Keywords : Ankle fractures
Anthropometric measurements of medial and lateral malleoli to study and aid better implant profile
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2022, Volume 9, Issue 2, Pages 190-197
Ankle fractures are amongst the commonest type of fractures treated by orthopaedic surgeons. The
incidence of such fractures has increased since the last three decades in both the younger and elderly
population, as well as due to increased vehicle accidents. Pre-reduction and pre-operative radiological
assessments, extrapolated on long term clinical results, have helped to improve the management of these
fractures. Without mentioning the nature of contouring to be done, restoration of proper tilts/rotation and
malleolar lengths, especially in comminuted fractures can be very challenging. The current study has
been carried out to ascertain the various anthropometric parameters to help in designing of such implants.
Radiographs of Twenty Cadaveric ankle specimen were obtained and Anthropometric measurements of
the lateral & medial malleolus of twenty cadaveric fibula & tibia of same specimen were carried out and
the radiographs of ankles of 500 volunteers formed the material for the study. The length and width of
lateral & medial malleolus in coronal and Sagittal planes, the angles subtended by various bends of the
medial surface of medial malleolus and lateral surface of lateral malleolus in radiographs of cadaveric
tibia and volunteers were measured. The data collected has been recorded and analyzed. It is hoped that
the measurement of the various parameters will be of value for scientific designing of implants for
fixation of malleolar fractures.