Ankle osteosynthesis
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In this example we have a fracture of the ankle joint at its outer part. On x-ray(1,2) the fracture is visible. Because already a small displacement of the bone can lead to early arthrosis it was decided to perform an operation. By means of an incision at the ankle (3) the skin is opened and the bone with the fracture is freed (4). With a clamp the bone pieces are put together (5) and hereafter with two srews fixation in the original position is assured. The clamp can then be removed (7) and the wound closed (8), in this case with staples. These can be removed after approximately 10 days.
The fracture parts have been linked so firmly by the screws that a cast is not necessary. Complete weight bearing is not yet possible, but with elbow crutches the patient can walk and move his ankle joint so that stiffness, like in a cast, can be avoided.
In this fracture two screws are used, but in fractures with more loose parts it is often necessary to use extra material (metal plates).