Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Research Articles

Quality of Reduction of Posterior Malleolar Fractures: A CT-Based Case-Control Study Comparing AP-PA Screw Fixation vs Posterolateral Approach

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Classically, the standard of care in posterior malleolar fracture consisted in indirect reduction and percutaneous anteroposterior (AP) or posteroanterior (PA) fixation. There is a current trend to use a posterolateral approach (PL) for direct visualization of the fragment to obtain superior anatomical reduction. Comparative studies between both strategies of management have usually benefit the PL approach for obtaining superior articular reduction. Nonetheless, most of these studies are retrospective and tend to compare different group of fractures since percutaneous AP or PA groups are usually used for smaller fragments and PL for bigger PM fractures. There are no radiologic studies comparing the quality of reduction of AP-PA screws versus direct PL fixation on similar fracture-specific morphology and size patterns. Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed including 228 trimalleolar ankle fractures treated in a level 1 trauma center between 2012 and 2021. Demographic and clinical data was obtained. Fractures were classified using the Bartonicek and Rammelt classification. The study group was conformed by 27 patients with PM fractures fixed with percutaneous AP-PA screws (PER). The control group was conformed by 27 patients matching the study group in terms of type of fracture morphology and age treated using a posterolateral approach (PL). Post operative ankle CT images were analyzed and quality of reduction was evaluated in both groups. Quality of reduction was defined according to the articular step-off, graded as excellent (less than 1 mm), satisfactory (1 to 2 mm) or poor (more than 2 mm) in sagittal and axial planes. Differences between groups was evaluated using Fisher's test with statistical significance defined as p <0.05 using SPSS V24.0 analysis software. Results: The average age of both groups was 44.4 years old with 53% of patients being females. According to Bartonicek and Rammelt classification, 2 patients were graded as type 1, 21 as type 2, 3 as type 3 and 1 as type 4. In the PL approach group, the tibio talar reduction was described as excellent in 19 patients, satisfactory in 7 and poor in 1 patient, while the fibular notch reduction was described as excellent in 20 patients, satisfactory in 6 and poor in 1 patient. In the PER group, the tibiotalar reduction was described as excellent in 22 patients and satisfactory in 5, with no patients with poor reduction. The fibular notch reduction was described as excellent in 25 patients, with 1 patient each with satisfactory and poor reduction. No significant difference (p= 0.52) in the articular reduction quality was detected considering the classification mentioned and the demographics variables. Conclusion: In this case-control study there were no significant differences regarding quality of reduction in morphologically matched displaced PM fractures fixed with AP-PA screws versus a PL approach. Further clinical prospective studies are needed to define the clinical relevance of these results and define the optimal strategy of fixation.

Does the posterior approach offer advantages in short-term in trimalleolar ankle fractures?

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the early (nine months after surgery) synthesis of the posterior malleolus by direct posterior (P) approach versus the percutaneous anteroposterior (AP) screw in trimalleolar ankle fractures to analyze the early clinical status of the patient (eight months) by studying the American Orthopedic Foot And Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale to compare postsurgical clinical recovery between both approaches, the rate of hospital days in both groups, the quality of joint reduction by computed tomography (CT) study and the rate of most frequent complications (fibular tendinopathy and surgical wound). Methods: A retrospective comparative study was performed between 2016-2020, including 94 patients with trimalleolar ankle fracture type 44-A/B/C (27 percutaneous AP surgical treatment and 67 P approach). Both groups were compared by analyzing demographic variables, clinical-functional status, radiological variables, and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS-20, with a p-value of 0.05 as significance. Results: Demographically, both groups were comparable, not finding significant differences between them. An increase in the days of admission before surgery was observed in the P approach with a mean of 4 (p=0.001). No significant clinical differences were found in the AOFAS scale, with a mean of 85 in both groups. Regarding the radiological result, a better reduction was observed with P approach (good=57, fair=9, poor=0) compared to the AP approach (good=10, fair=7, poor=9) (p=0.001). As for the complications, no significant differences were observed for the surgical wound. However, a higher need for fibular plate removal could be observed with P approach (n=17) (p=0.046). Conclusions: Clinically, both groups observed no significant differences through the AOFAS scale. The posterolateral approach has a higher rate of hospital days before surgery. Radiologically, a better joint reduction is achieved by a direct approach to the posterior fragment. Level of Evidence III; Retrospective Comparative Study.

