Internal Fixation Of Ankle Fractures Research Articles

Comparison of Regional Anesthesia Timing on Pain, Opioid Use, and Postanesthesia Care Unit Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

Regional nerve blocks are an effective method of managing acute pain associated with surgery. The relative benefit of preoperative versus postoperative peripheral nerve blocks is not entirely clear. The primary aim of this study was to determine differences in pain scores in patients undergoing preoperative block versus postoperative block versus no block. We hypothesized that patients receiving preoperative blocks would have reduced pain scores and decreased opioid use in the immediate postoperative period. We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 302 consecutive patients undergoing unilateral open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture under general anesthesia. We identified 3 groups: preoperative block, postoperative block, or no block. Data obtained from our electronic medical records included demographic information, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, pain scores obtained preoperatively, upon arrival to the postanesthesia care unit, and upon discharge from the postanesthesia care unit as well as intraoperative and postanesthesia care unit opioid utilization. Patients receiving preoperative block had significantly lower pain scores, less intraoperative or postanesthesia care unit opioid use, and shorter postanesthesia care unit dwell time compared with patients receiving postoperative block or no block. Preoperative popliteal sciatic and adductor canal blocks in patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery appears to be more effective than either postoperative block or no block.

AB157. Ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation in patients with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective review

Background: Ankle fractures pose a significant public health challenge with approximately 187 ankle fractures per 100,000 population per year1. Diabetes Mellitus is increasing in prevalence, in Ireland there is an estimated 200,000 patients diagnosed with this condition. Poorly controlled Diabetes Mellitus has been demonstrated to impair healing and contribute to poor postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis of outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus that underwent open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Risk Factors for Short-Term Complication After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures: Analysis of a Large Insurance Claims Database

Although fractures of the ankle are common injuries treated by surgical podiatrists and orthopaedic surgeons specializing in foot and ankle surgery, postoperative complications can occur, often imposing an economic burden on the patient. As health care in the United States moves toward value-based care, cost reduction has primarily focused on reducing complications and unplanned episodes of care. We used a large modern database of insurance claims to examine patterns of complications after open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures, identifying diabetes mellitus and history of myocardial infarction as risk factors for postoperative infection within 30 days of surgery. Lateral malleolar repair was less likely to lead to infection, or need for repeated surgery, than was medial malleolar fracture repair. Diabetes mellitus, neuropathy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with development of postoperative cellulitis. Patients with a history of cerebrovascular accident were more likely to return to the emergency department or to have a pulmonary embolism. Male sex, presence of lupus, and increased age were associated with repeat surgery.

Early Protected Weightbearing After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures With Trans-syndesmotic Screws

Traditional postoperative care after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures with syndesmotic instability includes non-weightbearing for 6 to 8 weeks. However, prolonged non-weightbearing may be detrimental. The goal of this case series was to assess the outcomes of early protected weightbearing after operative treatment of acute ankle fractures with syndesmotic instability requiring screw stabilization. Fifty-eight consecutive patients, treated from January 2006 to January 2013, met the inclusion criteria with a minimum follow up of 1 year. Electronic medical records and radiographs were reviewed for patient and surgical characteristics, postoperative complications, and maintenance of reduction. Patients initiated walking at an average of 10 days (range 1 to 15) postoperatively. Surgical treatment consisted of operative reduction with standard fixation devices and 1 or 2 trans-syndesmotic screws that purchased 4 cortices. All 58 patients maintained correction after surgery when allowed to weightbear early in the postoperative recovery. Five complications (8.6%) occurred in the 58 patients, which included 3 superficial infections (5.2%) and 2 cases (3.4%) of neuritis. The maintenance of reduction and low complication rate in this study support the option of early protected weightbearing after ankle fracture ORIF with trans-syndesmotic fixation.

Early Corrections after Failed Ankle Fracture Fixation.

