Supination-external Rotation Research Articles

Study of clinical and functional outcome of malleoli fracture

Background: Ankle fractures are a common orthopedic injury, accounting for 9% of all fractures, with an increasing incidence among both young and elderly populations. These fractures often result from road traffic accidents, falls, and sports injuries. Malleolar fractures, involving the bony prominences of the ankle, are particularly prevalent and necessitate accurate reduction and stable internal fixation to prevent complications such as post-traumatic arthritis and restricted motion. This study aims to assess the functional outcomes and results of surgical treatment of malleolar fractures. Methods: The study utilized Lauge-Hansen’s classification to analyze the mechanism of injury in 32 patients with ankle fractures. Surgical techniques included the fixation of syndesmotic injuries with anatomical fibular plates, (AFP) posterior malleolus fractures with percutaneous screws or Ellis plates, and medial malleolus fractures with tension band wiring (TBW). The outcomes were measured in terms of union time, range of motion, and stability. Results: The most common injury mechanism was supination external rotation (SER) in 14 patients, followed by pronation external rotation (PER) in 7 patients, pronation abduction (PAB) in 6 patients, and supination adduction (SAD) in 5 patients. Syndesmotic injuries were found in 7 patients, all treated surgically except one. Posterior malleolus fractures were present in 3 patients and treated with screws or plates. Fixation of medial malleolus fractures with TBW showed better union rates and improved range of motion compared to screw fixation. Lateral malleolar fractures treated with AFP provided additional stability. The average union time was 6 to 8 weeks. Conclusions: Anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation are crucial for the successful treatment of malleolar fractures. TBW for medial malleolus fractures and AFP for lateral malleolar fractures provide favorable outcomes. However, a larger sample size and longer follow-up duration are required to further evaluate the outcomes of ankle injuries, particularly in older patients with osteoporosis and comorbidities.

Multivariate analysis of influencing functional recovery after ankle fracture of typeⅡand above supination-external rotation

To explore influencing factors of functional recovery after ankle fracture of typeⅡdegree and above supination-external rotation. Clinical data of 120 patients with ankle fractures of typeⅡdegree and above supination-external rotation admitted from February 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), patients were divided into excellent group with 73 patients (90 to 100 points), good group with 35 patients (75 to 89 points), and fair group with 12 patients(<50 points). The differences of ankle active range of motion (ROM) and AOFAS score were compared among three groups at the latest follow-up. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors related to functional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation. There were significant differences in postoperative ROM (dorsoextension, plantar flexion, varus and valgus) and complications between excellent group and good and acceptable group (P<0.05). Univariate analysis showed there were differences in age above 50 years old, Ⅳ degree of supination-external rotation fracture, lower tibiofibular ligament injury, posterior ankle fracture, no drainage tube placed, infection, antibiotic use time above 7 days (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed age above 50 years old[OR=2.829, 95%CI(1.049, 7.628), P=0.040], Ⅳ degree fracture of supination-external rotation[OR=6.13, 95%CI(1.153, 32.593), P=0.033], lower tibiofibular ligament injury[OR=10.785, 95%CI(3.338, 34.894), P=0.000], and posterior ankle fracture[OR=6.349, 95%CI(1.869, 21.560), P=0.003] were independent risk factors for functional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation (P<0.05). The postoperative excellent outcome of ankle fracture was good, and the recovery of joint motion was better. The older age of patient, Ⅳ degree of supination-external rotation fracture, the lower tibiofibular ligament injury, and posterior ankle fracture are all adverse factors affecting functional recovery after supination-external rotation ankle fracture. In clinical, effective measures should be taken to deal with these influencing factors, and strive to improve the functional recovery after the operation of this type of fracture and reduce the occurrence of related complications.

Understanding the mechanism of injury and fracture pattern of paediatric triplane ankle fractures versus adult trimalleolar fractures.