Operative strategy for tri-malleolar ankle fractures with posteromedial plafond involvement: a review of sixty six cases.

We aimed to summarize the radiographic and clinical outcomes in various conditions of tri-malleolar ankle fractures (TMFs) with posteromedial (PM) plafond involvement (TMF + PM) and determine the factors affecting their subjective clinical outcomes. Radiographic and clinical findings of 66 patients who underwent operative treatment for TMF + PM were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified into three groups according to the PM fracture line location. Type I fractures were defined when the PM fracture line extended medially beyond the PM corner of the distal tibia while type II fractures were those in which the PM fracture line was located laterally to the PM corner. Type III fractures were defined as medial malleolar avulsion fractures when the PM fracture integrated into the medial malleolus. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using a subjective rating scale (excellent, good, fair, poor, and bad). Satisfactory results were defined as excellent, good, and fair. Factors affecting satisfactory clinical outcomes were assessed using a binary logistic regression analysis. Independent variables included demographic, fracture-related, and operation-related factors and radiographic measurements at the final follow-up. Satisfactory clinical outcomes were observed in 74.2% of the total patients; of these patients, 75.7% (28/37), 76.5% (13/17), and 66.7% (8/12) had type I, type II, and type III fractures, respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that age at the time of operation, number of incarcerated fragments (IFs), type of IFs, and postoperative articular step-offs (mm) were related to subjective clinical outcomes (all P < 0.05). A positive value for post-operative articular step-offs represented distal migration of the posterior malleolar fragments. The odds ratios for older age, increased numbers of IFs, rotated IFs, and positive articular step-offs were 0.936, 0.116, 0.020, and 0.295, respectively. Because TMF + PM is highly unstable, a delicate approach is needed according to each patient's fracture condition. Although it is best to reduce the fractured articular surface, a negative step-off, rather than a positive step-off, would be more likely recommended if accurate reduction is impossible. This could be applied to manage IFs, especially when the IFs are rotated. Dimpling of the articular surface induced by the removal of a small IF was not related to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes.

The Lateral Drawer Test: A New Clinical Test to Assess Mortise Instability in Weber B Fibula Fractures.

Background:Assessment of mortise stability is paramount in determining appropriate management of ankle fractures. Although instability is readily apparent in bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures, determination of instability in the isolated Weber B fibula fracture often requires further investigation. Prior authors have demonstrated poor predictive value of physical examination findings such as tenderness, ecchymosis, and swelling with instability. The goal of this study is to test the validity of a new clinical examination maneuver, the lateral drawer test, against the gravity stress view (GSV) in a cohort of patients with Weber B fibula fractures. Secondary goals included assessing pain tolerability of the lateral drawer test, as well as testing interobserver reliability.Methods:Sixty-two patients presenting with isolated fibula fractures were prospectively identified by an orthopaedic nurse practitioner or resident. Three nonweightbearing radiographic views of the ankle as well as a GSV were obtained. Radiographs were not visualized before conducting the lateral drawer test. Two foot and ankle fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons performed and graded the lateral drawer test. Radiographs were then examined and medial clear space (MCS) was measured. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores were obtained before and after testing. The results of the lateral drawer test were compared with radiographic measurements of MCS on GSV. A cadaveric experiment was devised to assess interobserver reliability of the lateral drawer test.Results:Thirty (48%) of 62 consecutively enrolled patients demonstrated radiographic instability with widening of the MCS ≥5 mm on GSV. When correlated with MCS measurement, the lateral drawer test demonstrated a sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 97%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 96%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 86%. There was a strong correlation between the lateral drawer test grade and amount of MCS widening (Spearman correlation ρ = 0.82, P < .005). Patients tolerated the maneuver well with an average increase of 0.7 on the VAS pain scale. Testing of 2 observers utilizing the cadaveric model demonstrated a Cohen’s Kappa coefficient of 0.7 indicating moderate interobserver agreement.Conclusion:The lateral drawer test demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV with moderate interobserver reliability compared with the MCS on GSV in patients presenting with Weber B fibula fractures. Although further external validation is required, the lateral drawer test may offer an adjunct tool via physical examination to help determine mortise stability.Level of Evidence:Level II, Prospective Cohort Study.

