Internal fixation of fibula combined with tibial external fixative frame for treatment of tibial and fibular fractures

Objective: To explore the effect of internal fixation of fibula combined with small-incision reduction fixation and external fixative frame in treatment of fractures of tibia and fibula.Methods: Thirty-six patients with fractures of tibia and fibula were treated by internal fixation of fibula combined with small-incision reduction fixation and external frame from January 2002 through April 2005.Results: During the follow-up period from 6 to 34 months in thirty-six patients,according to the criteria of Johner and Wruh,twenty patients were assessed as excellent,nine as good,five as fair and two as poor.Conclusions: The combined operative procedure is simple and reliable and the functional recovery is satisfactory.