Pronation-external Rotation Injuries Research Articles

Patterns of Ankle Fractures Based on Radiographs and CT Images of 1000 Consecutive Patients.

The knowledge of different types of ankle fractures based on plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images can help improve patients' management. This cross-sectional study assessed the plain radiographs and CT images of 1,000 consecutive patients observed in an emergency department between March 2015 and March 2020. Fractures were labeled as uni-, bi-, or trimalleolar. Malleolar fractures were classified into medial, lateral, and posterior ones based on Herscovici, Danis-Weber, and Mason and Molloy classifications, respectively. Bi- and trimalleolar fractures, on the other hand, were categorized according to the Lauge-Hansen classification. This study included 1,000 patients with 1,003 ankle fractures. Of them, 901 were adults (mean±SD age: 41.6±16.7, male: 567 [62.9%]) with 904 fractures. In total, 53% of adult patients were 18 to 39 years old. Considering unilateral ankle fractures, the medial malleolar fracture was the most common unimalleolar fracture (62.6%), with Herscovici C being the most frequent subtype (65.3%). On the other hand, the most common type of lateral malleolar fracture was Danis-Weber type B (65.5%). There were also 209 (23.3%) bimalleolar and 114 (12.7%) trimalleolar fractures, 5.8% (16 fractures) of which could not be classified based on the Lauge-Hansen classification. Unimalleolar fractures were also observed in 87 (87.9%) children, with the medial malleolar fracture being the most common type (89.7%). Medial malleolar fractures were the most frequent malleoli in patients observed in the emergency department under study. Among bi- and trimalleolar ankle fractures, supination-external rotation and pronation-external rotation injuries were the most common patterns. The Lauge-Hansen classification was not applicable in 5.8% of bi- and trimalleolar fractures.

561 A Morphological Review of Medial Malleolar Fractures – a Large Single Centre Series

Abstract Background Medial Malleolus Fractures (MMF) are frequently managed by orthopaedic surgeons and are one of the most treated fractures of the ankle. Many approaches to management are described in the literature however, their morphology is under investigated. Method Patients who had surgical fixation of their MMF were identified from 2012 to 2022. Analysis of their pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative radiographs was performed. Lauge-Hansen classification was used to characterise ankle fracture morphology and Herscovici classification to characterise MMF morphology. Results A total of 647 patients were identified across a 10-year period who had sustained a medial malleolar fracture. The most common Herscovici fracture in Supination Adduction injuries was a Herscovici D (43.9%, 17/39), in supination external rotation injuries was Herscovici C (52.75%, 259/491), in pronation external rotation injuries was Herscovici C (48.81%, 41/84) and in pronation abduction injuries was Herscovici B (45.45%, 12/33). Medial wall blowout occurred in 19.23%, occurring in supination adduction injuries most commonly (51.28%, 20/39). Herscovici A fractures were significantly more malreduced at time of surgery compared to other fracture types (21.88%, 7/32, p = .003). There was no significant difference in union rates across the classification groups (range 11.67% Herscovici D to 22.86% for Herscovici B). Conclusions Knowledge of the medial malleolar morphology allows greater assessment and planning in their surgical treatment. There was a high rate of medial wall blowout even in the non-adduction fracture types, and this should be assessed to prevent over compression during surgical treatment. Herscovici A fracture malunions may need further investigation and different methods of fixation.

Gravity assisted reduction of ankle (GARA) fractures: Results of a novel technique for relocating displaced ankle fractures in the emergency setting in comparison to traditional manipulation and reduction (TMR) technique

BackgroundAnkle fracture displacements cause significant discomfort to the patient and can compromise soft tissues including the neurovascular structures. Prompt reduction and plaster splint application are vital in the early management of these potentially limb-threatening conditions. The process can be distressing for the patient often requiring additional personnel or equipment. We have used a novel technique of Gravity Assisted Reduction of Ankle (GARA) fractures and compared the results with the Traditional Manipulation and Reduction (TMR) technique. Material and methodsWith adequate analgesia, the patient turns to lay either in lateral or prone position depending on fracture pattern, thus permitting gravity to gradually aid in reduction and hold the fracture in place while Plaster Of Paris (POP) is applied. We performed a retrospective comparative study of GARA vs TMR using validated radiological parameters to assess the quality of reduction with both techniques. Results21 patients had GARA technique, in comparison with 19 patients in TMR group. All measured radiological parameters showed similar improvement in both the groups, despite the fact that the pronation-external rotation injury pattern was more often seen in the GARA group. Intravenous sedation and monitoring were needed in 10 patients of TMR group, none in GARA group. On an average 4 personnel needed for TMR, but only 2 personnel needed for GARA technique. ConclusionGravity assisted ankle fracture reduction is a simple, effective and reproducible alternative technique to TMR, with no need of intravenous sedation along with fewer people needed to perform the procedure. Level of evidence3b