Paediatric triplane fractures and adult trimalleolar ankle fractures both arise from a supination external rotation injury. By relating the experience of adult to paediatric fractures, clarification has been sought on the sequence of injury, ligament involvement, and fracture pattern of triplane fractures. This study explores the similarities between triplane and trimalleolar fractures for each stage of the Lauge-Hansen classification, with the aim of aiding reduction and fixation techniques. Imaging data of 83 paediatric patients with triplane fractures and 100 adult patients with trimalleolar fractures were collected, and their fracture morphology was compared using fracture maps. Visual fracture maps were assessed, classified, and compared with each other, to establish the progression of injury according to the Lauge-Hansen classification. Four stages of injury in triplane fractures, resembling the adult supination external rotation Lauge-Hansen stages, were observed. Stage I consists of rupture of the anterior syndesmosis or small avulsion of the anterolateral tibia in trimalleolar fractures, and the avulsion of a larger Tillaux fragment in triplanes. Stage II is defined as oblique fracturing of the fibula at the level of the syndesmosis, present in all trimalleolar fractures and in 30% (25/83) of triplane fractures. Stage III is the fracturing of the posterior malleolus. In trimalleolar fractures, the different Haraguchi types can be discerned. In triplane fractures, the delineation of the posterior fragment has a wave-like shape, which is part of the characteristic Y-pattern of triplane fractures, originating from the Tillaux fragment. Stage IV represents a fracture of the medial malleolus, which is highly variable in both the trimalleolar and triplane fractures. The paediatric triplane and adult trimalleolar fractures share common features according to the Lauge-Hansen classification. This highlights that the adolescent injury arises from a combination of ligament traction and a growth plate in the process of closing. With this knowledge, a specific sequence of reduction and optimal screw positions are recommended.

Radiological characteristics and injury mechanism of Logsplitter injury: a descriptive and retrospective study

BackgroundLogsplitter Injury is a type of high-energy ankle fracture dislocation. The mechanism of injury has not been described in detail. A detailed understanding of the radiological features and pathological changes can further guide treatment.MethodsBetween April 2009 and December 2018, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients with Logsplitter injury. The study analysed the characteristics of fibular injury, tibial injury, syndesmosis injury, medial injury and lateral ligament injury on preoperative X-ray and CT scans. The incidence of the different injury types was summarised. The correlation between Logsplitter injuries and the mechanisms causing them were analysed using the Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fractures.ResultsThe study provides data on the types of fractures observed. Of the total fractures, 98.4% were open fractures. The fibula injuries were classified as no fracture (1.6%), transverse or short oblique fractures (61.3%), butterfly fragments (25.8%), and comminuted fractures (11.3%). The tibial injuries included compression of lateral articular surfaces (38.7%) and posterior compressions (6.5%). Medial injuries, including medial malleolar fractures, accounted for 87.1%, and deltoid ligament rupture accounted for 12.9%. The study found that injuries to the syndesmosis consisted of simple ligament ruptures (11.3%), Tillaux fractures (8.1%), Volkmann fractures (43.5%), and Tillaux and Volkmann fractures (37.1%). In 12.9% of cases, there was a complete rupture of the lateral collateral ligament. Based on the Lauge-Hansen classification, 87.1% of injuries were pronation-abduction injuries, while 8.1% were pronation and external rotation injuries, and 1.6% were supination external rotation injuries. Furthermore, 3.2% of cases could not be classified.ConclusionThe pathoanatomic characteristics of Logsplitter injury are diverse, with some cases accompanied by collateral ligament injury. It is important to note that these evaluations are objective and based on current results. The most common injury mechanism is vertical violence combined with abduction, although in some cases, it may be a vertical combined external-rotation injury.Level of evidence(4) case series.Trial registrationThis study has been approved by the ethical research committee of the Honghui Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, under the code: 202,003,002.

Trauma

The June 2024 Trauma Roundup360 looks at: Skin antisepsis before surgical fixation of limb fractures; Comparative analysis of intramedullary nail versus plate fixation for fibula fracture in supination external rotation type IV ankle injury; Early weightbearing versus late weightbearing after intramedullary nailing for distal femoral fracture (AO/OTA 33) in elderly patients: a multicentre propensity-matched study; Long-term outcomes with spinal versus general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery; Operative versus nonoperative management of unstable medial malleolus fractures: a randomized clinical trial; Impact of smoking status on fracture-related infection characteristics and outcomes; Reassessing empirical antimicrobial choices in fracture-related infections; Development and validation of the Nottingham Trauma Frailty Index (NTFI) for older trauma patients.

