PURPOSE: To compare the use of screw only fixation with lateral one-third tubular plate fixation of non-comminuted oblique fracture of the lateral malleous and report the advantages of screw only fixation MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1996 to January 2000, we had operated 44 cases of non-comminuted oblique fractures of the lateral malleous (Denis-Weber type B, Lange-Hausen classification supination-external rotation injury). All cases had a follow-up period of over 6 months. There were 21 cases of cortical or bone screw fixation (group I) and 23 cases of one third tubular plate fixation (group II). Radiologic and clinical outcome parameters were used to compare group I with group II. RESULTS: There were no significant difference in bone union rate and period between group I and group II (group I : 92 days, group II : 89 days). All cases of both groups recovered a complete range of motion after cast off. There was 1 case superficial infection in group II. CONCLUSION: The radiologic and clinical results and complications between screw only fixation and one-third tubular plate fixation at non-comminuted lateral fibular fracture have no difference. The advantage of screw only fixation at non-comminuted lateral malleolar fracture is a small incision, short operation time and decreased patient 's complaints as compared with a similar group of patients treated by fixation with a lateral one third tubular plate fixaiton.