Early Unprotected Weight Bearing and Pre-Scheduled Supervised Rehabilitation Program after Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures.

Ankle fractures represent one of the most common orthopedic injuries in the lower extremity. Weight-bearing and rehabilitation protocols after surgical treatment of ankle fracture have recently evolved from traditional methods to full weight-bearing protocols. However, more evidence is needed on unprotected immediate weight-bearing along with a standardized rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of unprotected immediate weight-bearing as tolerated and an eight-week prescheduled supervised rehabilitation program on the mid-term clinical and functional outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures, and to compare functional results with the unaffected side. Eighty patients (24F and 56M) who underwent rigid fixation of bimalleolar ankle fractures were included (mean age 41.57±13.22 years). Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate and classify the fractures. The fractures were classified using Lauge-Hansen classification system. Ankle ROMs, Pain Disability Index (PDI), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, and Short Form-36 scores were evaluated. Patients were allowed unprotected weight-bearing on the immediate postoperative period and a standardized supervised prescheduled rehabilitation program was undertaken following surgery. The mean follow-up period was 30.32±6.91 months. Based on Lauge-Hansen classification, supination-external rotation injuries were found in 32(40%) patients, supination adduction injuries in 14(17.4%) patients, pronation-external rotation injuries in 28(35%) patients, and pronation-abduction fractures in 6(7.6%) patients. The solid union was achieved in all patients at the final follow-up. The mean PDI score was 12.78±14.78, and the AOFAS score was 80.93±17.24. Although patients' health-related quality of life was at a good level, the injured-side ankle ROM was lower than the healthy side (p ≤ 0.05). Satisfactory clinical and functional outcome can be achieved at mid-term with unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated and pre-scheduled supervised eight-week rehabilitation program following rigid internal fixation of ankle fractures. However, this protocol is not studied in patients with associated comorbidities.

A prospective study on radiological functional outcome of syndesmotic screw fixation in distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries associated with ankle injuries

Introduction and Purpose: Improper alignment, malreduction and neglecting to foresee syndesmotic injuries in ankle trauma led to persistent post-operative ankle pain, delay in recovery and early arthritic changes of ankle joint. The treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries is a major concern in ankle injuries. The objectives of this study are to have Preoperative suspicious, assessment of mode of injury, stress x-rays and intraoperative test for all ankle injuries to avoid missing syndesmotic injuries and thereby the treatment. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study of 28 ankle injuries diagnosed to have a syndesmotic injury. All cases are due to RTA or falls while walking. Mostly of Weber type b and c. Compound grades I, II & III A were also included. After clinical and radiological investigations, the diagnosis was confirmed and intraoperative test was done and bimalleolar fracture was fixed first then syndesmotic injury fixed with either single or double cortical screws and with 3 or 4 cortex purchase. Postoperative check x-rays taken for checking the proper reduction of the syndesmotic joint and level of screw placement. Postoperative outcome were measured using the AOFAS score chart. Results and Discussion: Results of our study show excellent (AOFAS 90-100) in 17 cases, good (AOFAS 80-89) in 9 cases, fair (AOFAS 70-79) in 1 case and poor (AOFAS less than 70) in 1 case. With this, we come to the conclusion that (1) pronation external rotation injury is the common type. (2) Diagnosis of distal syndesmotic injuries and fixing it is very much important for having a pain-free stable ankle joint, early mobilization and preventing ankle joint arthritis. (3) Three cortical or four cortical purchase of syndesmotic screw is not significant in postoperative maintenance of reduction. (4) There is no definitive disadvantage if the syndesmotic screws were not removed.