Dislocations deteriorate postoperative functional outcomes in supination-external rotation ankle fractures

PurposeTo assess the relationship between dislocation and functional outcomes in supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures. MethodsA retrospective case series study was performed on patients with ankle fractures treated surgically at a large trauma center from January 2015 to December 2021. The inclusion criteria were young and middle-aged patients of 18–65 years with SER ankle fractures that can be classified by Lauge-Hansen classification and underwent surgery at our trauma center. Exclusion criteria were serious life-threatening diseases, open fractures, fractures delayed for more than 3 weeks, fracture sites ≥2, etc. Then patients were divided into dislocation and no-dislocation groups. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, surgery-related outcomes, and postoperative functional outcomes were collected and analyzed. The functional outcomes of SER ankle fractures were assessed postoperatively at 1-year face-to-face follow-up using the foot and ankle outcome score (FAOS) and American orthopedic foot and ankle society score and by 2 experienced orthopedic physicians. Relevant data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0 by Chi-square or t-test. ResultsDuring the study period, there were 371 ankle fractures. Among them, 190 (51.2%) were SER patterns with 69 (36.3%) combined with dislocations. Compared with the no-dislocation group, the dislocation group showed no statistically significant differences in gender, age composition, fracture type, preoperative complications with diabetes, smoking history, preoperative waiting time, operation time, and length of hospital stay (all p > 0.05), but a significantly higher Lauge-Hansen injury grade (p < 0.001) and syndesmotic screw fixation rate (p = 0.033). Moreover, the functional recovery was poorer, revealing a significantly lower FAOS in the sport/rec scale (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that among SER IV ankle fracture patients, FAOS was much lower in pain (p = 0.042) and sport/rec scales (p < 0.001) for those with dislocations. American orthopedic foot and ankle society score revealed no significant difference between dislocation and no-dislocation patients. ConclusionDislocation in SER ankle fractures suggests more severe injury and negatively affects functional recovery, mainly manifested as more pain and poorer motor function, especially in SER IV ankle cases.

Morphology of the proximal tibiofibular joint does not affect the type of lateral malleolus fracture and syndesmotic ligament injuries: A computed tomography-based study

IntroductionThe Proximal Tibiofibular Joint (PTFJ) is a synovial joint with anatomical variations located between the anteromedial surface of the fibula and the posterolateral facet of the tibia. These anatomical variations are believed to contribute to different biomechanical behaviors in both the knee and ankle joint and play a role in both physiological and pathological movements. Therefore, the morphology of the proximal tibiofibular joint may play a decisive role in the characteristics of ankle fractures and syndesmotic ligament injuries. Materials and methodsIn this retrospective comparative our CT database was searched between January 2015 and December 2022. Following inclusion criteria were used: Availability of knee CT scans for the fractured ankle, external rotation-type injuries (pronation external rotation and supination external rotation fractures). After applying the exclusion criteria (Plafond fractures, supination adduction and pronation abduction type fractures, pathological fractures, patients with previous fractures or surgeries around the knee, patients with previous fractures or surgeries around the knee, proximal tibiofibular arthrosis), 44 CT scans (mean age = 42.8 ± 14.1) confirmed eligible for further analysis. On each scan following measurements were performed: Coronal and sagittal PTFJ inclination angle, Joint obliquity, fibula head-tibia joint distance and tibia plateau-fibular axis angle. ResultsThe study consisted of 24 (54.5 %) male and 20 (45.5 %) female patients. According to the proximal fibular inclination, 29 cases (65.9 %) were of the oblique type, and 15 cases (34.1 %) were of the horizontal type. The distribution of PTFJ variations was as follows: 17 (38.6 %) concave, 4 (9.1 %) convex, 7 (15.9 %) atypical, and 16 (36.4 %) flat type. Regarding the PTFJ joint contour, the distribution was 13 (29.5 %) type a, 11 (25 %) type b, and 20 (45.5 %) type c. There was no relationship between measurements of PITFJ morphology and the type of ankle fracture and/or syndesmosis injury (p > 0.05). ConclusionPTFJ morphological features are not associated with rotational ankle fractures and syndesmotic ligament injuries.

Biomechanical Effects of Hindfoot Alignment in Supination External Rotation Malleolar Fractures: A Human Cadaveric Model.

