Splinting vs temporary external fixation in the initial treatment of ankle fracture-dislocations.

Background: To compare the efficacy, functional outcome, and complication frequency of splinting and external fixation in the initial treatment of ankle fracture-dislocations.

Method: Ankles with poor soft tissue conditions who underwent temporary stabilization due to using a splint or external fixator due to an ankle fracture-dislocation between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Ankles were divided into two groups as the splint (n=69) and external fixator (n=48).