The ANK device: a new approach in the treatment of the fractures of the lateral malleolus associated with the rupture of the syndesmosis

Foot Ankle Int. 2000 Sep;21(9):753-8. doi: 10.1177/107110070002100907.

Abstract

The ANK device was developed for the treatment of fractures of the lateral malleolus occurring with rupture of the syndesmosis. While it provides the anatomic reduction of the fracture and the syndesmosis, it allows the physiologic movements of the fibula. It is not used for comminuted fractures of the lateral malleolus and in cases where fibular medullary canal is narrow. We included forty-nine patients who had the ANK device applied and at least 2 years follow-up. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range 24-124). The fractures were evaluated according to the Lauge-Hansen classification; 25 cases were evaluated as supination-external rotation, 11 cases were pronation-abduction, and 13 cases were pronation-external rotation type fractures. There were also 46 fractures of the medial malleolus and three ruptures of the deltoid ligament. Twenty-nine (59,2%) patients were evaluated as excellent, 12 (24,5%) as good, 5 (10.2%) as fair and 3 (6.1%) as poor. Arthrosis was observed in 3 (6.1%) of the patients.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ankle Injuries / classification
  • Ankle Injuries / complications
  • Ankle Injuries / diagnostic imaging
  • Ankle Injuries / physiopathology
  • Ankle Injuries / surgery*
  • Arthritis / etiology
  • Bone Nails*
  • Female
  • Fibula / injuries*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Bone / classification
  • Fractures, Bone / complications
  • Fractures, Bone / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone / physiopathology
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Gait
  • Humans
  • Lateral Ligament, Ankle / injuries*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pronation
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular
  • Rotation
  • Rupture
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Supination
  • Treatment Outcome