[Operative treatment and curative effects of the deltoid ligament injuries of the ankle joint].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the operative methods and curative effects of the deltoid ligament injuries. METHODS: From 2002 to 2008, all 61 patients with ankle fractures complicated with deltoid ligament injuries were treated with open reduction and firm internal fixation. Among the patients, 39 patients were male and 22 patients were female, ranging in age from 14 to 71 years, with an average of 41 years. During the operation, the deltoid ligament was reconstructed to restore the medial and lateral stability of ankle joint. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up ranged from 5 to 30 months, with an average of 17 months. Fifty-nine patients had incision healed at the first stage; 2 patients had superficial infections at lateral malleolus, and healed at the 3rd week after changing dressings. The incisions at the internal medial malleolus were all healed at the first stage. According to Qi evaluation criteria, 35 patients got an excellent result, 13 good and 13 fair. CONCLUSION: The deltoid ligament should be treated properly in the treatment of ankle joint fractures when open reduction and firm internal fixation were emphasized.