Researchers conducted a randomized clinical trial on 154 patients with unstable ankle fractures to compare the outcomes of fixation vs. nonoperative management of medial malleolar fractures. Results showed no statistically significant difference in Olerud-Molander Ankle Scores between the two groups, with a higher score in the fixation group. However, 20% of patients in the non-fixation group had a nonunion, compared to 0% in the fixation group. Complication rates were comparable between the groups, and further follow-up is planned to assess long-term outcomes. The study suggests that fixation of medial malleolar fractures may not be superior to non-fixation in unstable ankle fractures.
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Fixation may not be superior to nonoperative management of unstable ankle fractures
