Fixation Of Ankle Fractures Research Articles

The utilization of intraoperative contralateral ankle images for syndesmotic reduction

Purpose To evaluate the variability in ankle syndesmotic morphology on contralateral ankle fluoroscopic images and the reductions obtained utilizing these images. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed at a level one trauma center including 46 adult patients undergoing operative fixation of malleolar ankle fractures that also had anteroposterior (AP) and lateral fluoroscopic images of the uninjured contralateral ankle intraoperatively. Contralateral and post-fixation fluoroscopic images were used to measure the tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) as a proportion of the superior clear space (SCS) on mortise images and the posterior tibiofibular distance (PTFD) as a proportion of the lateral superior clear space (LSCS) on lateral images. Differences between contralateral and post-fixation ankle measurements were compared between those patients with syndesmotic injuries and those without (control group). Results The mean TFCS/SCS and PTFD/LSCS ratios measured on contralateral ankle images were 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 1.3; range 0.7 to 1.8) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.5 to 2; range 0.5 to 3.4). The mean difference between the contralateral and post-fixation TFCS/SCS and PTFD/LSCS in patients with and without syndesmotic fixation was 0.07 vs. 0.13 (F-ratio 0.3, p = 0.5) and -0.2 vs 0.5 (F ratio 5.2, p= 0.02). Conclusions Contralateral syndesmotic measurements varied widely and the utilization of these images allowed for syndesmotic reductions with similar measurements. Intraoperative contralateral ankle images should be considered to assess syndesmotic reduction.

Smoking and trimalleolar fractures are risk factors for infection after open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fractures: A multicenter retrospective study of 1,201 fractures

IntroductionOne of the complications of the surgical therapy for ankle fractures includes wound infection. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative function and clarify the risk factors associated with postoperative wound infection in patients receiving the open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fracture through a multicenter study. Subjects and methodAmong 1421 patients diagnosed as having closed ankle fracture and who were treated by surgical therapy in 11 institutions from 2014 through 2019, 1201 patients (men, n = 512, women, n = 689; the mean (SD) age, 50.9 (15.6) years; the mean body mass index [BMI] (SD), 24.3 (4.2) kg/m2) were included as subjects. Excluded were 220 patients due to self-termination of treatment, inability to follow up after discharge, open fracture, distal tibia shaft fracture, and pilon fracture. We extracted the following as risk factors of wound infection: age, sex, BMI, fracture type, injury energy and histories of smoking, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, heart failure and myocardial infarction. We conducted logistic regression analysis to investigate the risk factors of wound infection using these extracted items as explanatory variables and the presence or absence of wound infection as the response variable. ResultsWound infection occurred after surgery for closed ankle fracture in 69 the 1201 patients (5.7%). The causative organism was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in 15 patients, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) in 4 patients, Finegoldia magna in one patient, and S. haemolyticus in one patient. In the other patients, causative organisms were not detected, culture of the causative organisms was not conducted, or they were unknown. The univariate analysis showed significant differences in sex (p = 0.01) and for smoking (p = 0.002), fracture type (p = 0.02) and heart failure (p = 0.042). Logistic regression analysis showed that smoking and type of fracture (trimalleolar fracture) were significant explanatory factors for infection (odds ratio 1.83 and 1.98, p = 0 .040 and 0.042, respectively). ConclusionsAt 5.7%, the rate of postoperative wound infection in closed ankle fracture was not low. Staphylococcus was the most frequent causative organism. The surgeon should pay attention infection after surgery in the patients who had a trimalleolar fracture or smoking habits.

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

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.

