Bridging plate

Bridge plating uses the plate as an extramedullary splint, fixed to the two main fragments, while the fracture zone is left virtually untouched.

Reduction of the distal tibiofibular joint is important Therefore, restoration of the length, axis and rotation of the fibula is crucial. and must be checked intraoperatively under image intensification.

Reduction can usually be achieved indirectly by distraction. Anatomical reduction in the fibular fracture zone is not necessary.

Bridging plates are commonly used in multifragmentary lateral fractures.

Mechanical stability, provided by the bridging plate, should be adequate for indirect healing (callus formation).

In cases of large zones of comminution, stronger plates, such as reconstruction plates or locking compression plates (LCP), provide better stability than one-third-tubular plates.

The angular stability provided by the LCP may be advantageous.

The patient may be placed in the following positions:

• Supine position
• Lateral position

For this procedure a lateral approach is normally used.

In multifragmentary fractures, care must be taken to avoid excessive stripping of the periosteum as well as devascularization of the fragments.

Indirect reduction may be obtained by longitudinal traction, either on the foot, or of the main distal fragment using a bone hook.

In a transsyndesmotic fracture, if the distal fragment is large enough, insert one or two K-wires to hold the reduction.

Rotation and anatomical position are difficult to determine. All methods of visualization of the distal tibiofibular joint such as image intensification, and palpation with a finger can be used. It is useful to have a comparative x-ray of the other, uninjured ankle as a template.

Anatomic plates with locking screw option are available from various manufacturers. To illustrate the principles of the procedure, the use of a classic plate is described.

The plate must be long enough both to cover the length of the fracture zone and ideally to allow insertion of three screws in each main fragment.

Before the plate is applied, it must be contoured.

Contouring is best done with the help of the appropriate aluminum template. The plate should perfectly fit the bone contour throughout its entire length.

If a plate with locking screws is used on the shaft of the fibula, it does not have to fit perfectly against the bone.

Position the plate firmly by hand and plan the position of the first proximal screw near the fracture.

Remove the plate.

Drill a 2.5 mm hole through both fibular cortices at the planned screw site, 3 mm proximal to the fracture.

Measure the length through the plate, tap with the cortical tap and tap sleeve.

Carefully apply the plate. Insert the first proximal screw.

The screw should just penetrate the far cortex.

Next, insert a screw into the first distal plate hole. All distal screws are aimed towards the articular surface of the lateral malleolus. Ensure that their tips do not protrude into the joint by aiming the drill slightly posteriorly.

Predrill carefully until just reaching the far cortex. Measure the length and select a 3.5 mm cortex screw approximately 2 mm shorter. Tap threads only in the near fibular cortex, and insert the selected screw.

Note

In osteopenic bone, fully threaded cancellous screws can be used.

Insert the remaining screws as described above in the sequence determined by the preoperative plan.

The most distal screw is inserted slightly obliquely from distal to proximal in a posterior direction.

Again, choose a screw 2 mm shorter than was measured and tap the threads only in the near cortex.

Gently tighten all screws.

Check under image intensification in both planes and ensure that no screw protrudes into the ankle joint or the syndesmosis.

Pearl: Small distal fragment or osteoporotic bone

Consider using a locking screw in case of a small distal fragment or in severe osteoporotic bone.

A bulky compression dressing and a lower leg backslab, or a splint, are applied, and the limb is kept elevated for the first 24 hours or so, in order to avoid swelling and to decrease pain.

In anatomically reconstructed, stable malleolar fractures, early active exercises and light partial weight bearing are encouraged after day one. In osteoporotic bone, weight bearing should be postponed.

X-ray evaluation is made after 1 week and then monthly until full healing has occurred. Progressive weight bearing is recommended as tolerated.