Even minor residual fragment malpositioning after internal fixation of ankle fractures is associated with a worse prognosis. Frequent causes for non-anatomical reduction are fibular shortening due to comminuted fractures or poor bone quality, translational or rotational malpositioning of the distal fibula within the tibial incisura with unstable syndesmosis injuries, and inadequately addressed bony avulsions of the tibiofibular syndesmosis. After operative treatment of fracture dislocations with syndesmotic fixation, in case of complex fracture pathoanatomy, and with suspected non-anatomic reduction in postoperative radiographs, computed tomography imaging of both ankles should be performed. Correction of relevant malreductions should be performed as early as possible in order to speed up rehabilitation and to avoid late sequelae due to a load shift or instability in a weight-bearing joint.

Clinical Significance of Ankle Arthroscopy in the Diagnosis of Type B Ankle Fracture Associated with the Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Injury

Category:Arthroscopy, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:To investigate clinical significance of ankle arthroscopy in the diagnosis of type B ankle fracture associated with the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.Methods:From February 2014 to December 2016, the authors diagnosed and treated 35 cases of type B ankle fractures. including 23 males and 12 females; with an average age of (43.05±12.480) years.Each patient underwent preoperative assessment: according to the patient’s clinical manifestations and imaging examination, and before the operation and after internal fixation of ankle fracture, the Cotton test and the external rotation test were done in the C arm X-ray, the initial diagnosis whether there is the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.When the Cotton test and the external rotation test was used, Ankle arthroscopy was used to observe and evaluate whether there is the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.For patients with the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, In addition to the internal fixation of the ankle fracture, the TightRope was used to repair the injury. And observation of repair effect by ankle arthroscopy.Results:After internal fixation of ankle fracture, the Cotton test and the external rotation test was performed under the C arm X-ray, there were no the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury in 22 patients. Preoperative CT showed 6 cases of combined the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, Preoperative MRI showed 13 cases of combined the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. Ankle arthroscopy confirmed 11 cases of combined the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. The sensitivity of ankle arthroscopy and MRI diagnosis combined with the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury was higher than that of CT sensitivity(P<0.05). The sensitivity of ankle arthroscopy for the diagnosis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury was weaker than that of MRI in the diagnosis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury (P<0.05). MRI diagnosis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury can be false positive.Conclusion:Ankle arthroscopy can directly observe the medial triangle ligament of the ankle, the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, which provides the basis for correct diagnosis and treatment of Type B ankle fracture with the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. And it can evaluate the stability of ankle after repairing the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury.

Postoperative Complications Following Ankle Fractures in the Geriatric Population: A Case Series

Category:Ankle, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Ankle fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries. While open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the standard treatment for displaced ankle fractures in younger patients, there is controversy regarding the optimal management of these injuries among geriatric patients due to the high prevalence of comorbidities. Closed manipulation leads to poor long-term functional outcomes, with high rates of malunion and non-union in all populations as well as higher mortality in patients over 65 years of age. However, surgical management in the elderly carries rates of complications as high as 20-40%. The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for healing complications following ORIF of ankle fractures in patients greater than 75 years of age.Methods:All patients 75 years of age and older undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures at a single institution from 2008 to 2018 were identified. Patients with polytrauma and/or pilon fractures were excluded. Patient medical records were reviewed to obtain information regarding details about the injury, surgery, and follow-up as well as patient demographics and comorbidities. Radiographs from post-operative clinic visits were examined by a foot and ankle certified orthopedic fellow for each patient and the time for complete union was recorded as well as any delayed union or malunion. Fisher’s exact tests were used to compare post-operative complications (wound infection, wound dehiscence, sepsis, deep vein thrombosis, revision surgery, and malunion/nonunion) among those with and without specific comorbidities.Results:Patients with other comorbidities had a statistically significant increased risk of revision surgery (p<0.0001). Additionally, those who used illicit drugs had statistically significant increased risk of sepsis (0.0213). Revision surgeries included syndesmotic screw removal, a standard procedure which does not necessarily imply presence of complication.Conclusion:Elderly patients are susceptible to various postoperative complications. Substance abuse is associated with revision surgery, while the presence of other comorbidities collectively is associated with sepsis. To optimize postoperative management, surgeons should be aware of patient comorbidities and exceptionally attentive at follow-up examinations for these patients.