Increasing age and modifiable comorbidities are associated with short-term complications after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries with complication rates fixation of up to 40%. Limited evidence exists in the literature regarding complications in the elderly population, and moreover, these studies frequently define elderly arbitrarily at 60-65years old. The purpose of the present study was to utilize a large, validated database to evaluate whether there is an inflection point of age when postoperative complications after an ankle fracture significantly increase. A retrospective review of all patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database who underwent fixation of an ankle fracture between 2012 and 2018 was performed. Patients were identified within the database using the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Appropriate statistical analysis was performed with p value less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. A total of 27,633 fractures were including and comprised of 221 posterior malleolar, 1567 medial malleolar, 8495 lateral malleolar, 10,175 bimalleolar, and 7175 trimalleolar. A total of 1545 complications were encountered (5.6%). There was a statistically significant association between increasing age and complications (OR = 1.03; p < 0.001). Further analysis shows the largest spike in complications within the age 78 + bracket. There were no overall interaction effects between age and fracture subtype (p = 0.223). ORIF of ankle fractures is a common orthopedic procedure performed on patients of all ages, with complications ranging in severity. In order to best counsel patients on their individual postoperative risks, large datasets are often necessary to prognosticate. This study found that postoperative complications increase with advanced age. The incidence of complications did not spike for patients around the age of 65, but rather followed an incremental linear pattern with the largest increase in odds ratio occurring at age 78 and above. Complication rate was not associated with specific fracture type based off of ICD codes.

Utilization of a Standardized Care Pathway to Decrease Costs of Ankle Fracture Management.

Ankle fractures are the most common fracture of the foot and ankle treated at trauma hospitals in the United States, costing millions of dollars yearly. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a standardized care pathway led to a difference in the direct and indirect costs of surgical fixation of ankle fractures at one Level I Trauma Center and tertiary care medical center. We analyzed cost, volume, length of stay, and collections for surgical treatment of ankle fractures in inpatient and outpatient settings by the orthopaedics and podiatry departments during fiscal years 2016 to 2018. Based on these data, we compared projected costs and collections across a 5-year period with the procedure being done by a single department (orthopaedics only and podiatry only). Total costs per case fell by 18% in the orthopaedics department and 8% in the podiatry department over the 3-year period. The podiatry department spent an average of $1,296 (46%) more per case than the orthopaedics department, driven by increased average supply costs. Both departments had significantly decreased direct costs (P = 0.0039 orthopaedics and P = 0.033 podiatry) in the outpatient setting. The orthopaedics department also had significantly lower average supply costs than the podiatry department (P = 0.045) and significantly decreased total costs in the outpatient setting (P = 0.0084). The orthopaedics department performed a higher volume of cases at a lower cost per case than the podiatry department. These savings were driven by a standardized ankle fracture treatment pathway that we propose decreased direct and supply costs. Our results suggest that surgical treatment of ankle fracture cases using a standardized care pathway is economically advantageous because of limiting variations in care and creating manageable workflows.

Complications After Surgical Treatment of Geriatric Ankle Fractures

The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures is rising and the potential for complications is high in this population. Little is known about factors associated with increased postoperative complications after surgical fixation of ankle fractures in older-age patients. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the epidemiology and risk factors for complications after surgically treated ankle fractures in geriatric patients. All patients who were 65 years or older and had a surgically treated ankle fracture were included. Pilon fractures, patients who were initially treated conservatively or who had less than 1 month of follow-up were excluded. Postoperative complications, demographic-, fracture- and surgical data of 282 patients were recorded from two level 2 trauma centers between 2012 and 2017. A total of 87 (30.9%) patients developed a complication, of which wound related complications were most frequently reported. Superficial and deep wound infections were observed in 27 (9.6%) and 18 (6.4%) patients, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated increased age to be an independent predictive variable for the occurrence of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.09), while cast immobilization for more than 2 weeks was a protective factor for the development of wound related complications (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.66). In conclusion, the incidence of postoperative complications among geriatric patients after surgical treatment of ankle fractures is high and patients should be informed accordingly.