Morphological study of CT image of posterior pilon variant fracture and its possible clinical significance.

The incidence of posterior pilon variant fractures has been underestimated. The purpose was to study the characteristics of posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) fragments in CT imaging of posterior pilon variant fractures, and to provide help for clinical diagnosis and treatment. CT imaging data of 109 cases of posterior pilon variant fractures in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to Mason and Molloy classification, PM fragments were further divided into pilon subtypes and avulsed subtypes. The largest actual area of fragments in axial and sagittal were selected as the study plane, and the maximum axial lengths of X, Y and Z, α angle, β angle, fragment area (S1-7) and fragment area ratio (FAR1-4), interfragmentary (IF) angle, and back of tibia (BT) angle were measured. A total of 109 cases were included in this study, 61 of whom were pilon subtypes [90.16% were supination-external rotation (SER) injuries]. 48 cases were avulsed subtypes [81.25% were pronation-external rotation (PER) injuries]. Pilon subtypes were larger than avulsed subtypes in X, Y, Z, α2 Angle, β2 Angle, fragment area and ratio, and IF and BT angle (P < 0.05). There was no difference between α1 and β1 angle (P > 0.05). The morphology of pilon subtype was larger than that of avulsion subtype. According to fragment size, morphology, and injury mechanism, two fragments of pilon subtype should be anatomic reduction and fixation. However, the PL fragment of avulsion subtype should to be fixed, while PM fragment may only need conservative treatment.

P109 Sherlock Holmes in Clinical Practice: The Deduction of the Pattern and Mechanism of Injury in Ankle Fractures Using Lauge-Hansen System

IntroductionAnkle fractures are among the commonest fractures in adults and as population ages, the incidence is also increasing. It is crucial to ascertain the mechanism of injury of an ankle fracture as it determines the management plan. The diagnosis and management of ankle fractures are usually relatively straightforward but they are not always the case. Most patients are unable to recall the exact mechanism of injury due to the instantaneous nature of incident. We herein describe a case report of a patient who sustained an ankle fracture following a fall but was unable to recall the exact mechanisms of injury. This case report addresses the importance of recognising Maisonneuve fractures and how Lauge-Hansen Classification system might be useful in diagnosing and making management plans for ankle fractures.Case ReportA 30-year-old male self-presented to the Emergency Department in a wheelchair following a fall. He tripped down the last four steps of stairs the night before, sustaining a right ankle injury as a result. He has been unable to weight-bear since. Elevation and application of ice packs have showed limited effect. Patient was unable to recall the exact mechanism of injury. On examination, the right ankle was swollen and there were bruises around the medial malleolus. Upon palpation, he complained of bony tenderness around lateral and medial malleoli. No other injury was found and patient was neurovascularly intact. A referral was made to the Orthopaedics team and further orthopaedic examinations revealed tenderness and crepitus upon palpation over the proximal fibula. Full lower leg X-rays was ordered to look for possible proximal fibula fracture. A diagnosis of closed, Maisonneuve (Weber C)/trimalleolar fracture of the right ankle was made.A CT-scan of the right ankle was requested to determine the involvement of joint surface to aid surgical planning. Both CT-scan and ankle X-rays showed disrupted syndesmosis. Disrupted syndesmosis is most commonly associated with Weber C fractures as shown in this case. Since the fibular fracture is greater than 4.5cm away from the tibial plafond, syndesmosis fixation is required. In Maisonneuve fractures, syndesmotic screws can be used to achieve anatomical reduction and ankle stability. This patient was scheduled for an ORIF surgery.DiscussionsBased on the findings of medial and posterior malleoli fractures from the ankle X-rays, we can deduce that the patient has most likely sustained a complete Pronation-External Rotation (PER) injury. A Maisonneuve fracture was almost missed initially due to distracting injuries and not obtaining full lower leg X-rays. However, based on Lauge-Hansen Classification, we know that it is highly unlikely to have a posterior malleolus fracture (Stage 4) without any fibular fracture (Stage 3). Hence, a full-fibula X-ray was ordered to look for proximal fibula fracture and the X-rays revealed a spiral fracture at the proximal fibula (Maisonneuve fracture). The injury force was transmitted along the interosseous membrane and exited at the shaft of proximal fibula, causing a proximal fibular fracture. PER or injury sustained from an internally rotated leg on a planted foot may cause external rotation injury, resulting in a disruption of the ligaments. The syndesmosis, which provides primary support to the ankle, if disrupted, will disrupt the ankle mortise, displacing the fibula laterally, as demonstrated in this case.ConclusionAs demonstrated in this case, some fractures, like the Maisonneuve fracture, can easily be missed. Due to distracting injuries, the chief complain in most cases of Maisonneuve fracture is severe ankle pain instead of the fracture site at proximal fibula. These fractures, if not identified early, can lead to poor prognosis. It is important to consider Maisonneuve fracture in all ankle injuries. A delayed diagnosis can lead to post-traumatic arthritis and pain, leading to loss of function. This case report addresses the importance of recognising easily missed fractures and how Lauge- Hansen Classification system is useful in aiding the diagnosis and management of ankle fracture