How Does Perioperative Ketorolac Affect Opioid Consumption and Pain Management After Ankle Fracture Surgery?

The investigation of nonnarcotic drug regimens for postoperative pain management is important in addressing the opioid epidemic. NSAIDs can be a powerful adjunct in managing postoperative pain, but the possibility of delayed bone healing is a major concern for orthopaedic surgeons. Our recent retrospective study on ketorolac administration demonstrated that the NSAID is not associated with an increased risk of delayed union or nonunion after ankle fracture surgery. To determine whether postoperative ketorolac (1) reduces opioid consumption, (2) improves VAS pain control, and (3) affects fracture healing after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Between August 2016 and December 2017, 128 patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of an acute ankle fracture were randomized before surgery via simple randomization to treatment with or without ketorolac. No patients changed treatment regimen groups or opted out of randomization. All other aspects of perioperative care were treated identically. A once-daily survey was distributed via email on postoperative Days 1 to 7. Unblinded participants were asked to report their daily opioid consumption, pain level, and sleep interference using the VAS, and pain frequency using a five-point Likert scale, and side effects with the VAS. For VAS pain, > 20 mm/100 mm on the VAS scale was required to be considered "improved." In all, 83% (106 of 128) patients completed all seven postoperative surveys with 14 in the control group and eight in the ketorolac group lost to follow-up. Fifty-six patients were administered ketorolac with opioid medication (treatment group) and 50 were administered opioids alone (control group). Participants were comprised of 42% men (44), and 58% women (62); mean age was 48 years. The treating surgeon assessed clinical healing based on the patient's ability to ambulate comfortably at 12 weeks postoperatively. Radiographic healing was assessed by two fellowship-trained orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons blinded to the patient's name and time since surgery. The surgeons evaluated randomized standard ankle series (anteroposterior, mortise, and lateral) radiographs for resolution of each fracture line to determine fracture union, with delayed union being defined as fracture lines present on radiographs taken at 12-week postoperative visits. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. Patients in the treatment group consumed a mean of 14 opioid pills, which was less than the mean of 19.3 opioids pills consumed by patients in the control group (p = 0.037). Patients with ketorolac had lower median VAS scores for pain (p < 0.035) postoperatively on postoperative Days 1 and 2 than did control patients. By contrast, patient-reported pain scores and scores for sleep did not convincingly show a benefit to the use of ketorolac. For patients whose ankle fractures healed at 12 weeks, there was no difference between the groups in terms of clinical healing (p = 0.575) and radiographic healing (p = 0.961). In this randomized study, adding ketorolac to the postoperative drug regimen decreased the use of opioid medication after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures in the early postoperative period, and there were mixed, small effects on pain reduction. This NSAID is a valuable tool in helping patients manage postoperative pain with less use of narcotic analgesia. However, our study was underpowered to determine the true safety of this drug in terms of fracture healing and side effects and these questions warrant higher-powered randomized study investigation. Level I, therapeutic study.

Machine Learning Accurately Predicts Short-Term Outcomes Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries with favorable outcomes when managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Several patient-related risk factors may contribute to poor short-term outcomes, and machine learning may be a valuable tool for predicting outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate machine-learning algorithms for accurately predicting short-term outcomes after ORIF for ankle fractures. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample and Nationwide Readmissions Database were queried for adult patients ≥18 years old who underwent ORIF of an ankle fracture during 2013 or 2014. Morbidity and mortality, length of stay >3 days, and 30-day all-cause readmission were the outcomes of interest. Two machine-learning models were created to identify patient and hospital characteristics associated with the 3 outcomes. The machine learning models were evaluated using confusion matrices and receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values. A total of 16,501 cases were drawn from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample and used to assess morbidity and mortality and length of stay >3 days, and 33,504 cases were drawn from the Nationwide Readmissions Database to assess 30-day readmission. Older age, Medicaid, Medicare, deficiency anemia, congestive heart failure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, hypertension, and renal failure were the variables associated with a statistically significant increased risk of developing all 3 adverse events. Logistic regression and gradient boosting had similar area under the curve values for each outcome, but gradient boosting was more accurate and more specific for predicting each outcome. Our results suggest that several comorbidities may be associated with adverse short-term outcomes after ORIF of ankle fractures, and that machine learning can accurately predict these outcomes.