Identifying Intra-Articular Pathology With Arthroscopy Prior to Open Ankle Fracture Fixation

PurposeTo assess the prevalence of intra-articular findings with ankle arthroscopy in patients undergoing operative fixation for ankle fractures.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of ankle fractures that were treated with arthroscopy and open reduction and internal fixation by a single surgeon. Between August 2016 and July 2018, operative reports, office notes, and images were reviewed to identify intra-articular pathology and fracture type. An analysis was performed with regard to fracture type, presence and location of osteochondral lesions, loose-bodies, syndesmotic injury, and deltoid injury.ResultsFifty-seven ankle fractures were identified that met inclusion criteria. In total, 84.2% of the fractures had intra-articular pathology, most commonly a syndesmotic injury followed by presence of intra-articular loose bodies and osteochondral defects.ConclusionsIn our study, use of arthroscopy before open ankle fracture fixation identified intra-articular pathology in 84.2% of subjects. The most common pathology was syndesmotic injury. The addition of an arthroscopic assessment in patients with operatively treated ankle fractures may help improve treatment provided to patients during ankle fracture surgery.Level of EvidenceLevel 4 Therapeutic Case Series.

Ankle Fracture Fixation with Use of WALANT (Wide Awake Local Anesthesia with No Tourniquet) Technique: An Attractive Alternative for the Austere Environment.

Wide awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) is a simple technique that has had successful application in hand surgery. When utilized in the plating of distal radial fractures, the WALANT technique has proven to be a cost-effective approach in orthopaedic trauma. The aim of the present study was to assess the applicability of the WALANT technique in open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Fifty-eight patients were recruited from October 2016 to September 2018. Fractures were categorized according to the OTA/AO classification. We did not include patients with Maisonneuve, talar, or posterior malleolar fractures. Mechanism of injury, fracture type, comorbidities, and complications were recorded. The surgical site was infiltrated to achieve local anesthesia using a solution of 0.9% normal saline solution and 2% lidocaine with 1:1,000,000 epinephrine. Functional outcomes were assessed at the time of fracture union with use of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Thirty-nine patients (67%) were male and 19 (33%) were female, and the mean age was 46.79 ± 8.54 years. According to the OTA/AO classification, 36 fractures (62%) were 44C2, 11 (19%) were 44B2, 7 (12%) were 44C1, and 4 (7%) were 44B1 fractures. Average blood loss was 29.40 ± 7.38 mL, the mean operative time was 59.72 ± 7.19 minutes, and the mean intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain was 1.24 ± 0.43 (range, 0 to 3). The mean time to union was 16.21 ± 3.52 weeks, with a mean AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale score of 86.38 ± 5.72. Three patients (5.2%) developed nonunion of a fracture site, 2 patients had a surgical site infection, and 1 noncompliant diabetic patient developed osteomyelitis. The WALANT technique is a safe technique for ankle fracture fixation and has been shown to be useful in foot and ankle surgery, particularly in limited-resource environments. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Operative costs associated with arthroscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation of acute ankle fractures

BackgroundAnkle fractures are a common orthopedic injury that frequently involves associated cartilage lesions, soft tissue damage, and a significant inflammatory burden. Despite studies revealing intra-articular pathology in up to 79% of ankle fractures, only 1% of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures undergo arthroscopic evaluation. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of ankle arthroscopy performed at time of ORIF for ankle fracture. MethodsAn IRB approved retrospective review of patients who sustained ankle fractures and underwent ORIF with and without concomitant arthroscopic surgery between 2015 and 2020 were investigated. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, outcomes, and cost data were collected and analyzed. ResultsThere were 567 total ORIF and 28 ORIF and scope included for cost analysis purposes. Total surgical costs averaged $6,537.62 and $6,886.46 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. Total direct costs, including operating room time, for the same procedures were found to average $6,212.34 and $7,312.10 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. The cost difference between the ORIF only and with arthroscopy was not statistically significant (p = 0.1174). Twelve of the 28 arthroscopic patients (42.86%) had grade 3 or full thickness chondral lesions, and 11/28 (39.28%) arthroscopic patients were found to have grade 1–2 cartilage changes. ConclusionIn the acute treatment of ankle fractures, concurrent arthroscopic evaluation does not add a significant cost to the procedure and may result in improved short and long term benefits for the patient. With improved arthroscopic efficiency, the cost differential can be further reduced. LOEIV.