Pressure distribution in the ankle joint is known to be dependent on various factors, including hindfoot alignment. We seek to evaluate how hindfoot alignment affects contact pressures in the ankle joint in the setting of supination external rotation (SER) type ankle fractures. SER fractures were created in 10 human cadaver lower extremity specimens, simulating progressive stages of injury: without fracture (step 0), SER fracture and intact deltoid ligament (step 1), superficial deltoid ligament disruption (step 2), and deep deltoid ligament disruption (step 3). At each step, varus and valgus alignment was simulated by displacing the calcaneal tuberosity 7 mm medial or lateral. Each limb was axially loaded following each osteotomy at a static load of 350 N. The center of force (COF), contact area (CA), and peak contact pressure (PP) under load were measured, and radiographs of the ankle mortise were taken to analyze the medial clear space (MCS) and talar tilt (TT). The COF (5.3 mm, P = .030) and the CA (-188.4 mm2, P = .015) changed in step 3 in the valgus hindfoot alignment compared to baseline parameters, indicating the importance of deep deltoid ligament integrity in maintaining normal ankle joint contact stress in the valgus hindfoot. These changes were not seen in the setting of varus alignment (COF: 2.3 mm, P = .059; CA -121 mm2, P = .133). PP were found to not change significantly in either varus or valgus (varus: -4.9 N, P = .132; valgus: -4 N, P = .464).The MCS demonstrated widening in step 3 compared to step 2 (0.7 mm, P = .020) in both varus and valgus hindfoot. The TT increased significantly in step 3 in the valgus hindfoot (2.8 degrees, P = .020) compared to step 0. SER-IV fractures with valgus hindfoot alignment showed significant changes in pressure distribution and radiographic parameters when compared to SER-IV fractures with varus hindfoot alignment. Based on this cadaver modeling study, patients with SERIV fracture with varus hindfoot alignment and complete deltoid ligament lesion may not need fracture fixation, whereas those with valgus hindfoot alignment likely need fracture fixation.

Outcomes of glenohumeral dysplasia after brachial plexus birth injury using the Sup-ER orthosis.

We investigated the efficacy of the supination-external rotation ('Sup-ER') orthosis, designed as a non-operative treatment to maintain normal anatomical growth of the shoulder, on the progression of glenohumeral dysplasia in patients with brachial plexus birth injuries. The Sup-ER orthosis was fabricated for 20 infants diagnosed with glenohumeral dysplasia after brachial plexus birth injuries and its success in correcting glenohumeral dysplasia was confirmed by objective calculations of the alpha angle on serial ultrasound findings and improvement in Active Movement Scale scores. Of the 20 patients, 14 had successful resolution of glenohumeral dysplasia, confirmed by shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, external rotation and supination, Active Movement Scale scores and improving alpha angle measurements. Failure to rectify glenohumeral dysplasia, evidenced by worsening ultrasound findings and Active Movement Scale scores, necessitated a change to operative management in six patients.Level of evidence: IV.

Temporary Cast Application in Dislocated Ankle Fractures Leads to High Rates of Secondary Loss of Reduction: Does the Lauge-Hansen Injury Type Matter?

For the temporary treatment of ankle fracture dislocations (AFDs), previous studies indicate higher rates of secondary loss of reduction (LOR) with splint immobilization, prompting consideration for expanding indications for external fixation (ExFix). However, these studies did not investigate the influence of fracture morphology to further improve patient selection. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of Lauge-Hansen injury type on the LOR rate in bimalleolar or trimalleolar AFDs for temporary cast vs ExFix immobilization. In this retrospective cohort study, patients with isolated AFD cases treated at our institution from 2011 to 2020 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria required radiographs depicting initial dislocation and appropriate reduction after Cast or ExFix immobilization. Exclusion criteria encompassed concomitant injuries, open fractures, conservative management as well as surgery performed within 48 hours or at a different facility. Patients were grouped by temporary treatment (Cast or ExFix). The primary endpoint was LOR prior to definitive surgery across various Lauge-Hansen types. The LOR rate was significantly higher in the cast group (40/152, 26.3%) compared to the ExFix group (5/191, 2.6%; P < .0001). In the cast group, LOR was associated with an increase in time to definitive surgery by a mean of 3 days (P < .002). During cast treatment, LOR was significantly more likely for pronation abduction (P = .001) and supination external rotation injuries (P < .0001), whereas no significant differences were observed for pronation external rotation (P = .006), supination adduction (P > .99), and fractures not classifiable (P > .99). In cases of AFDs resulting from supination external rotation or pronation abduction trauma according to the Lauge-Hansen classification, especially in the setting of an additional posterior malleolar fracture, primary application of external fixation should be considered to reduce the risk for secondary loss of reduction. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Outcomes of Mini-Plate Fixation for Unstable Wagstaffe Tubercle Fracture, an Indirect Syndesmosis Injury in Rotational Ankle Fracture.

