ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation on high-energy ankle Logsplitter injuries (a kind of transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation), and compare the prognosis between open and closed Logsplitter fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 36 Logsplitter fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation between April 2011 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 15 cases were open fracture and dislocation (open group) and 21 cases were closed fracture and dislocation (closed group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, combined injury, injury to hospital admission time (P>0.05), with comparability. The wound healing, ankle mobility recovery, complications, and fracture healing were observed after operation. The ankle function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.ResultsBoth groups were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 19 months). There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the open group and the closed group (t=1.169, P=0.251). In the open group, there were 3 cases of postoperative infection, 3 cases of nonunion, and 5 cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis; each mentioned complications had 1 case in the closed group; there was no significant difference in complications incidence between the two groups (P=0.41) except post-traumatic osteoarthritis incidence (P=0.02). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in AOFAS score between the two groups (t=1.981, P=0.056). According to AOFAS score criterion, the results were good in 10 cases and general in 5 cases in the open group, and good in 13 cases and general in 8 cases in the closed group, showing no significant difference (P=0.796). There was no significant difference in the union duration and ankle flexion, dorsal extension, varus, and valgus motion between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionOpen reduction and internal fixation for open or closed Logsplitter fractures can achieve satisfactory results, improve fracture healing rate, effectively reduce the incidence of complications, and improve ankle function.