Increased Rates of Readmission, Reoperation, and Mortality Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures Are Associated With Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this study was to compare the rates of readmission, reoperation, and mortality in patients with and without diabetes mellitus during the 30-day postoperative period after ankle fracture surgery. Patients who underwent operative management for ankle fractures between 2006 and 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program® database by using Current Procedural Terminology codes for ankle fracture surgery. A total of 17,464 patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery were identified. Of these patients, 2044 (11.7%) had diabetes and 15,420 (88.3%) did not have diabetes. We excluded patients older than 90 years or with inadequate perioperative data. Patients with diabetes had significantly higher rates of readmission (2.84% vs 1.05%, p < .0001), significantly higher rates of unplanned reoperation (2.3% vs 0.74%, p < .0001), and significantly higher rates of mortality (0.7% vs 0.2%, p < .0001) compared with patients without diabetes. Additionally, patients with diabetes had significantly greater age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of unplanned readmission (OR 2.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74 to 3.31, p < .0001), unplanned reoperation (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.44 to 3.27, p < .0001), and mortality (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.62, p = .0432) than did patients without diabetes after ankle surgery. In this large-scale retrospective study, we demonstrated that the presence of diabetes significantly increases the risk of unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and mortality during the 30-day postoperative period after ankle fracture surgery.

Open Reduction And Internal Fixation Of Ankle Fractures - Is Timing Of Surgery Important?

Objective: To determine the frequency of surgical site infection in ankle fractures fixed earlier or delayed. Methodology: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from March 2016 to August 2018. The medical records of all the patients with ankle fractures fulfilling the inclusion criteria were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic details of the included subjects, time of surgery and frequency of surgical site infection was noted. Results: A total of 128 patients with mean age 38.8 years± SD 9.76(range 18-58 years) were included in our study. Male patients were 99 (77.3%) while female were 29 (22.6%). The number of patients who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) within the initial 24 hours after sustaining the fractures were 12 (9.3%) in number,58(45.6%) patients had surgery in 24 to 48 hours, 40 (31.4%) in 3 to 7 days and 18 (14.1%) had surgery in 8 to 14 days after the injury.The frequency of surgical site infection(SSI) was 42.5% (17/40) in patients operated in 3 to 7 days, 44.4%(8/18) in patients operated in 8 to 14 days while no surgical site infection was reported in 54.6% (70/128) patients operated in 24 to 48 hours. (P value &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The timing of ankle fracture surgery is very important. Open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures done earlier had no surgical site infection. Delayed fixation is associated with higher frequency of surgical site infection.

Effect on Hospital Length of Stay of Tourniquet Use During Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures: Randomized Controlled Trial

Approximately 50% of ankle fractures require internal fixation. A tourniquet is often used to create a bloodless operative field, but its effect on hospital length of stay (LOS) is unclear. This article reports a parallel-group observer-blinded randomized trial of the effect of tourniquet use on LOS. One hundred eighty-eight adult patients requiring internal fixation of ankle fracture were randomized to surgery with or without a tourniquet. LOS was analyzed on intention-to-treat principles using Poisson regression. As a secondary outcome, duration of operation was analyzed by analysis of covariance. Mean LOS was 1.79 ± 1.50 days in the tourniquet group and 1.65 ± 1.11 days in the no-tourniquet group. The covariate-adjusted rate ratio for LOS (reference group: no tourniquet) was 1.084 (95% confidence interval 0.871, 1.348; p = .470). Sensitivity analyses (unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis and as-treated analysis) gave similar nonsignificant results. The covariate-adjusted mean difference in duration of operation was 3.03 minutes (95% confidence interval –4.96, 11.02; p = .455), favoring the tourniquet group; sensitivity analyses again gave similar results. Adverse events did not differ significantly between groups. In conclusion, the use of a tourniquet during internal fixation does not significantly influence hospital LOS, of which preinjury medical condition of the patient appears to be the most important determinant.

