Minimally invasive treatment of medial malleolus fracture by implanting a hollow screw under C-arm X-ray

This study is to investigate the efficacy of the minimally invasive implantation, which is a domestic hollow screw for treatment of medial malleolus fracture assisted by C-arm X-ray machine. Methods: Twenty-three patients with new onset of medial malleolus fracture admitted into our hospital from 2009 to 2013 were randomly divided into the minimally invasive group and control group. Twelve patients in the minimally invasive group received minimally invasive fixation with a hollow screw under C-arm X-ray, and 11 patients in the control group received traditional open surgical reduction and screw fixation. Results: The average hospital stay time was 6.5 +/- 1.4 days in minimally invasive group, compared to control group with 12 +/- 2 days. There was a significant reduced time of fracture healing in minimally invasive group with 11.8 +/- 0.9 weeks, compared to control group with 15.9 +/- 1.1 weeks (p< 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference for excellent rate of ankle function between minimally invasive group (91%) and control group (81%, P< 0.05). Conclusion: Minimally invasive hollow screw implantation under C-arm X-ray for treatment of medial malleolus fracture has advantages of less trauma, shorter hospital stay, faster healing, better articular surface reduction, reliable fixation and good functional recovery, and is worth to be widely applied.