Complications after fibula intramedullary nail fixation of pilon versus ankle fractures

BackgroundIntramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of the fibula in malleolar ankle fractures has been shown to result in less wound complications then plate fixation. Therefore, IMN fibula fixation may also be associated with lower rates of wound complications when used for higher-risk pilon fractures. The purpose of this study was to compare complications of fibula IMN fixation in pilon versus malleolar ankle fractures. MethodsA retrospective cohort comparison was performed at an urban level one trauma center involving fibula fractures in 47 patients with AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) type 43 fractures and 48 patients with AO/OTA type 44 fractures being treated with fibula IMN fixation. Complications, fibula-specific complications, revision surgeries, and implant removals were reviewed. ResultsThere was no detectable difference in complications (27% vs. 23%, 95% confidence interval of the odds ratio (CIOR) 0.5 to 3.2), fibular-specific complications (6% vs. 10%, CIOR 0.1 to 3.5), revision surgeries (4% vs. 4%, CIOR 0.1 to 7.5), or symptomatic fibula implant removals (13% vs. 21%, CIOR 0.1 to 1.6) between pilon and ankle fracture groups, respectively. There was one (2%) fibular nonunion and one wound complication (2%) in each of the fracture groups. ConclusionFibula IMN fixation of pilon versus ankle fractures resulted in a similar number of complications. Comparative studies of fibula IMN and plate fixation are necessary to determine if the benefits of fibula IMN in ankle fractures extends to pilon fractures. Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort.

Effect of Early Weight Bearing on Outcomes After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Current practice allows early weight bearing of unstable ankle fractures after fixation. This study offers a unique comparison of early weight bearing (EWB) vs late weight bearing (LWB) in operatively stabilized trimalleolar ankle fractures. The goal of this study was to evaluate union rates, clinical outcomes, and complications for patients who were managed with EWB vs LWB. The authors performed a retrospective review of 185 patients who underwent surgical stabilization for trimalleolar ankle fracture. Fixation of the posterior malleolus and weight bearing status were determined by surgeon preference. For this study, EWB was defined as 3 weeks or less and LWB was defined as greater than 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated for fracture union and implant failure. Complications and clinical outcomes included ambulatory status, infection rate, and return to surgery. The EWB group included 47 (25.4%) patients, and the LWB group included 138 (74.6%) patients. Of the 7 nonunions, 1 (14.3%) occurred in the EWB group and 6 (85.7%) in the LWB group. A total of 72 (38.9%) posterior malleolar fractures were operatively stabilized, and stabilization did not affect union rates. Syndesmotic fixation was required for 12.5% of patients, despite posterior malleolar stabilization. Syndesmotic fixation increased the union rate 2.5 times. Deep infection and open fracture decreased union. No difference was seen between groups in implant failure, union rate, infection, or return to the operating room. No deleterious effect of EWB in operatively treated trimalleolar ankle fractures was found for union, implant failure, infection, or reoperation. Syndesmotic fixation may offer an advantage over posterior malleolar fixation, with improved union rates. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):160-165.].