Timing of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

Background. Unstable ankle fractures are treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) to prevent posttraumatic arthritis. Typically, ORIF is performed as an ambulatory surgery several days to a few weeks after injury. It is unclear what effect this delay may have on functional outcome. This study aimed to assess the effect of timing of ankle ORIF on wound complications and functional outcome. Methods. A retrospective review of 121 patients who underwent ankle ORIF was performed. A total of 58 patients had a follow-up of at least 24 months. Time between injury and surgery greater than 14 days was defined as "delayed." Demographic variables, injury characteristics, length of surgery, and postoperative stay were documented. Comparison of demographic variables, wound complications, and functional outcome determined by Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) was performed. Results. 118 patients were included. The duration between injury and surgery was 6 days in the "early" group and 19 days in the "delayed" group. There were no significant differences in demographic variables, injury characteristics, and length of surgery between the groups. Wound complications in the early and delayed groups were 5% and 11.8%, although this difference was not statistically significant. Among 58 patients who had a follow-up of at least 24 months, the median follow-up time was 38 (range, 24-76) months. Each subscale of FAOS demonstrated no significant difference. Conclusion. Ankle ORIF more than 14 days after injury did not significantly increase the rate of wound complication, nor did it impair ultimate functional outcome in this group. Levels of Evidence: Level III.

Correlation factors for distal syndesmosis ossification following internal fixation of ankle fracture

This clinical retrospective study explored factors associated with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis ossification (TFSO) after ankle fracture fixation. Between August 2012 and January 2015, 172 patients with ankle fractures (121 men) with an average age of 46.6 years (range, 22–71 years) were treated surgically with an average follow-up period of 26 months (range, 16–34 months). According to the Danis-Weber AO classification rubric, 54 fractures were type A, 78 were type B, and 40 were type C. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 17 supination-adduction (SA) fractures, 98 supination-external rotation (SE) fractures, 31 pronation-external rotation (PE) fractures, and 26 pronation-abduction (PA) fractures. The average injury to operation interval was 4.3 days (6 hours-7 days). Multiple factor analysis was conducted to examine risk factors for TFSO. It was observed in 36 (20.9%) cases (11 complete ossification cases; 25 partial ossification cases). Multivariate logistic regression revealed the following independent risk factors for TFSO were: AO classification, distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation, and fibular fracture morphology. In conclusion, AO type C fracture, syndesmosis separation, and high fibular fracture were associated with distal TFSO following ankle fracture fixation.

Increased Rates of Readmission, Reoperation, and Mortality Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures Are Associated with Diabetes Mellitus