Background: Wagstaffe fracture constitutes an indirect injury to the AITFL and can precipitate syndesmotic instability. The prevailing fixation methods often involve the use of mini-screws or K-wires, with absorbable suture repair reserved for cases with small or comminuted fragments exhibiting instability. In this study, we devised a mini-plate fixation method capable of securing the fracture fragment irrespective of its size or condition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures between May 2022 and October 2023. The surgical technique involved direct fixation of the Wagstaffe fracture using mini-plate fixation. Radiologic evaluation was performed using postoperative CT images, and clinical outcomes were assessed using the OMAS and VAS. Results: Fourteen patients with an average age of 62.5 years were included. Most fractures were associated with the supination-external rotation type. The average preoperative OMAS significantly improved from 5.95 to 83.57 postoperatively. The average VAS score decreased from 7.95 preoperatively to 0.19 postoperatively. Conclusions: The mini-plate technique for Wagstaffe fractures exhibited dependable fixation strength, effective fracture reduction, a minimal complication rate, and judicious surgical procedure duration.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Supination-External Rotation Type IV Ankle Fractures by Means of Anterolateral and Posterolateral Approaches.

The present study aimed to analyze and compare the efficacy of the anterolateral and posterolateral approaches for surgical treatment of supination-external rotation type IV ankle fractures. This retrospective study enrolled 60 patients (60 feet) with supination-external rotation type IV ankle fractures, including 30 patients (30 feet) treated by means of the anterolateral approach and 30 patients (30 feet) treated by means of the posterolateral approach. Postoperative clinical efficacy was compared between the groups based on operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, fracture healing time, visual analog scale scores, Short Form-36 Health Survey scores, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores. Comparisons between the two groups were performed using independent-samples t tests and analyses of variance. Intragroup differences were compared using paired t tests, and the χ2 test was used to compare categorical variables. All 60 included patients completed follow-up ranging from 12 to 18 months (mean duration, 14.8 ± 3.5 months). Although baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups, there were significant differences in operation time (86.73 ± 17.44 min versus 111.23 ± 10.05 min; P < .001) and intraoperative blood loss (112.60 ± 25.05 mL versus 149.47 ± 44.30 mL; P < .001). Although fracture healing time (10.90 ± 0.66 weeks versus 11.27 ± 0.94 weeks; P = .087) was shorter in the anterolateral group than in the posterolateral group, the difference was not significant. Postoperative complications occurred in one and three patients in the anterolateral and posterolateral approach groups, respectively. Visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the anterolateral group than in the posterolateral group (1.43 ± 0.50 versus 1.83 ± 0.75; P = .019), although there was no significant difference in Short Form-36 Health Survey scores between the groups (73.63 ± 4.07 versus 72.70 ± 4.04; P = .377). However, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society scores were higher in the anterolateral group than in the posterolateral group (80.43 ± 4.32 versus 75.43 ± 11.32; P = .030). Both the anterolateral and posterolateral approaches can achieve good results in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV ankle fractures. Compared with the posterolateral approach, the anterolateral approach is advantageous for the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV ankle fractures given its safety and ability to reduce trauma, clear field of view revealed, and allow for exploration and repair of the inferior tibiofibular anterior syndesmosis within the same incision.

Bilateral External Torque CT Reliably Detects Syndesmotic Lesions in an Experimental Cadaveric Study.

