Reconstruction for malunited ankle fractures

Abstract

Objective To summarize the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of malunited ankle fractures.Methods From January 2006 to October 2009,23 malunited ankle fractures were treated in our department.All deformities were evaluated individually based on pre-operatively X-ray and CT scan.Varying degrees of fibular shortening or rotational deformity were found in all patients,with 4 cases of varus or valgus deformity,and 5 of a widen syndesmosis.Then different reconstructive techniques were chosen according to the type of malunion:a lengthening fibular osteotomy was performed in patients with fibular shortening or rotational deformity;an opening or closing wedge osteotomy was chosen correspondingly in patients with varus or valgus deformity;functional fusion of syndesmosis was performed in cases of widen syndesmosis.The postoperative follow-up included standard radiography to evaluate bone union;relative complications were also recorded and functional outcome were assessed with American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS)ankle-hindfoot scores.Results Twenty-one patients were followed up with an average period of 36 months (12-58 months).There were no complications of infection,implant failure,nonunion or malunion.Solid union with a favorable alignment was obtained at an average of 12 weeks (10-14 weeks).The mean pre-operative AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 28 (15-39).While the score increased to 82 (70-94) one year after operations.But 2 patients underwent ankle arthrodesis correspondingly 18 months and 24 months post-operatively due to severely post-traumatic arthritis.Conclusion An early realignment reconstruction of the length and rotation of fibula and the congruity of ankle mortise may improve the ankle function and slow down the development of post-traumatic arthritis for patients who suffered from malunited ankle fractures. Key words: Ankle; Fractures,malunited; Surgical procedures,operative