Study Summary

154 adult patients with closed, unstable bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures requiring surgery were randomized in a prospective clinical trial. The patients were allocated to either internal fixation (n=78) or nonfixation (n=76) of the well-reduced medial malleolus fracture after fibular stabilization. The primary outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), a functional score covering 9 domains, at 1 year post-randomization. Secondary outcomes included ankle and health outcome scores, such as the EQ-5D, complications, return to work or activities, and radiographic assessments. The results revealed no significant difference in OMAS at 1 year between the fixation and nonfixation groups. However, the nonfixation group showed a 20% nonunion rate radiographically, with only 1 in 5 requiring surgical reintervention for asymptomatic cases. This suggests that selective nonfixation may be a valid option for anatomically reduced fractures.