Arthroscopically Assisted Internal Fixation of Foot and Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Background:Patients undergoing fixation for foot and ankle fractures may experience poor outcomes despite achieving apparent anatomic reduction. Adjunct arthroscopy to identify missed concomitant injuries and subtle displacements has been proposed as a vehicle to enhance functional results for these patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature regarding arthroscopically assisted open reduction and internal fixation (AAORIF) methods for commonly encountered foot and ankle injuries including pilon, ankle, and calcaneus fractures published to date.Methods:A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database to access all studies reporting on arthroscopically assisted internal fixation methods for pilon, ankle, and calcaneus fractures. Relevant publications were analyzed for details on their respective study designs, the operative technique used, clinical outcomes, outcome instruments used, and reported complications.Results:A total of 32 studies were included in this review. Two studies on pilon fractures, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and case series with a total of 243 patients, met inclusion criteria. Postoperative articular reductions, bone union, and Mazur scores were found to be significantly better for those using adjunct arthroscopy when compared to those with no arthroscopy use. Patient-reported outcomes were overall reported as excellent for most patients, with no difference in patient-reported outcomes reported in the RCT. For ankle fractures, a total of 17 studies comprising of 2 systematic reviews, 1 meta-analysis, 2 RCTs, 5 retrospective comparative studies, 6 case series, and 1 case-control study met inclusion criteria for this review. Results were mixed, though the overall consensus was that arthroscopy use may help to better visualize concomitant intra-articular injuries and is generally considered safe with at least comparable outcomes to conventional methods. For the calcaneus, 13 studies met the criteria. Two studies were review papers, 8 were case series, and 3 were retrospective comparative studies. A total of 308 patients with 316 fractures formed the basis of analysis. In general, the studies found comparable functional outcomes between with or without arthroscopy use, but found that anatomical reductions were significantly improved with the use of arthroscopy.Conclusions:Arthroscopy shows promise as a valuable adjunct tool for internal fixation of foot and ankle fractures, though definitive conclusions as to its clinical significance have yet to be drawn because of limited evidence. Potential advantages related to the direct visualization of the fracture site and minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy were suggested throughout studies examined in this review. The presence of intra-articular pathology may lead to unexpectedly poor outcomes seen in some patients who undergo surgical fixation of ankle fractures with an otherwise anatomic reduction on postoperative radiographs; the ability to diagnose and address these lesions with arthroscopy, therefore, has the potential to improve patient outcomes. To date, however, available literature has not shown that significant improvements in anatomical reductions and treatment of these intra-articular injuries provide any improvement in outcomes over standard fixation methods. Few prospective randomized controlled studies have been performed comparing these 2 operative techniques, rendering any suggestion that AAORIF improves clinical outcomes over traditional open fixation difficult to justify. Further research is indicated for what may be a potentially promising surgical adjunct prior to advocating for its routine use in patients.

Assessment of malreduction standards for the syndesmosis in bilateral CT scans of uninjured ankles.

Malreduction of the syndesmosis has been reported in up to 52% of patients after fixation of ankle fractures. Multiple radiological parameters are used to define malreduction; there has been limited investigation of the accuracy of these measurements in differentiating malreduction from inherent anatomical asymmetry. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of positive malreduction standards within the syndesmosis of native, uninjured ankles. Three observers reviewed 213 bilateral lower limb CT scans of uninjured ankles. Multiple measurements were recorded on the axial CT 1 cm above the plafond: anterior syndesmotic distance; posterior syndesmotic distance; central syndesmotic distance; fibular rotation; and sagittal fibular translation. Previously studied malreduction standards were evaluated on bilateral CT, including differences in: anterior, central and posterior syndesmotic distance; mean syndesmotic distance; fibular rotation; sagittal translational distance; and syndesmotic area. Unilateral CT was used to compare the anterior to posterior syndesmotic distances. A difference of anterior to posterior syndesmotic distance > 2 mm was observed in 89% of ankles (n = 190) on unilateral CT assessment. Using bilateral CT, we found that 35% (n = 75) of normal ankles would be considered malreduced by current malreduction parameters. In 50 patients (23%), only one parameter was anomalous, 18 patients (8%) had two positive parameters and seven patients (3%) had three. Difference in fibular rotation had the lowest false positive rate of all parameters at 6%, whereas posterior syndesmotic distance difference had the highest at 15%. In this study, 35% of native, uninjured syndesmoses (n = 75) would be classified as malreduced by current diagnostic standards on bilateral CT and 89% had an asymmetric incisura on unilateral CT (n = 190). Current radiological parameters are insufficient to differentiate mild inherent anatomical asymmetry from malreduction of the syndesmosis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(1):178-183.

Surgical management of Bimalleolar ankle fractures: A narrative review

Bimalleolar injuries are the most common significant lower extremity fractures. Open reduction of fracture and internal fixation methods have become the good option of treatment for bimalleolar fractures. The aim of the study is to assess the outcome following surgical management of ankle fracture. Classifications used is Danis-Weber. The outcome is assessed using olerud and molander scoring system. We performed a narrative review to assess the functional outcome of surgically managed bimalleolar ankle fractures. Extensive search of articles was done electronically using databases like PUBMED, Google scholar, reference checking. We concluded that internal fixation for bimalleolar ankle fractures gives better reduction, and functional outcome showing significant improvement in function of the ankle joint.

