Physician treatment preferences in non-displaced distal fibula fractures

Abstract

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Background: Several studies have demonstrated equivocal long-term functional outcomes for both operative and nonoperative treatment of Weber-B fractures, however there are currently no evidence-based practice guidelines. The purpose of this study was to determine which treatment modality was preferred by orthopedic surgeons in the United States and Internationally, despite the lack of accepted guidelines. Methods: Methods: A survey of 428 practicing orthopedic surgeons was conducted to evaluate physician treatment preferences for non-displaced Weber-B fractures. Analyses were performed to determine physician preference for operative versus nonoperative fracture treatment, as well as to determine group differences between U.S, international and foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons compared to all other orthopedic surgeons. A cost effective analysis was conducted to compare differences among nonoperative and operative preferences. Results: Nonoperative treatment of non-displaced Weber-B fractures was preferred by 90.4% of orthopedic surgeons compared to operative treatment (9.6%; P<0.0001). Internationally-based orthopedic surgeons chose operative management at a higher rate (30/129) than U.S.-based surgeons (11/299; P<0.0001). General orthopedic surgeons were not more likely than subspecialty orthopedic surgeons to choose operative management, but foot and ankle subspecialists chose operative treatment at a higher rate compared to all other orthopedic surgeons (11/61 versus 29/362; P=0.0185). The direct medical costs and the indirect societal costs are likely to be 249 percent greater if managed operatively. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that while the vast majority of practicing surgeons choose to non-operatively manage non-displaced Weber-B fractures, there still exist a significant percentage of physicians who prefer to operate on these fractures. Given the existing literature suggesting equivalent outcomes for operatively and non-operatively treated Weber-B fractures, the current data suggests the need for further research into the reasons behind such differences in treatment preferences, as well as the evolution of evidence-based practice guidelines to guide the management of this very common fracture.