Salter-Harris II Ankle Fractures in Children: Does Fracture Pattern Matter?

To determine the correlation of Salter-Harris II fracture patterns with premature physeal closure (PPC) and resultant angular deformity of the ankle. Retrospective review. Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (outpatient level of care). We searched the digital ankle radiographs taken at our institution from 2001 to 2010, identifying all skeletally immature patients with confirmed ankle fractures. Fracture patterns were subclassified according to the Dias-Tachdjian classification system. Only patients with a minimum of 6 months of follow-up were included. Rates of PPC, initial operative interventions, subsequent surgical interventions, and final angular deformities of the ankle in the coronal plane were recorded and considered significant if more than 10 degrees. One hundred forty-one patients met our criteria. Fifty-two pronation-external rotation (PER) injuries, 35 supination-external rotation (SER) injuries, and 54 supination-plantar flexion (SPF) injuries were included. Of the PER injuries, 15 (28.8%) PPCs occurred with 6 patients having a resultant angular deformity of the ankle of at least 10 degrees at latest follow-up. Thirteen (24.1%) of the SPF patients went on to PPC with no resultant angular deformities. Of the SER injuries, 4 (11.4%) went on to PPC also with no patients having resultant angular deformities. The PER group had a statistically significantly higher rate of resultant angular deformity (P = 0.021). Salter-Harris II fractures of the ankle are common in children, with fracture pattern directly related to PPC and the chance for angular deformity. PER injuries are more likely to have a PPC associated with an angular deformity compared with SER and supination-plantar flexion injuries. The odds ratio of having an angular deformity with PER injuries compared with SER and SPF injuries is 25. Fracture pattern of the ankle is related to growth disturbance, which must be taken into consideration when treating these injuries and addressed with the patient and family. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What is the best treatment for displaced Salter–Harris II physeal fractures of the distal tibia?

Background and purpose — The optimal treatment of displaced Salter–Harris (SH) II fractures of the distal tibia is controversial. We compared the outcomes of operative and nonoperative treatment of SH II distal tibial fractures with residual gap of >3 mm. Factors that may be associated with the incidence of premature physeal closure (PPC) were analyzed.Patients and methods — We retrospectively reviewed 95 patients who were treated for SH II distal tibial fractures with residual gap of >3 mm after closed reduction. Patients were assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group 1 included 25 patients with nonoperative treatment, irrespective of size of residual gap (patients treated primarily at other hospitals). Group 2 included 70 patients with operative treatment. All patients were followed for ≥ 12 months after surgery, with a mean follow-up time of 21 months. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for the occurrence of PPC.Results — The incidence of PPC in patients who received nonoperative treatment was 13/52, whereas PPC incidence in patients who received operative treatment was 24/70 (p = 0.1). Multivariable logistic regression analysis determined that significant risk factors for the occurrence of PPC were age at injury, and injury mechanism. The method of treatment, sex, presence of fibular fracture, residual displacement after closed reduction, and implant type were not predictive factors for the occurrence of PPC.Interpretation — Operative treatment for displaced SH II distal tibial fractures did not seem to reduce the incidence of PPC compared with nonoperative treatment. We cannot exclude that surgery may be of value in younger children with pronation–abduction or pronation–external rotation injuries.

