Objective: To evaluate mid to long term effects of adding deltoid ligament repair (DLR) to syndesmotic screw fixation (SSF) in the treatment of distal fibula fractures in terms of functional and radiographic results and quality of life.
Method: Seventy-eight patients who underwent SSF or SSF + DLR with a diagnosis of distal fibula fracture in a tertiary hospital were retrospectively included in the study.
Results: 71.8% of the cases were male. The mean age was 39.24 ± 11.95 years. The radiographic and functional results and quality of life were better in the SSF + DLR group compared to the SSF group. Additionally, the operation time was longer in the SSF + DLR group.
Conclusion: Performing DLR in appropriate cases of distal fibula fracture may contribute to better clinical outcomes in the mid to long term.
Key words: Ankle, Distal fibula fractures, Syndesmosis, Deltoid ligament repair
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