If tibiofibular syndesmotic injury is undetected, chronic instability may lead to persistent pain and osteoarthritis. So far, no reliable diagnostic method has been available. The primary objectives of this study were to determine whether defined lesions of the syndesmosis can be correlated with specific tibiofibular joint displacements caused by external rotational torque and to compare the performance of bilateral external torque computed tomography (BET-CT) and arthroscopy. Secondary objectives included an evaluation of the reliability of CT measurements and the suitability of the healthy contralateral ankle as a reference. Seven pairs of healthy, cadaveric lower legs were tested and assigned to 2 groups: (1) supination-external rotation (SER) and (2) pronation-external rotation (PER). In the intact state and after each surgical step, an ankle arthroscopy and 3 CT scans were performed. During the scans, the specimens were placed in an external torque device with 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 Nm of torque applied. The arthroscopic and CT parameters showed significant correlations in all pairwise comparisons. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses yielded the best prediction of syndesmotic instability with the anterior tibiofibular distance on CT, with a sensitivity of 84.1% and a specificity of 95.2% (area under the curve [AUC], 94.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.916 to 0.979; p < 0.0001) and with the middle tibiofibular distance on arthroscopy, with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 92.3% (AUC, 91.2%; 95% CI, 0.837 to 0.987; p < 0.0001). Higher torque amounts increased the rate of true-positive results. BET-CT reliably detects experimental syndesmotic rotational instability, compared with the healthy side, with greater sensitivity and similar specificity compared with the arthroscopic lateral hook test. Translation of these experimental findings to clinical practice remains to be established. Diagnostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Trans-syndesmotic fixation in supination external rotation type 4 injuries: Are intraoperative tests reliable?

Ankle fractures occur due to a rotational mechanism. According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, supination-external rotation (SER) injuries are the most common type. Following osseous fixation, the evaluation and treatment of syndesmotic injuries in these injuries are controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, functional, and radiological results of trans-syndesmotic fixation using intraoperative tests in SER type 4 ankle injuries. Ankle syndesmosis was intraoperatively evaluated using cotton/hook and manual external rotation stress tests in 64 patients with SER type 4 fracture dislocation injuries. These patients were divided into two groups: those treated with and without trans-syndesmotic fixation in addition to open reduction and internal fixation of the fractures. Ankle range of motion (ROM), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score, and Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), tibiofibular overlap, tibiofibular clear space, and joint arthritis based on the Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) scale were evaluated. Median values of OMAS (Z=-3.92, p<0.001), AOFAS (Z=-4.31, p<0.001), and ROM (Z=-2.95, p=0.003) were higher in Group 1. There were no differences between the groups regarding tibiofibular overlap median values (Z=-0.59, p=0.0554), tibiofibular clear space (Z=-1.13, p=0.258), and Kellgren-Lawrence arthritis scale. Lack of posterior malleolus fixation was found to increase the risk of arthritis by 18.197 times, despite having trans-syndesmotic fixation, which was statistically significant (Confidence Interval, CI: 2.482-133.417, p=0.004) (Table 4). Median values of OMAS, AOFAS, and ROM in patients without trans-syndesmotic fixation were lower. These results indicate that intraoperative tests may not provide entirely accurate results in SER type 4 injuries. Failure to detect a syndesmotic injury timely can result in instability. Therefore, we think that routine trans-syndesmotic fixation, as well as posterior malleolus fixation in SER type 4 ankle injuries, may improve outcomes.

Is just one screw really enough? Single- versus double-screw in the medial malleolus in supination-external rotation ankle fractures: A comparative biomechanical study using partially threaded cancellous screws

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to investigate stiffness and the maximum load to failure values of single- and double-screw fixation of oblique medial malleolus fractures using partially threaded cancellous screws. Our hypothesis is that single-screw fixation of medial malleolus fractures after SER injuries provides similar stiffness when compared with double-screw fixation. DesignBiomechanical study. MethodsTwelve composite polyurethane synthetic right distal tibiae were used in the experiment. Oblique fractures of the medial malleolus were created with a band saw using a custom-made osteotomy guide to standardize the cuts in all models. Bone models were randomly separated into two groups and fixed with one (n = 6) or two (n = 6) 4.0 mm partially threaded cancellous screws placed perpendicular to the fracture line. These were tested by applying an offset axial tension at 10 mm/minute up to maximum load displacement, defined as subsidence of the medial malleolus fragment. Maximum load to failure was determined for the groups at the point where the curve ceased to be linear and suffered an inflection. Force versus displacement curves were obtained and recorded. The student's t-test for independent samples was used to compare stiffness (N / mm) and maximum load (N) between experimental groups, with a p value of < 0.05. ResultsThere were no significant differences in stiffness (p = 0.290) and maximum load (p = 0.191) among the two fixation constructs. Mean stiffness was 62.26 (±SD 21.11) N/mm for double-screw fixation group and 48.24 (±SD 22.40) N/mm for single-screw fixation group. Mean maximum load was 387.83 (±SD 115.78) N for double-screw fixation group and 306.64 (±SD 81.97) N for single-screw fixation group. ConclusionFixation with one 4.0 mm partially threaded cancellous screw was not shown to be biomechanically inferior to fixation with two 4.0 mm partially threaded cancellous screws in an oblique fracture of the medial malleolus, supporting previous clinical studies that have shown that one screw is sufficient for fractures of the medial malleolus.

