Comparison of the Outcomes of Mini-plate Internal Fixation for Ankle Fractures at Different Timing

WANG Yonghui

doi:10.14033/j.cnki.cfmr.2025.34.016

Abstract：Objective:To investigate the impact of different surgical timings of mini-plate internal fixation on postoperative recovery in patients with ankle fractures.Method:A total of 80 patients with ankle fractures treated in Xinhua Hospital,Tongzhou District,Beijing,from March 2022 to March 2024 were selected and randomly allocated into two groups using a random number table:an early surgery group(n=40)and a delayed surgery group(n=40).The early surgery group underwent mini-plate internal fixation within 12 hours after injury,while the delayed group underwent surgery 5～10 days post-injury.Olerud-Molander Ankle Score(OMAS),fracture healing time,incidence of postoperative complications,Visual Analog Scale(VAS)pain scores,Inflammatory markers[C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-8(IL-8)]and bone metabolism markers[procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide(PINP),osteocalcin(BGP),and bone alkaline phosphatase(BALP)]were compared.Result:3 and 6 months postoperatively,the early surgery group had significantly higher OMAS scores and faster fracture healing than the delayed group.Additionally,early surgery patients experienced quicker pain relief,a lower incidence of postoperative complications,lower postoperative levels of inflammatory markers,and higher levels of bone metabolic markers compared to the delayed group,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Conclusion:Early mini-plate internal fixation can effectively promote bone healing and functional recovery in patients with ankle fractures,reduce complications,alleviate inflammatory responses,and achieve better clinical outcomes.