ID:16067 IPG-Free Peripheral Nerve Stimulation of the Posterior Tibial Nerve for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy and CRPS

Peripheral nerve injury secondary to trauma to feet and ankles is an uncommon problem, which may lead to severe pain and serious disability. As there is no uniform definition or diagnosis to describe nerve pain as results of trauma, such conditions may be described as complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). A 78-year-old male had pre-existing painful diabetic neuropathy and had a left above the knee amputation Patient’s left leg prosthetic failed while walking in 2017 and caused him to fall, resulting in tri-malleolar ankle fracture. Patient underwent surgery to stabilize the right ankle, but he continued to suffer from a large amount of pain secondary to a sustained posterior tibial nerve injury and required large amount of opioid medications. He was diagnosed with CRPS type 2 and was offered peripheral nerve stimulation (Stimwave Technologies, Pompano Beach, Florida) as a possible alternative to opioids for the treatment of pain.

A prospective study of functional outcome of Trimalleolar ankle fracture treated surgically

Aim: To assess the functional outcome of surgically treated Trimalleolar fractures by specific modalities to attain a proper anatomical alignment and stability of the ankle joint. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Trauma and Orthopaedics, Bangalore. This study consisted of 30 patients visiting the outpatient department and emergency department of the hospital. Patients diagnosed with Trimalleolar ankle fractures were included in the study who were operated on during the period between November 2019 and November 2020. The patients were followed up for 12 months. All the fractures in the study group were post-traumatic. Medical history, clinical examination and radiological examination were done, patients diagnosed with Trimalleolar ankle fractures are operated on as early as possible. At follow-up visits, the the patient is evaluated clinically (pain score, soft tissue status), radiologically (alignment, fracture reduction and union), and noted complications. Patients were evaluated with the American orthopedic foot and ankle society score (AOFAS) and the results were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Excellent results were achieved in 7(23.33%), good in 21(70%) fair in 2 (6.66%) of patients cases. The patient with fair result had mild pain with activities of daily living, diminution in the abilities to run, reduced motion at the ankle. Conclusion: The size of the posterior malleolus fragment is not a clear indication for fixation or non-operative treatment of the posterior malleolus fragment. The anatomical intra-articular reduction of the fragment not leaving room for a step-off has far more impact on clinical outcome.

Evaluation of ankle fracture classification systems in 193 trimalleolar ankle fractures

PurposeDifferent classification systems have been developed for ankle fractures. In recent years, the posterior malleolus has gained in importance and led to computed tomography (CT)-based classification systems. The aim of the study was to analyse their reliability, fracture patterns and influence on treatment strategy.MethodsPatients with a trimalleolar ankle fracture treated between 2011 and 2020 with preoperative radiographs and CT images were included. The blinded images were independently classified by three reviewers according to the AO/OTA, Herscovici, Bartoníček, Mason and Haraguchi classifications. The interobserver reliability was calculated by Fleiss' kappa (κ). CT images were analysed to determine the dimensions of the posterior malleolus fragments. Patient registries were reviewed regarding the treatment data.ResultsA total of 193 patients were included. The AO/OTA classification showed almost perfect inter- and intraobserver reliability (Fleiss’ κ = 0.86, 95% CI 0.82–0.90). Regarding the posterior malleolus, the Bartoníček classification demonstrated the highest reliability (Fleiss’ κ = 0.78, 95% CI 0.73–0.83). The Herscovici classification only reached moderate reliability for medial malleolus fractures (Fleiss' κ = 0.59, 95% CI 0.54–0.65). There was a trend towards direct fixation of the posterior malleolus in the last 3 years of the observation period (OR: 2.49, 95% CI 1.03–5.99).ConclusionIn trimalleolar ankle fractures, the AO/OTA classification is a reliable system to characterize the type of fracture, but it fails to provide solid information about the posterior malleolus. Nowadays, treatment recommendations for trimalleolar ankle fractures focus on the configuration of the posterior malleolus; therefore, the results of this study advocate the use of the Bartoníček classification as a reliable tool to guide treatment.

Does the Lauge-Hansen Injury Mechanism Predict Posterior Malleolar Fracture Morphology?