Suture anchor repair for ruptured deltoid ligament in pronation ankle fractures

Background: The deltoid ligament is the main medial stabilizer of the ankle joint. Rupture of this ligament is not uncommon in pronation ankle injuries and should be suspected in the absence of medial malleolar fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of deltoid ligament reconstruction using suture anchor fixation to the medial malleolus for such conditions. Methods: Twenty-seven ankles with pronation ankle injuries were surgically treated and enrolled in this prospective study. Sixteen patients with pronation-external rotation injury (group 1) and 11 patients with pronation-abduction injury (group 2) were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome score (FAOS) and Ankle-Hindfoot scale. A composite questionnaire, including the Health-related Quality of Life Index (EQ-5D) and visual analog scales (VAS) for pain and satisfaction, was used to assess the surgical result. Results: All patients returned to their preinjury activity level at their final follow-up. The mean FAOS score for all patients included in the study was 94.44, and the mean Ankle-Hindfoot scale was 93.3, with no statistical difference between the two groups. Adequate range of motion was achieved in all patients. Twenty-five patients reported being fully satisfied, while two patients reported to be just satisfied, with an overall satisfaction scale of 8.85. Conclusions: Surgical reconstruction of a ruptured deltoid ligament in pronation ankle injury using suture anchors is an effective treatment modality with excellent functional outcome.

Proximal Tibiofibular Joint Dislocation as a Maissoneuve Equivalent Fracture

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) in association with ankle fracture is an infrequent injury. The mechanism involves a pronation-external rotation injury in which the energy exits through the PTFJ instead of the proximal fibula, like in a Maissoneuve fracture. Early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance to avoid complications such as pain, posterolateral knee instability and peroneal nerve injury due to chronic traction by the dislocated fibular head. In addition, an anatomical reduction of the PTFJ is mandatory to restore the fibular length in order to obtain anatomic reduction at the ankle. The objective is to report 3 cases with PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture and to provide a treatment guide based on the management of these patients. Methods: Three cases of PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture, surgically treated in our institution between 2009 and 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. For each case, clinical history at admission, pre and post operative radiographs and computed tomography (CT) were obtained. Clinical follow up time was between 1 and 6 years. Results: Diagnosis of the PTFJ dislocation required a high degree of suspicion. All the patients had subtle radiographic abnormalities at the PTFJ, thus requiring a CT of the knee to confirm the diagnosis. The first surgical step was to perform an open reduction of the PTFJ. Common peroneal nerve was identified and retracted. Reduction was performed with a clamp and for fixation we used one cortical positioning screw from the fibula to the tibia. After the achievement of an anatomic reduction, the second step was to approach the ankle according the specific fracture pattern. Anatomical reduction was obtained in all the patients checked by ankle and knee CT. At final follow up none of the patients had knee pain, and all returned to their activities. Conclusion: The PTFJ dislocation in association with ankle fracture is an infrequent injury and should be considered as a Maissoneuve equivalent fracture in terms of mechanism and diagnosis. A high index of suspicion is needed and the diagnosis is confirmed with a knee CT. As the Essex Lopresti injury of the upper extremity, this type of lesion requires proximal and distal stabilization. Our recommended treatment, based on the good clinical results of our 3 patient, is open reduction and screw fixation of the PTFJ as the first step in order to allow anatomical reduction of the distal injury at the ankle.

When is a simple fracture of the lateral malleolus not so simple? how to assess stability, which ones to fix and the role of the deltoid ligament.

Stable fractures of the ankle can be safely treated non-operatively. It is also gradually being recognised that the integrity of the 'medial column' is essential for the stability of the fracture. It is generally thought that bi- and tri-malleolar fractures are unstable, as are pronation external rotation injuries resulting in an isolated high fibular fracture (Weber type-C), where the deltoid ligament is damaged or the medial malleolus fractured. However, how best to identify unstable, isolated, trans-syndesmotic Weber type-B supination external rotation (SER) fractures of the lateral malleolus remains controversial. We provide a rationale as to how to classify SER distal fibular fractures using weight-bearing radiographs, and how this can help guide the management of these common injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:851-5.

