Conservative versus Surgical Management of non-Displaced Type B Ankle Fractures

Background: Comparing the clinical outcomes, radiological findings, and case satisfaction of non-surgical and operative treatment for non-displaced type B ankle fractures is the aim of this research. Methods: In this comparative prospective research, 30 cases with non-displaced Weber B ankle fractures were treated conservatively with a cast or surgically with ORIF by distal fibular plate and screws. The months of January 2022 through January 2025 for instance, 15 cases in Cohort (A) underwent surgical intervention, whereas 15 cases in Cohort (B) underwent conservative therapy. Results: There were no significant differences between the two cohorts. One case (6.67%) in Cohort A (surgical management) developed a surgical site infection, whereas no cases in Cohort B (conservative management) experienced this complication. Additionally, no cases in Cohort A experienced ankle stiffness, while two cases (13.33%) in Cohort B reported ankle stiffness. Additionally, none of the cases in Cohort A experienced delayed union, while one case (6.67%) in Cohort B experienced this complication. Conclusion: A higher percentage of cases in the surgery chart reported being extremely satisfied, even though the difference in total case satisfaction between the two cohorts was not statistically significant. According to these results, surgical intervention may provide benefits in terms of functional recovery and mobility during the initial phases of rehabilitation, even though both treatment modalities are legitimate.