Patterns of Anterior Inferior Tibiofibular Ligament Avulsion Fracture Accompanied by Ankle Fracture

The anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) avulsion fracture accompanying an ankle fracture can compromise ankle stability, necessitating accurate evaluation and a clear understanding of its pathophysiology.. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between AITFL avulsion fracture and Lauge–Hansen, Wagstaffe classification. A retro-prospective study was conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary care medical center. We selected 128 patients who underwent surgery at our institution between January 2013 and July 2017 and analyzed the association between AITFL avulsion fracture and the foot position. According to the modified Wagstaffe classification system, there were 39 cases of type II, followed by 9 cases of type III and 8 cases of type IV. Of the7 pronation-abduction fractures, 3 were AITFL avulsion fracture (43%), while of the 21 pronation-external rotation fractures, 9 were AITFL avulsion fracture (43%). Of the 95 supination-external rotation fractures, there were 56 cases (59%) of AITFL avulsion fractures. Of the pronation fractures, 0% were fibular avulsion fractures and 43% were tibial avulsion fractures. Of the supination fractures, 44% were fibular avulsion fractures and 16% were tibial avulsion fracture. The difference in the ratio of fibular to tibial avulsion fractures between pronation and supination fractures was significant (p < .001). These results suggest that tibial avulsion fractures of type IV in the modified Wagstaffe classification and pronation fractures occur due to collision with the anterolateral corners of the distal bone when the talus externally rotates. Moreover, in cases of pronation fractures, a new type of AITFL avulsion fracture has been observed.

Ligamentous Injuries in Stable Ankle Fractures

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: When considering ankle fractures requiring fixation, it has been shown that stability is the key determinant. Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation (SER) 2 injuries are by definition stable and has been shown to be successfully managed non-operatively. SER 3 and SER 4 ankle fractures are unstable with complete syndesmosis disruption and the majority are managed operatively. We hypothesise that a percentage of radiologically stable injuries involve more structures than previously thought. The primary aim is to determine the prevalence of SER3 and SER4 ankle injuries amongst radiographically SER 2 injuries. Methods: This cross-sectional study uses baseline data from a longitudinal study at Gold Coast University Hospital and Health Service (GCHHS). Patients attending the GCHHS fracture clinic were invited to participate provided they had a radiographically stable SER 2 fracture. Those meeting the eligibility criteria were referred for ankle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the integrity of the syndesmotic and ankle ligaments. Results: To date, this study has recruited 33 participants. Following MRI, 23 were determined to have true SER 2 injuries. Nine participants were however reclassified as SER 3 and one participant was reclassified as having an SER 4 injury. Of the SER 3 injuries six included a non-displaced posterior malleolus fracture, while the remaining three were purely ligamentous. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a portion of radiographically stable ankle injuries involve more structures than previously thought. When radiographic SER 2 injuries were further evaluated with MRI, nearly half were reclassified as SER 3 and 4 injuries. This may suggest that some SER 3 and 4 injuries are functionally stable and can be managed successfully non-operatively.

Should all Small Shell Posterior Malleolar Fractures be Considered for Fixation? Results from a 3D Fracture Mapping Study