Outcomes of Posterior Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation for Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Posterior malleolar fractures (PMF) within a trimalleolar ankle fracture pattern can be challenging to manage. Due to anatomical constraints that inhibit visualization of the articular surface, reduction of the posterior malleolus relies on cortical read and/or intraoperative fluoroscopy. Posterior ankle arthroscopy is a tool that may address this shortfall by providing a means to assess the intraarticular and syndesmotic reductions, while removing any loose bodies. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient reported outcomes of posterior arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) for the posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar ankle fractures.

Octogenarian and Nonagenarians Are at a Higher Risk for Experiencing Adverse 30-Day Outcomes Following ORIF of Ankle Fractures.

Introduction:Despite an increasing number of elderly individuals undergoing surgical fixation for ankle fractures, few studies have investigated peri-operative outcomes and safety of surgery in an octogenarian and nonagenarian population (age >80 years).Materials and Methods:The 2012-2017 American College of Surgeons database was queried for patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation for isolated uni-malleolar, bi-malleolar and tri-malleolar ankle fractures. The study cohort was divided into 3 comparison groups (age <65 years, 65-75 and >80). Multi-variate regression analyzes were used to compare the independent effect of varying age groups on 30-day post-operative outcomes while controlling for baseline clinical characteristics and co-morbidity burdens.Results:A total of 19,585 patients were included: 5.3% were >80 years, 18.1% were 65-79 years, and 76.6% were <65 years. When compared to the non-geriatric population, individuals >80 years were at a significantly : higher risk of 30-day wound complications (OR 1.84; p = 0.019), pulmonary complications (OR 3.88; p < 0.001), renal complications (OR 1.96; p = 0.015), septic complications (OR 3.72; p = 0.002), urinary tract infections (OR 2.24; p < 0.001), bleeding requiring transfusion (OR 1.90; p = 0.025), mortality (or 7.44; p < 0.001), readmissions (OR 1.65; p = 0.004) and non-home discharge (OR 13.91; p < 0.001).Discussion:Octogenarians undergoing ankle fracture fixation are a high-risk population in need of significant pre-operative surgical and medical optimization. With the majority of patients undergoing non-elective ORIF procedures, it is critical to anticipate potential complications and incorporate experienced geriatric providers early in the surgical management of these patients.Conclusions:Octogenarians and nonagenarians are fundamentally distinct and vulnerable age groups with a high risk of complications, readmissions, mortality and non-home discharges compared to other geriatric (65-79 years) and non-geriatric (<65 years) patients. Pre-operative counseling and risk-stratification are essential in this vulnerable patient population.

Functional outcome of surgical management of ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury

Background: Ankle fractures with Syndesmotic injury are common in Orthopaedic practice. Ankle fractures are the second most common significant lower extremity fractures. Syndesmotic ankle injuries disrupt normal joint functioning, hence need meticulous diagnosis and surgical management to prevent crippling disabilities. Objective: To evaluate the functional outcome of surgically managed ankle fractures with Syndesmotic injury using AOFAS score. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 patients diagnosed as ankle fractures with Syndesmotic injury, underwent Syndesmotic screw fixation using 3.5mm cortical screws in addition to anatomical fixation of medial and lateral malleolus. Functional outcome was analyzed at 6 months using AOFAS score. Results: In this study, 42.5% (17 patients) of patients had excellent outcome, 45% (18 patients) patients had good outcome, 7.5% (3 patients) had fair outcome, while 5% (2 patients) had poor outcome. 2 patients developed superficial wound infection, treated with IV antibiotics. One patient developed non union and one patient with ankle stiffness. Conclusion: For all cases of Ankle fractures with Syndesmotic injury, open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture with Syndesmotic screw fixation helped to achieve good union of fractures and pain free, stable ankle joint.