A rare type of ankle fracture: Syndesmotic rupture combined with a high fibular fracture without medial injury

High fibular spiral fractures are usually caused by pronation-external rotation mechanism. The foot is in pronation and the talus externally rotates, causing a rupture of the medial ligaments or a fracture of the medial malleolus. With continued rotation the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligament will rupture, and finally, the energy leaves the fibula by creating a spiral fracture from anterior superior to posterior inferior.In this article we demonstrate a type of ankle fracture with syndesmotic injury and high fibular spiral fractures without a medial component. This type of ankle fractures cannot be explained by the Lauge-Hansen classification, since it lacks injury on the medial side of the ankle, but it does have the fibular fracture pattern matching the pronation external rotation injury (anterior superior to posterior inferior fracture). We investigated the mechanism of this injury illustrated by 3 cases and postulate a theory explaining the biomechanics behind this type of injury.

Results of open reduction and internal fixation in closed bimalleolar Pott's Fracture of Ankle in Adults

Background: The movement around ankle joint is very important because of the cultural practices, which involve squatting and sitting cross-legged. Bimalleolar Pott’s fractures are very common in ankle joint injuries because of increased incidence of road traffic accidents and industrial trauma. Accurate reduction of fractures around ankle joint is important for a painless ankle joint. Objective: To study the functional outcome of surgically managed closed bimalleolar fractures of ankle in adults; to evaluate restoration of the anatomy of malleoli and ankle perfectly by operative treatment with internal fixation; to assess the union of fractures after surgical management; and to achieve stable fixation and early mobilization of the ankle. Materials and Methods: We have evaluated clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of 40 patients treated with a combination of different treatment modalities, which involve the combination of tension band wiring (TBW), Kirschner (K)-wire, Rush pin, cortical and cancellous screws, and one-third tubular plates for lateral and medial malleolus fixation. Results: In this prospective study, 40 cases of bimalleolar fractures of ankle were treated by surgical methods. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury. Majority [16 (40%)] of the cases showed supination–external rotation injury, followed by 11 (27.5%) cases with pronation–external rotation injury. Majority [29 (72.5%)] of the medial malleolus fractures were fixed with TBW. In the remaining cases, cancellous screws and K-wire were used. Most [20 (50%)] of the lateral malleolar fractures were fixed with K-wire. In the rest of the cases, one-third tubular plate and Rush pin were used. In our study, the average time taken for union was 10.4 weeks. Excellent results were achieved in 23 cases (57.5%), good in 10 cases (25%), fair in five cases (12.5%), and poor in two cases (5%). Excellent results were observed in most bimalleolar fractures. Of the two cases with poor results, one developed superficial infection and the other showed delayed union. Conclusion: Unstable bimalleolar ankle fractures are common because of road traffic accidents. Understanding the mechanism of injury is essential for anatomical reduction and fixation. Fibular alignment (length and rotation) has to be maintained for lateral stability of the ankle. Anatomical reduction with restoration of the articular congruence is essential in all intra-articular fractures, more so, if a weight-bearing joint such as ankle is involved. Open reduction and internal fixation restores the articular congruity of the ankle joint. Excellent results are obtained with stable fixation of fracture. TBW is better in internal fixation of medial malleolus compared with K-wire fixation, and lateral plating was the best for fibular fractures. Hence, we conclude that surgical management of bimalleolar ankle fractures provides good functional outcome. By stable surgical fixation of fracture, early mobilization can be done with good functional outcome.

Total Ankle Replacement with a Staged Correction of a 20 Degree Post Traumatic Ankle Valgus and Medial Ankle Instability

Total ankle replacement can be a challenging surgery especially when pre-operative deformity exists. Most authors advocate the indication for total ankle replacement should be narrowed to patients with less than 10 to 15 degrees of pre-operative varus or valgus. When greater than 10-15 degrees of coronal plane malalignment is found, ancillary procedures must be performed. We report a case of a 56 year old male with 20 degrees of pre-operative ankle valgus after a pronation-external rotation injury that was malreduced at an outside institution. In addition to the valgus, the patient presented with medial ankle instability, distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis and a shortened, posteriorly rotated fibula. Staged procedures were employed to successfully realign the patient’s ankle joint. The patient was first brought to the operating room and stressed under c-arm fluoroscopy. He was found to have instability of the deltoid complex. He subsequently underwent an ankle arthrotomy, synevectomy and deltoid imbrication to re-establish medial ankle stability. Second, the patient underwent a fibular lengthening and derotation, syndesmotic fusion and medial opening wedge tibial osteotomy. Once consolidation was confirmed by CAT scan, the patient had a gastrocnemius lengthening total ankle arthroplasty with a Zimmer trabecular metal implant (Zimmer Inc®, Warsaw, IN) and debridement and grafting of the distal lateral tibial osteonecrosis. The patient is now greater than 24 months post operatively and able to ambulate pain free without assistive devices.