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Approximately 10-15% of posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) are "small shell," extra-articular fragments. Current classification systems present difficulties to perform a uniform typification of PMFs and contain no consensus on whether they should be fixed. Anatomical studies have identified two distinct components of the posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL); the superficial band is thought to be more important than its deep counterpart in imparting syndesmotic stability. However, the involvement of one or both bands of the PITFL by small shell PMFs has not been evaluated so far. Hence, we conducted this study to perform 3D mapping of small shell PMFs and to determine whether surgeons should fix these routinely. Methods: Ankle fracture patients with a ‘small shell’ PMF (Haraguchi 3/Mason 1/Bartoníček 1 or 2) were included. Demographics, radiological features, treatment, and outcomes were recorded. 3D models of the fractured tibiae were generated from CT scans and superimposed on a statistical shape model of the right tibia, which served as a template. Fracture lines along with footprints of superficial and deep PITFL were marked on the template. 3D fracture heat maps were generated. Size of the fracture fragments and involvement of the superficial and deep PITFL footprints were quantified using a custom MATLAB script (Figure 1). Sparing of the footprint was defined as an overlap of &lt; 1% between the fracture line and the footprint areas. Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were determined to determine which variables correlated with sparing of the PITFL footprint; P-values of &lt; 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Thirty-nine patients were included. The superficial PITFL footprint was spared in 15 (38%), deep PITFL in 10 (26%), and both in 4 cases (10%). Males and Weber C fractures had a higher likelihood of sparing the superficial and deep PITFL footprints, respectively (P = 0.04). Supination external rotation (SER) patterns were less likely to demonstrate syndesmotic widening if either PITFL footprint was spared. Direct fixation of the PMF was done in 1 case; syndesmotic fixation in 25 cases and in 14 cases, no syndesmotic fixation was done. Of these, 11 were SER injuries where stability was achieved after fixation of medial and lateral malleoli. In 1 SER and pronation external rotation (PER) injury case, the syndesmosis was stable after fixation of a large Chaput fragment. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that 48% of small shell PMFs spare either the superficial or deep footprint of the PITFL; in 10% both PITFL footprints were spared. Hence, 58 % of small-shell PMFs may not benefit from direct fixation. Additionally, SER injuries with small shell PMFs that spare either PITFL footprint may not demonstrate radiographic instability and may not need direct or indirect fixation after addressing other components of the ankle fracture. However, given the fact that syndesmotic stability is not dictated by the PITFL alone, it remains prudent to stress the syndesmosis per-operatively to determine if syndesmotic fixation is needed.

Weight-Bearing Computed Tomography Evaluation of Acute SER4a Ankle Fractures

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Recent studies have reported cadaveric and early clinical data regarding Weber B supination-external- rotation (SER)4a ankle fractures. SER4a ankle fractures have discordance of the medial clear space (MCS) between weight-bearing (WB) and gravity stress (GS) radiographs, showing instability on the GS view which normalizes with WB. Unfortunately, evaluation of the medial clear space only provides a two-dimensional evaluation of a three-dimensional structure. Prior cadaveric research has shown significant decreases in the tibiotalar joint contact area with only 1 mm of displacement of the talus. The purpose of this study is to utilize weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT) to evaluate differences in the tibiotalar joint contact area and rotational alignment in patients with acute SER4a ankle fractures compared to their contralateral uninjured ankle. Methods: Adult patients presenting within ten days of injury with an isolated Weber B fibula fracture and a normal MCS ( &lt; 5 mm) on injury radiographs were evaluated with weight-bearing and gravity stress radiographs. Patients determined to have isolated Weber B SER4a ankle fractures (GS positive but WB negative radiographs) and no history of injury to the contralateral ankle were included. The ability to place equal weight on both extremities was confirmed by standing on side-by-side scales. WBCT scans were obtained of both the healthy and injured ankles. The images were evaluated using Disior Bonelogic (Paragon28, Helsinki, Finland) software to calculate the tibiotalar joint contact area, axial tibiotalar rotation, and talocrural angle. An a priori power analysis was performed with six patients needed. Results: Five out of ten patients have been enrolled in the study to date (3 females, 2 males, average age 52.4). Preliminary data show an average 4.3% (standard deviation (SD) 4.9) increase in tibiotalar joint contact area between the injured and uninjured extremity. The average difference in axial tibiotalar angle is 3.6 (SD 6.9) degrees of internal rotation of the injured ankle. The talocrural in the injured and uninjured extremity have an average difference of 0.062 (SD 1.8) degrees. Conclusion: This study provides the first in vivo evaluation of the joint contact area changes seen in SER4 ankle fractures. Although limited in sample size, the results demonstrate that SER4a ankle fractures do not have decreased tibiotalar joint contact area relative to the healthy, uninjured side. The trend towards increased surface area in the injured ankles is hypothesized to be a result of the increased reliance on joint congruency with injury to the fibula and deltoid.