The Lauge-Hansen ankle fracture classification system is widely accepted and is utilized to describe and predict ankle fracture patterns based on the mechanism of injury. Multiple studies have shown inconsistencies in the Lauge-Hansen's ability to predict fracture patterns based on the mechanism of injury. We set out to determine if the posterior malleolar fracture pattern is associated with the fracture types described by Lauge-Hansen. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 153 patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures as diagnosed using computed tomography scans. Timing of injury was from February 2013 to August 2017. Patient ages ranged between 18 and 89 years old. Each patient had a complete clinical and radiographic workup including a preoperative computed tomographic scan following initial fracture reduction in the emergency room. We classified each ankle fracture based on plain film radiographs using the Lauge-Hansen classification scheme. Each individual posterior malleolar fracture was evaluated on computed tomography imaging and described using both the Haraguchi and Bartonicek-Rammelt classification systems. Of the 153 patients identified with trimalleolar ankle fractures, 70% were female (±20%), the mean age was 51 y (±8 y), and the mean body mass index was 30 kg/m2 (±3 kg/m2). We did not observe a significant association between the Lauge-Hansen injury mechanism and either the Bartonicek-Rammelt or the Haraguchi trimalleolar ankle fracture classification systems (chi-square correlation tests p > .05).

An Evaluation of Basic Demographic Characteristics in Foot and Ankle Surgery From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program

It has become increasingly prevalent in the foot and ankle surgical literature to evaluate outcomes and trends obtained from large databases. The objective of this investigation was to provide a broad descriptive analysis and compare basic demographic characteristics relating to foot and ankle surgery within the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The 16 Current Procedural Terminology® (CPT) codes available within this database pertaining to foot and ankle surgery were studied. Several CPT codes were observed to be more frequently associated with male gender: 27650 (Achilles tendon repair), 27698 (Lateral ankle reconstruction), 27702 (Total ankle arthroplasty), 27766 (ORIF medial malleolus fracture), 27792 (ORIF lateral malleolus fracture), and 28805 (Metatarsal amputation). Several other CPT codes were observed to be more frequently associated with female gender: 27658 (Primary peroneal tendon repair), 27814 (ORIF bimalleolar fracture), 27822 (ORIF trimalleolar ankle fracture without posterior lip fracture), and 27823 (ORIF trimalleolar ankle fracture with posterior lip fracture). The elective case designation was observed to be more frequently associated with male gender (65.4 vs 58.7%; p < .001). These data have potential use in the development and interpretation of quality improvement/performance improvement protocols at individual health care delivery centers, as well as the interpretation of other published investigations utilizing this database.

Lateral Patient Positioning for Pilon and Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Category:Ankle; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Preoperative planning for pilon and trimalleolar ankle fractures can be difficult. Due to fracture complexity, staged open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is performed, resulting in two surgeries. For other situations, definitive fixation occurs with one surgery. However, patients require both prone and supine positioning in order to address all fracture components. Repositioning, re-prepping and re-draping adds to operating room (OR) time and time under anesthesia, increasing the risk for anesthesia related complications. Additionally, repositioning the patient can potentially increase fluoroscopy time and radiation exposure to the patient. Lateral patient positioning obviates many of these concerns. Our study goal was to assess the safety and effectiveness of lateral positioning for pilon and trimalleolar ankle fracture ORIF compared with patients placed in standard positioning (i.e supine/prone).Methods:This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 41 patients who underwent operative fixation of a pilon or trimalleolar ankle fracture at a single institution level 1 trauma center. This study compared outcome data for those undergoing the procedure in lateral positioning (n=31) vs. standard (prone/supine) positioning (n=10). Exclusion criteria included pregnant women, prisoners, patients with less than 6 weeks of follow-up, previous or bilateral pilon or ankle fracture surgery or patients treated with limited internal fixation and external fixation. Variables collected included patient demographics, time to union, time to weightbearing, complications and any repeat surgeries. Additionally, chart review was performed analyzing OR time, fluoroscopy time and radiation dose to patient.Results:The patients fixed in the lateral position underwent significantly less time in the OR and subsequent time under anesthesia (p= 0.02). The average OR time in the lateral positioning group was 160 minutes (min) (range: 65-234 min). The average OR time in the standard positioning group was 193 minutes (range: 143- 263 min). Fluoroscopy time was less in the lateral group compared with the standard group (1.47 vs 2.09 min), though this was not statistically significant. Mean patient radiation dose was less in the lateral position group, but without statistical significance (3.22 vs 3.66 mGy). Compared with the standard positioning group, the lateral group demonstrated a significantly shorter time to weightbearing both in (avg 7.8 weeks) and out (avg 11.8 weeks) of the walking boot (p= 0.01). There were no significant differences in complications or time to fracture union.Conclusion:Our results demonstrated that patients treated in the lateral position progressed in their weightbearing faster without increased risk of complications or delayed union, compared with the standard positioning group. Additionally, perhaps the most intriguing conclusion from our study was that OR time, and therefore time under anesthesia was significantly improved with lateral positioning. Fluoroscopic time and radiation dose exposure were also found to be less on average in the lateral positioning group. Our study suggests that lateral positioning for ORIF of pilon or trimalleolar fractures may not only improve patient safety but also reliably lead to acceptable patient outcomes.