Outcomes of posterior malleolar fixation in ankle fractures in a major trauma centre

Ongoing controversy exists over the indications and benefits of posterior malleolar fixation in ankle fractures. The aim of this pragmatic study was to evaluate the outcomes of posterior malleolar fracture fixation in ankle fractures in the setting of a major trauma centre. Our hypothesis is that posterior malleolus fixation leads to improved clinical outcomes. A total of 320 patients were identified with operatively treated ankle fractures involving a posterior malleolus component, at our institution between January 2012 and January 2018, ensuring a minimum 2 year follow-up. Of these patients, 160 had the posterior malleolus fixed as part of their surgery and 160 did not. Patient demographics, surgical details and complications were assessed. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) was the primary patient outcome measure. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was associated with a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes. Mean MOXFQ score in the unfixed posterior malleolus group was 24.03 (0 - 62), compared to 20.10 (0 - 67) in the fixed posterior malleolus group (p = 0.04). Outcomes were worse with increasing size of posterior malleolar fragment. Metalwork-related issues were higher in the posterior malleolus fixed group (24/160 (15%) versus 10/160 (6.2%)) and re-operation rate was double. This study demonstrates that in the practical setting of a major trauma unit, fixation of the posterior malleolar fracture leads to improved patient outcomes but with increased metalwork risks and reoperation rates.

Minimally invasive technique for suprasyndesmotic ankle fracture fixation

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of suprasyndesmotic ankle fracture fixation with a minimally invasive technique. Methods: Retrospective study of 11 patients with suprasyndesmotic fractures of the lateral malleolus who underwent surgery between 2016 and 2018. Retrospective analysis of medical records considered the following: radiographic assessments (preoperative, immediate postoperative, six weeks postoperative), clinical evaluation, and strength scale and movement test results. Results: Of the 18 patients qualified for inclusion, 7 failed to appear at the follow-up appointment and were excluded. The patients’ age varied from 20 to 53 years, and 72.7% were male. The trauma mechanisms included torsion (46% of the cases), automobile accidents (36.4%) and direct trauma (17.6%). The mean time between trauma and definitive surgery was 3.27 days. The mean talocrural angle in the preoperative period was 83.13º, ranging from 80.63º in the immediate postoperative period to 81.27º at 6 months postoperatively. Approximately 90% of the patients did not lose strength. Regarding the range of motion, the mean dorsiflexion and plantar flexion 6 months postoperatively were 10.72º and 34.4º, respectively. Conclusion: The minimally invasive technique had excellent technical results in patients treated surgically for ankle fractures and required smaller incisions than conventional surgery. Osteolysis or fatigue of the osteosynthesis material is a possibility with this technique, which generally occurred between three and four months postoperatively. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case series.

Neuromuscular Electrostimulation Device Reduces Preoperative Edema and Accelerates Readiness for Theater in Patients Requiring Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Acute Ankle Fracture

Significant edema manifests as soft tissue swelling that can delay surgery in patients with ankle fractures. Interventions that expedite swelling reduction may yield clinical and economic benefits. This case-control pilot study aimed to assess the ability to recruit ankle fracture patients to a prospective study using a neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES) device. Device effectiveness, safety, and patient acceptability were also assessed. Prospective evaluation of 20 patients admitted for ankle fracture fixation with the application of NMES device to the skin just below the knee (intervention arm). Participants were matched for baseline demographics and injury descriptors to a historical operative cohort (control arm). The time until the swelling had settled to a level permitting surgery (“readiness for surgery”) was recorded alongside patient tolerability and device acceptance. The mean time until swelling reduced to a level permitting surgery was 1.66 days (NMES) versus 3.66 days (control) (P=0.001). Overall 60% of participants were ready for theater after 2 days of treatment with the NMES device compared with 27% in the control group (P&lt;0.01). Independent health economic modeling of this scenario suggests that the savings associated with this accelerated readiness for theater is £569 per patient. The NMES device is safe and well tolerated by patients with ankle fractures. It is easy to apply, can be worn continuously, and does not restrict patients to their bed space. This study suggests that it is effective in reducing ankle edema and accelerating readiness for theater and may therefore allow earlier surgery and reduced length of stay in this patient group. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level 3. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.