails and 51 plate fixations). Groups were matched for gender ( The current study illustrates no difference between fibular nail fixation and plate fixation at a long-term follow up of 10 years in patients under 65 years old, although the study is currently under powered.