Posterior malleous fixation in trimalleolar ankle fractures using anterior to posterior screw versus posterolateral plate

Introduction: Posterior malleolar fractures are observed in approximately 7%-44% of all ankle fractures. Due to the important biomechanical function of the posterior tibial margin in weight-bearing and ankle stability, the affected ankle is prone to degenerative ankle arthritis. In ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus, the issue of which type of fractures require posterior malleolus fixation is still controversial, suggesting that a trans-syndesmotic fixation may be adequate instead of posterior malleolar fixation. Objective: This study compares the anterior to posterior screw versus posterolateral plate for posterior malleous fixation in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Material and Methods: This study was conducted in patients with trimalleolar ankle fracture admitted in a tertiary level health care centre.It is a Prospective, randomized comparative study. Patients were randomized into two groups by using computerized random no. table and subsequent pt. was allocated in alternative groups /In group A fixed with anterior to posterior screw was done by an identified orthopedic surgeon. In group open reduction internal fixation with posterolateral plate fixation. Patients were examined for clinical and radiological, union, bone strength, weight bearing, deformity and range of motion at 2wks, 6wks, till 6 months. Results: Forty six patients were evaluated in this study and were divided in two groups accordingly. Group A = Anterior to posterior leg screw and Group B = Postero-lateral Plate. Evidence of union in X-ray seen after 18.80±1.92 weeks of operation in group-A and 20.16±2.01 weeks in group-B. In terms of functional result, 28.00% patients were excellent, 58.00% patients were good and 14.00% patients were poor in group-A. 40.00% patients treatment results were excellent, 50.00% patients treatment results were good and 10.00% patients treatment results were poor in group-B. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that posterior malleolar fracture fixation is closely related to successful radiological and functional outcomes after trimalleolar fractures. Transyndesmal screw fixation may not be needed in the cases where the posterior malleolar fracture fixated. For these reasons, we recommend that all posterior malleolar fractures have to be fixed regardless of size.

Recovery Position vs Prone Position in the Surgical Treatment of Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Using Posterolateral and Medial Approach

Category:TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Posterolateral (PL) and medial approaches have been increasingly used for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of trimalleolar ankle fractures. Traditionally this procedure is performed on the prone position. Nevertheless, this position itself has been related to general complications as brachial plexus injury and postoperative visual loss. Moreover, the prone position can provide difficult access for medial malleolar reduction. Recovery position was recently described as an alternative but its results have not been evaluated yet. This study aimed to compare the results using recovery position (RP) versus prone position in the surgical treatment of trimalleolar fractures.Methods:A retrospective analytic study was conducted in a Level 1 trauma center, analyzing patients who underwent ORIF for trimalleolar ankle fractures using posterolateral and medial approaches over 3 years. 58 ankles were divided according to the position used in the surgical fixation: Group 1 positioned in RP (27 ankles), and group 2 positioned in prone (31 ankles). Demographics, surgical time, hospital stay, quality of reduction, surgical site complications and re- interventions were compared between both groups. Statistical analysis was performed with Shapiro-Wilks test to assess normality in distribution, Chi-square test, and t-student test for group differences in parametric variables as Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney U test in non- parametric variables with a p-value set at 0.05.Results:Median age was 47 years old (IQR 40-58). Both groups were similar regarding age (p=0.794), gender (p=0.902), and posterior malleolus Haraguchi (p=0.064) and Bartonicek-Rammelt (p=0.055) classifications. Surgical median time was 115 (IQR 100-130) and 100 (IQR 75-129) minutes for RP and prone groups respectively (p=0,085), Both groups showed similar rates of lateral, posterior and medial malleolus insufficient reduction (Table attached). Median hospital stay was 4 (IQR 2-9 and 2-7 for RP and prone respectively) days for both (p=0,86) (Table attached). Surgical site complications and re-interventions were similar between both groups (p=0.349 and p=1.0 respectively).Conclusion:The RP showed similar results than the prone position while providing an accessible simultaneous approach to the posterolateral and medial regions of the ankle.