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are amongst the most common type of fracture injury in adults with an annual incidence of 187 fractures per 100,000 people in the United States. Previous groups have shown that diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with a myriad of complications – including infection, malunion, and impaired wound healing – following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for ankle fractures. However, to our knowledge there has not been a large-scale nationwide study on the rate of readmission, reoperation, and mortality associated with DM. The purpose of this study was to calculate the increased risk and odds ratios for 30-day postoperative readmission, reoperation, and mortality after ankle fracture ORIF. Methods: Patients who underwent ORIF for ankle fractures from 2006 to 2015 were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Median values along with 25th to 75th interquartile ranges (IQRs) were used to describe continuous variables and frequency (%) was used to describe categorical variables. Patient demographic factors along with 30-day postoperative outcomes were compared between those who had DM and those who did not have DM using the Mann-Whitney test or?2 test. 30-day postoperative unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and mortality rates were compared in 2,044 patients with DM and 15,420 patients without DM. Crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted ORs controlling for age differences were calculated for each parameter with a 95% confidence interval (CI). All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of 0.05. Results: Patient factors and pre-operative laboratory statistics are summarized in Figure 1D, and the distribution of ankle fractures types are shown in Figure1A&amp;B. Comparing patients with DM vs without DM, the rate of readmission was 4.35% vs 1.50%, rate of reoperation was 2.30% vs 0.75%, and rate of mortality was 0.73% vs 0.21%. As shown in Figure 1C, we found that patients with DM had a 2.66 times increased risk of readmission (CI: 1.99-3.52, p = 0.0001), 2.76 increased risk of reoperation (CI: 1.91-3.92, p = 0.0001), and a 2.34 increased risk of mortality (CI: 1.19-4.44, p = 0.0377). Interestingly, we also found a 22.06 increased risk of amputation (CI: 3.29-344.8, p = 0.0063) though the rate of amputation in both groups was very small. Conclusion: In this large-scale retrospective study we showed that the presence of diabetes mellitus significantly increases the risk of unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and mortality within 30 days after ankle fracture ORIF surgery. Thus, patients with diabetes that require ORIF ankle surgery should be informed of their increased risk of complications and extra precautions should be taken to minimize risk. Further research in optimization of perioperative care for diabetic patients is crucial to reducing rates of complication. Large clinical databases such as ACS-NSQIP should endeavor to collect more parameters on diabetic patients to facilitate these studies.

Increased Rates of Readmission, Reoperation, and Mortality following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures Are Associated with Diabetes Mellitus

The purpose of this large-scale retrospective study was to calculate the increased risk for postoperative unplanned readmission, unplanned reoperation, and mortality after ankle fracture ORIF in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients who underwent ORIF for ankle fractures from 20to 2015 were identified in ACS-NSQIP database. Patient demographics and 30-day postoperative readmission, reoperation, and mortality rates were compared in 2,044 patients with DM and 15,420 patients without DM. Adjusted odds ratios controlling for age differences were calculated for each parameter with a 95% confidence interval. Patient factors and pre-operative laboratory statistics are summarized in Figure D, and the distribution of ankle fractures for each group are shown in Figure A and B. Comparing patients with DM vs. without DM, the rate of readmission was 4.35% vs. 1.50%, rate of reoperation was 2.30% vs. 0.75%, and rate of mortality was 0.73% vs. 0.21%. As shown in Figure C, patients with DM had a 2.66 times increased risk of readmission, a 2.76 increased risk of reoperation, and a 2.34 increased risk of mortality. Interestingly, we also found a 22.increased risk of amputation, though the rate of amputation in both groups was very small. Ankle fractures requiring ORIF in patients with DM are serious events and associated with substantial morbidity. Disclosure J. Liu: None. J. Ahn: None. K.M. Raspovic: None. D. Wukich: None.

Postoperative Complications and Reoperation Rates Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fracture.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determinate the overall postoperative complication and reoperation rates related to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. Methods All patients who had undergone an ankle fracture operation at our institution from January 2005 through December 2013 were identified by querying the hospital surgical procedure database for diagnoses codes. Medical records, surgical procedure, and outpatient control reports were reviewed to collect pre-, intra-, and postoperative details. All data obtained were retrospectively analyzed by the authors to evaluate the postoperative complications and the type of further surgical treatment required to treat them. Results A total of 378 consecutive patients were included in the study. Overall complications rate was 36.0%. Minor complications (4.5%) were represented by superficial infection (1.3%) and impaired wound healing (3.2%). All these patients required advanced wound care and prolonged oral antibiotics. Major complications (31.5%) included: residual pain (17.2%), deep infection (3.4%), malunion (2.4%), posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (5.0%), implant breakage (0.3%), complex regional pain syndrome (1.3%), and arthrofibrosis (1.9%). Note that 21.7% of major complications required further surgical procedure. Reoperations included arthroscopic debridement (15.1%), hardware removal and debridement of all necrotic tissue (4.5%), and ankle fusion (2.1%). Surgery was necessary mainly for pain removal and function recovery. Conclusion Ankle fracture ORIF represents a satisfying surgical treatment. Nevertheless, postoperative complications are not uncommon. Minor complications can be easily managed with medications and repeated outpatient controls. Reoperation is occasionally required to treat major complications. Revision surgery is mandatory to ensure pain relief and function improvement. Level of Evidence Level II, retrospective cohort study.

