Surgical vs non-surgical management of Weber B fractures: A systematic review

BackgroundThe aim of this systematic review was to compare surgical and non-surgical management of Weber B ankle fractures.MethodsA systematic computer-based search was conducted using the MEDLINE (via OvidSP), EMBASE (via OvidSP) and Central databases. Data were extracted regarding functional outcome, radiological union, range of motion (RoM), infection rate and quality of life (QoL).ResultsThere were no significant differences identified between surgical and non-surgical management of Weber B fractures with respect to functional outcome. There is a higher rate of complication following surgical management, including infection, reoperation, thromboembolic events and death. With respect to QoL and ankle RoM, this review identified no differences between surgical and non-surgical management.ConclusionsThere is a need for further published literature evaluating the most efficacious management as there is a poverty of high-level research available. Currently, the available literature does not overwhelmingly favour a particular approach to Weber B ankle fractures.