Paratrooper's ankle fracture: posterior malleolar fracture.

BackgroundWe assessed the frequency and types of ankle fractures that frequently occur during parachute landings of special operation unit personnel and analyzed the causes.MethodsFifty-six members of the special force brigade of the military who had sustained ankle fractures during parachute landings between January 2005 and April 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. The injury sites and fracture sites were identified and the fracture types were categorized by the Lauge-Hansen and Weber classifications. Follow-up surveys were performed with respect to the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, patient satisfaction, and return to preinjury activity.ResultsThe patients were all males with a mean age of 23.6 years. There were 28 right and 28 left ankle fractures. Twenty-two patients had simple fractures and 34 patients had comminuted fractures. The average number of injury and fractures sites per person was 2.07 (116 injuries including a syndesmosis injury and a deltoid injury) and 1.75 (98 fracture sites), respectively. Twenty-three cases (41.07%) were accompanied by posterior malleolar fractures. Fifty-five patients underwent surgery; of these, 30 had plate internal fixations. Weber type A, B, and C fractures were found in 4, 38, and 14 cases, respectively. Based on the Lauge-Hansen classification, supination-external rotation injuries were found in 20 cases, supination-adduction injuries in 22 cases, pronation-external rotation injuries in 11 cases, tibiofibular fractures in 2 cases, and simple medial malleolar fractures in 2 cases. The mean follow-up period was 23.8 months, and the average follow-up American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 85.42. Forty-five patients (80.36%) reported excellent or good satisfaction with the outcome.ConclusionsPosterior malleolar fractures occurred in 41.07% of ankle fractures sustained in parachute landings. Because most of the ankle fractures in parachute injuries were compound fractures, most cases had to undergo surgical repairs.

The association between medial malleolar fracture geometry, injury mechanism, and syndesmotic disruption.

Precise correlations between medial malleolar fracture geometry and fracture mechanism have not been thoroughly described. This study sought to determine the prevalence of different medial malleolar fracture types and to elucidate the association between fracture geometry and fracture mechanism. The records of 112 medial malleolar ankle fractures were reviewed. For each fracture, the direction of the fracture line in the medial malleolus (transverse, oblique, vertical, or comminuted), the Lauge-Hansen classification, and the presence or absence of syndesmotic injury was recorded. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to determine if correlations existed. Transverse fractures were the most prevalent type of medial malleolar fracture [n=64 (57%)], and they correlated with supination-external rotation injuries. These were followed by oblique fractures [29 (26)], which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries [29 (26)], and vertical fractures [7 (6)], which correlated with supination-adduction injuries [9 (8)]. Comminuted fractures [12 (11)] and pronation-abduction injuries [22 (20)] did not correlate with any other categories. Syndesmotic injuries were correlated with transverse fractures, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries. Medial malleolar fractures can be divided into four fracture types: transverse fractures, which correlated with supination-external rotation injuries; oblique fractures, which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries; vertical fractures, which correlated with supination-adduction injuries; and comminuted fractures, which did not correlate with a particular type of injury. Syndesmotic injury was positively correlated with transverse fractures of the medial malleolus, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries. These findings suggest that medial malleolar fracture geometry can provide valuable information for the clinician when classifying and managing ankle fractures.

"Floating Fibula" Secondary to Traumatic Dislocation of the Ankle Joint, Ankle Syndesmosis, and the Proximal Tibiofibular Joint: A Case Report.

