Functional outcomes of early versus delayed fixation of closed ankle fractures assessed by objective and subjective criteria using the Olerud-Molander ankle score

Abstract

Background: The incidence of ankle fractures is approximately 0.01% per year. Indications for surgical fixation include severe displacement and unstable fracture pattern. Ankle fracture is one of the most common injuries treated by an orthopaedic surgeon. Ankle injuries are usually caused by simple twisting injury to high energy injuries. Methods: This study included patients attending the OPD, emergency of Orthopaedics Department, Govt. Medical College Jammu from October 2014 to October 2016 diagnosed with closed ankle fractures. Both male and female patients between the age group of 18-60 years were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. 50 patients were divided into two equal groups (25 each) as per the timing of surgery. Group 1-cases of early internal fixation within 5 days Group 2-cases of delayed internal fixation after 5 days. Results: In subjective results, in Group I 92% of the patients had good subjective results and 8% had fair results whereas in Group II 84% had good and 16% had fair subjective result. In objective results, in group I 96% patients’ good results were obtained and 4 % patients had fair results whereas in group II 88% patients had good results and 12% patients had fair results. Conclusions: In this study the overall functional outcome was good in both the groups. Thus, we felt when immediate fixation is not possible, delayed fixation of displaced ankle fracture is a reasonable option.