A Retrospective Case Series of Single-Screw vs Dual-Screw Fixation for Treatment of Medial Malleolus Fractures

Abstract

Background: Medial malleolus fractures (MMFs) are common across the world. Currently, there is a lack of consensus on the number of screws used in fixation of MMF. Our aim was to compare the radiographic outcomes of MMF with patients between fractures that have either undergone single-screw (SS) or dual-screw (DS) fixation. Methods: This retrospective study assessed patients who had undergone fixation of their MMF from 2012 to 2022. Analysis of their perioperative radiographs was performed to determine the initial type of injury and then radiographic outcomes of nonunion and malunion. Results: A total of 653 patients suffering bimalleolar fractures were identified across a 10-year period. There were 271 patients (41.50%) in the SS group and 382 in the DS group (58.50%). There was no difference found in the nonunion rate of SS (19.19% [52 of 271]) compared with DS (18.85% [72 of 382]) ( P = .931). A statistically significant difference between malunion rates was found between the SS group (11.07% [30 of 271]) compared with the DS group (3.93% [15 of 382]) ( P < .001). On multiregression analysis, factors that gained significance for development of nonunion was nonfixation of syndesmosis ( P = .039), ankle dislocation on arrival ( P < .001), and nonrestoration of fibular length ( P < .001). Other factors that showed significance for failure to achieve medial anatomical reduction was nonfixation of syndesmosis ( P < .001). Conclusion: Use of an SS rather than DS showed a significant increase in nonanatomical reduction but did not increase nonunion or reoperation rate. Syndesmosis fixation was associated with higher rates of MMF nonunion and malunion; as such, surgeons should have a low index of suspicion of injury and fixation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective case series.