The Maisonneuve fracture, described by Dr. Jules Germain Francois Maisonneuve in 18401, is a fracture of the proximal part of the fibula that is associated with an injury to the ankle. This is also known as a pronation-external rotation injury to the ankle that disrupts the medial ankle structures initially and propagates along the syndesmotic ligaments and interosseous membrane and then exits, with a resultant fracture in the proximal part of the fibula2. Many authors have described variations of this injury3-5. Levy et al. described a single case report of a medial malleolar avulsion injury that did not have a proximal fibular fracture, but there was disruption of the ankle syndesmosis and proximal tibiofibular dislocation4. We report a case of traumatic ankle dislocation, syndesmosis disruption, and dislocation of the proximal tibiofibular joint, without fracture of the tibia or fibula. To our knowledge, this type of injury has not been previously reported. We also highlight some of the challenges faced while managing this interesting injury. The patient was informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and he provided verbal consent. A twenty-two-year-old motorcyclist, struck on the right side by a car, was knocked to the ground and sustained an open dislocation of the left ankle. There was a 7-cm open wound over the medial aspect of the ankle communicating with the ankle joint (Fig. 1), and a 2-cm wound over the lateral aspect of the ankle (Fig. 2). A third medial wound, measuring 10 cm, with an extensive degloving component was located on the proximal part of the leg. This wound was not communicating with the knee joint or the proximal tibiofibular joint. There was no neurovascular deficit in the left lower limb. Radiographs showed a complete …

Osteochondral Lesions of Talus Associated with Ankle Fractures

Residual ankle pain and stiffness is not uncommon after ankle fractures. Proposed etiologies include ligamentous instability, joint arthrosis and osteochondral injuries. We studied the incidence of osteochondral lesions of the talus (OCLT) with various ankle fracture patterns and assessed their impact on functional outcome. Preoperative MRI of 153 patients with ankle fractures who underwent operative fixation was studied. Ligamentous structures around the ankle and OCLT were assessed by MRI. The OCLT was graded as follows: 0, normal; 1, hyperintense but morphologically intact cartilage; 2, fibrillations or fissures not extending into the bone; 3, cartilage flap or bone exposed; 4, loose undisplaced fragment; 5, displaced fragments. Functional outcome was assessed using Foot and Ankle Outcome Scoring (FAOS) at a minimum of 6 months. Outcome between the OCLT and non OCLT group with similar fracture pattern was compared using Fischer's exact test. There were 26 (17%) associated OCLT; four grade I, five grade II, one grade III, eight grade IV, and eight grade V lesions. Three were associated with supination adduction, 21 with supination external rotation injuries and two with pronation external rotation injuries. In the OCLT and the non OCLT group, the average symptom score, pain score, activities of daily living score, sports/recreation score and quality of life score was 80, 72, 79, 45, 50 and 73, 73, 79, 60, 45, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p > 0.1). Osteochondral lesions were frequently associated with ankle fractures; however they had no significant impact on the functional outcome when associated with ankle fractures.

Maisonneuve Fracture Equivalent with Proximal Tibiofibular Dislocation

The Maisonneuve fracture was initially described in 1840 by Dr. Jacques Maisonneuve1. The initial description involved a proximal fibular fracture associated with an injury to the medial ankle structures. Lauge-Hansen then classified this fracture as a pronation-external rotation variant, with disruption of the syndesmosis2. Danis3 and Weber4 classified these injuries as type-C fractures, and the AO/ASIF Group described them as type-C3 injuries5. This pronation-external rotation mechanism involves either an avulsion fracture of the medial malleolus or disruption of the deltoid ligaments. This is followed by an external rotation force that causes disruption of the syndesmotic ligaments and the interosseous membrane. The energy pattern continues along the path of the interosseous membrane and exits in the proximal fibular region. Proximal tibiofibular dislocation initially was described by Dubreuil6 in 1844 and then by Malgaigne in 18557. Fig. 1 Stress radiograph of the left (injured) ankle, showing the medial clear space of 5.4 mm and the talocrural angle of 6.2°. We present the case of a patient who sustained a pronation-external rotation injury involving an avulsion of the medial malleolus, with disruption of the deltoid ligaments and the proximal tibiofibular joint. There was no fibular fracture, but the patient did sustain an ipsilateral tibiofibular dislocation. On the basis of our review of the literature, we do not believe that this association has been described previously. The patient was informed that data concerning this case would be submitted for publication. Aseventeen-year-old boy presented to the emergency room after a twisting injury of the left ankle. Initially, he was thought to have an ankle sprain with no evidence of fracture. The patient was managed with a splint because of severe soft-tissue swelling and was referred to the orthopaedic surgery department. Fig. 2 Stress radiograph of the right (uninjured) …