Outcomes Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures (ORIF) By Podiatric Surgeons

Abstract

Open reduction internal fixation of closed ankle fractures is a common procedure performed by podiatric surgeons. This is the first study to specifically evaluate complication rates of this procedure among podiatric surgeons using a large patient cohort. The rates of podiatric surgical complications were also compared to the complication rates reported in the orthopedic literature. There was no significant difference between podiatric surgeons and orthopedic surgeons with regards to surgical site infection. However, complication rates, including 1-year postsurgery deep vein thrombosis (DVT), malunion, and unplanned revision surgery within 90-day, were lower in our study, compared to the average rates reported in the orthopedic literature. The authors believe that the most important determinant for post ankle surgical complications is related to surgical volume and experience, rather than professional degree type.