Does functional outcome depend on the quality of the fracture fixation? Mid to long term outcomes of ankle fractures at two university teaching hospitals

BackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the adequacy of reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures and the long-term functional outcomes of patients treated in two university teaching hospitals by general orthopaedic surgeons. MethodWe performed a retrospective study involving two large trauma units in the UK, reviewing all operatively treated unstable ankle fractures performed in one centre between 1st October 2006 and 31st December 2007 and another centre between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2009. All patients were contacted by postal follow up at a minimum of 6-years using the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Results261 patients underwent operative treatment for ankle fractures during the study period at the two hospitals. 107 patients responded to the questionnaire. Analysis of patients’ functional outcome by fracture type reveals that the outcome scores decrease as the complexity of the ankle fracture increases. A significant finding within subgroup analysis found that trimalleolar fractures (B3) have worse outcomes than bimalleolar fractures (B2 and C); which in turn have worse outcomes than isolated lateral malleolar fractures (B1). Analyzing the outcome of patients based on the severity of malreduction revealed that Pettrone’s value was inversely proportional to the OMAS. ConclusionWe have found a significant reduction in patient reported function in patients whose fractures were malreduced at time of surgery.

Incidence and risk factors for surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture: A retrospective multicenter study.

Information on surgical site infection (SSI) after surgical treatment of ankle fracture is limited and remains controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence and risk factors for SSI after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fracture. Patients who underwent ORIF for ankle fracture at 3 centers between January 2015 and December 2016 were included. The potential risk factors for SSI included demographic variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, smoking, and excessive alcohol intake; blood test variables including preoperative white blood cell count, neutrophil count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin and globulin; injury- and surgery-related variables, including duration of operation (minutes), intraoperative blood loss, surgeon level, fracture site, accompanied dislocation, use of a drainage tube, and antibiotic use. Factors related with SSI occurrence were investigated by univariate analysis, and then by multivariate analysis. During hospitalization, 4.37% (66/1511) of patients developed SSI, which was deep in 1.32% (20/1510) and superficial in 3.05% (46/1510). The most common causative agent was polymicrobial (causing approximately half of all SSIs), followed by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multivariate analysis revealed that the significant risk factors for SSI occurrence were open injury, advanced age, incision cleanliness II – IV, high-energy injury, more experienced surgeon level, greater BMI, chronic heart disease, history of allergy, and preoperative neutrophil count > 75%. Preoperative preventative measures should be taken in patients with these conditions to lower the incidence of SSI after ORIF of ankle fracture.LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III - Retrospective Comparative Study.

The Avoidance of Soft Tissue Complications Following Treatment of Pott's Fractures with Comminuted Lateral Malleolus in Diabetic Patients through a Minimal Invasive Surgery

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a well recognized risk factor for infection. The Infection rates in diabetic patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture can be as high as 60%. Methods: Between February 2011 and June 2013, this prospective study was performed in 20 patients presented by bimalleolar pott's fracture in diabetic patients with comminuted fracture of the lateral malleolus. The patients underwent internal fixation through minimal incisions. Results: Out of twenty cases with pott's fractures treated with a minimal invasive surgery, 19 lateral malleolus united and 20 medial malleolus. According to skin condition, only two patients had superficial early postoperative infection. Conclusions: The advantage of this surgery is the avoidance of soft tissue complications through minimal incisions with minimal risk of infection with high rate of bony union and more cosmetic.