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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Revista Chilena de Ortopedia y Traumatología 2024; 65(03): e115-e122
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1800959
Artículo Original | Original Article

Is the One-third Tubular-Hook-Plate an Alternative for Osteosynthesis in Ankle Fractures? 20 Years of Experience

Article in several languages: español | English
Edgar Alejandro Prieto Barros 
1   Hospital Vozandes Quito, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
,
Carlos Eduardo Freile Noboa 
1   Hospital Vozandes Quito, Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
,
Carlos Patricio Carrillo Peñaherrera 
2   Hospital Vozandes Quito, Quito, Ecuador
,
Francisco Urresta Endara 
3   Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Sede del Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
,
Alejandro Xavier Castro Barros 
3   Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Sede del Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
,
Myrian Andrea Barros Romero 
4   Universidad de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, Ecuador
,
Christian Andrés Velásquez Barcia 
3   Universidad Internacional del Ecuador, Sede del Hospital Metropolitano, Quito, Ecuador
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Abstract

Introduction The use of the one-third tubular plate as a hook plate for treating ankle fractures has been considered an effective alternative for osteosynthesis in cases involving small bone fragments, multifragmentary fractures, or patients with poor bone quality. This technique was first documented in 1948. The one-third tubular plate has been successfully employed in fractures at various anatomical sites. Today, this plate is available in titanium and stainless steel with a thickness of 1.0 mm, making it suitable for areas with minimal soft tissue coverage. After two decades of use, this article presents the one-third tubular plate, used as a hook plate, as a viable and effective alternative for treating ankle fractures.

Material and Methods A descriptive retrospective study included 83 patients over 20 years. Of these, 57.84% were male, and their ages ranged from 22 to 85 years. Exposed fractures accounted for 9.6%, with 50% classified as Grade II, 38% as Grade IIIA, and 12% as Grade IIIB. All patients underwent open reduction and osteosynthesis within the first 24 hours.

Results Fracture consolidation was observed in 81.93% of cases at 12 weeks, in 4.8% between 13 and 16 weeks, and 9.6% after 16 weeks. In 3.6% of cases, consolidation was delayed, occurring between 20 and 24 weeks. Complications were reported in 3.61% of cases. Additionally, one patient developed ankle osteoarthritis and only 2.49% required implant removal.

Conclusion The results demonstrate that the one-third tubular plate used as a hook plate is an effective and recommended option for ankle fracture surgery, with favorable functional outcomes, high consolidation rates, and low complication rates.

Keywords

fracture osteosynthesis - ankle fractures - one-third tubular plate - intra-articular fractures


Publication History

Received: 29 July 2024

Accepted: 06 November 2024

Article published online:
26 December 2024

© 2024. Sociedad Chilena de Ortopedia y Traumatologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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