The Lateral Drawer Test: A Novel Clinical Test to Assess Mortise Instability in Weber B Fibula Fractures

Category:Trauma; AnkleIntroduction/Purpose:Assessment of mortise stability is paramount in determining appropriate management of ankle fractures. While instability is readily apparent in bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures, determination of instability in the apparent isolated Weber B fibula fracture often requires further investigations such as stress radiography. While several authors have previously demonstrated poor predictive value of physical examination findings such as tenderness, ecchymosis and swelling with instability, no previous investigation has examined the ability of a translational test to determine deltoid ligament injury. The goal of this study is to test the validity of a novel clinical test, the lateral drawer test, in determining mortise instability in a cohort of patients with Weber B fibula fractures.Methods:Patients presenting with isolated fibula fractures were prospectively identified by an orthopaedic nurse practitioner or resident. Three views of the ankle as well as gravity stress views (GSV) were obtained. Prior to examining radiographs, two foot & ankle fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons (JYK, CPM) performed and graded the lateral drawer test. (Grade 0: no instability/symmetric to contralateral ankle, Grade I: translation < 5mm, Grade II: translation >= 5mm) While the surgeons were made aware of the presence of a Weber B fibula fracture, radiographs were not visualized prior to conducting the drawer test.Medial clear space (MCS) was measured. VAS pain scores were obtained before and after testing. The results of the lateral drawer test results were compared with radiographic measurements of MCS.Results:The study enrolled 57 consecutive patients with Weber B ankle fractures. Twenty-nine (51%) patients demonstrated radiographic instability with widening of the medial clear space >= 5 mm on GSV. When correlated with MCS measurement, the lateral drawer test demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 96%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 96% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 84% for determining instability. There was a strong correlation between the lateral drawer test grade and amount of MCS widening (⍴=0.82, p<0.001). Patients tolerated the lateral drawer test well with an average increase of 0.8 points on the VAS pain scale after testing.Conclusion:The lateral drawer test demonstrates high sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV for detecting instability in patients presenting with Weber B fibula fractures. While further validation is required in a larger cohort of patients, the lateral drawer test may offer an adjunct tool via physical examination to predict mortise stability.

Quadrimalleolar Fractures of the Ankle: Principles and Medium-Term Results of Surgical Fixation

Category:Ankle; TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Over the last decade, much attention has been paid to the fractures of the posterior malleolus as it became obvious that the mere presence of a posterior tibial fragment is associated with a less favorable prognosis in malleolar fractures. It seems logical to pay the anterior restraints of the ankle joint a similar attention as to the posterior ones. The anteriolateral distal tibia may be considered a 'fourth' or anterior malleolus. Here, we present a technique of fixation of trimalleolar fractures with additional fracture of the anterior tibial tubercle ('quadrimalleolar') or anterior fibular rim ('quadrimalleolar equivalent').Methods:Twenty-four patients with a mean age of 60 years were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of all 4 malleoli. There were 17 quadrimalleolar and 6 quadrimalleolar equivalent fractures. One patient had both anterior tibial and fibular avulsion fractures in addition to a trimalleolar ankle fracture. Surgical approaches and internal fixation were tailored individually. Twenty patients were operated in prone position with direct fixation of the posterior malleolus and 4 patients in supine position with indirect anterior to posterior screw fixation of the posterior malleolus under transfibular control of reduction.Results:After fixation of al 4 malleoli, only one patient (4%) required a syndesmotic screw for residual syndesmotic instability on intraoperative testing. There were no infections, and no wound healing problems. All patients went on to solid union. No late fusions were needed. Nineteen patients (79%) could be reevaluated after a mean of 77 months (range, 15 to 156 months) follow- up. The Foot Function Index averaged 15 (range, 50 to 0), the Olerud and Molander Score averaged 79 (range, 45 to 100) and the AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot Scale averaged 87 (range, 39 to 100).Conclusion:Fixation of the anterior and posterior tibial fragments increases syndesmotic stability by providing a bone-to-bone fixation. Reduction of displaced anterior and posterior tibial rim fractures restores the physiological shape of the tibial incisura and therefore facilitates fibular reduction. In the majority of cases, this also restores articular congruity of the lateral tibial plafond.Anatomic reduction of the anterior and posterior malleolus in addition to medial and lateral malleolar fixation leads to favourable functional results despite a complex (quadrimalleolar) fracture pattern.

