A Retrospective Case Series of Carbon Fiber Plate Fixation of Ankle Fractures

Abstract

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures encompass 9% of all orthopaedic fractures and when they require surgical fixation can use 1/3 rd tubular plates, locking plates, antiglide plates, lagging screws, intramedullary nails which have been made from various metals most commonly stainless steel or titanium alloys. Carbon fiber implants have been used for a number of years more frequently in the humerus, the femur, and the spine. Our hypothesis is that the carbon fiber plates are just as efficacious in fixing ankle fractures as titanium and stainless steel plates. Methods: This is retrospective study of one surgeon’s ankle fractures which were fixed by ORIF with carbon fiber plates. All patients from Jan 2013-May 2015 who underwent a ankle orif with carbon fiber plate were collected and assessed for time to fracture consolidation, return to function, and complications and these were compared to historical models of fracture fixation with titanium and stainless steel plates. The results were assessed by ANOVA statistical models. Results: We found that the carbon fiber plates are equal in their time to consolidation, wound healing, and return to function, however we found that the carbon fiber plates allow for better fracture site visualization post operatively to determine fracture consolidation Conclusion: The carbon fiber plate is a viable alternative to ankle fracture ORIF especially in patients where close follow up of the fracture site is of benefit.