Comparison of the Size of the Posterior Malleolar Fragment in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Measured Using Lateral Plain Radiography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Comparison of the Size of the Posterior Malleolar Fragment in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Measured Using Lateral Plain Radiography and Three-Dimensional Computed Tomography

Open reduction and internal fixation of the posterior malleolus fragment via the posterolateral approach is radiologically superior to ‘A to P’ screw fixation

PurposeFunctional outcome in trimalleolar fractures is largely correlated to the reduction of the posterior fragment. Until recently, fixation was mainly performed for large fragments, by percutaneous anterior to posterior (‘A to P’) screw placement after closed reduction. Nowadays, ORIF via a posterolateral approach seems to gain in popularity. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative photographs of operated trimalleolar fractures after either fracture treatment method, for fracture diastasis and step-off. Material and methodsAll consecutive patients with trimalleolar fractures, including posterior fragments of >5% of the articular surface and operated between 2007–2013 were analysed on size of posterior fragment, post-operative gap and step-off by three observers. The patients were divided into three groups; A to P screw fixation, ORIF via the posterolateral approach and no posterior fragment fixation at all. Results180 patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures were included for analyses. Twenty five posterior fragments were fixated percutaneously from anterior to posterior (group 1) and 51 underwent open reduction and internal fixation through a posterolateral approach (group 2). 104 patients underwent no posterior malleolus fixation (group 3). The average size of posterior fragment was 34% in group 1, 27% in group 2 and 16% in group 3. A postoperative step-off >1 mm was found in 40% (group 1), 9% (group 2) or 34% respectively (group 3). ConclusionsFixation of the posterior malleolus through an open posterolateral approach leads to better radiological results as compared to percutaneous ‘A to P’ screw fixation or no fixation at all.

The influence of size and comminution of the posterior malleolus fragment on gait in trimalleolar ankle fractures

BackgroundAnkle fractures involving the posterior malleolus generally lead to worse outcome. However, no studies on gait in trimalleolar ankle fractures have evaluated the influence of size and comminution of the posterior malleolar fragment. MethodsWe expected patients with more severely comminuted posterior malleolus, more severe fracture type and larger posterior fragment to have reduced gait kinematics and poorer patient-reported outcomes. 26 trimalleolar ankle fracture patients were compared with 14 healthy controls and kinematically analyzed using the Oxford Foot Model. Functional outcome was based on 4 patient reported outcome questionnaires. Effects of posterior fragment size, comminution and Haraguchi fracture classification were determined on conventional and 3D CT-scans. FindingsTrimalleolar patients had lower walking speed and reduced range of motion between the hindfoot and tibia in both loading and push-off phases in the sagittal and transverse planes. The range between the hindfoot and tibia in the sagittal plane in the push-off phase correlated significantly with patient reported outcomes. The absolute and relative surface area of the posterior fragment on conventional CT-scans and 3D CT-scans, correlated significantly with range of motion. Patients with a posterior malleolus size >10% of the posterior malleolus had lower flexion-extension between forefoot and hindfoot during loading phase than patients with a size ≤10%. InterpretationTrimalleolar fractures reduce walking speed and range of motion in the talocrural joint. Reduced range in the talocrural joint is associated with poorer outcomes. Posterior fragment size correlated significantly with range of motion in talocrural and midfoot joints and with patient reported outcomes.Level of evidence: Level 3, retrospective study.

The functional post-op rehabilitation results in the trimalleolar ankle fracture: A one-year follow-up of the case

The aim of this study was to evaluate the one-year results of the effects of an eight-week functional rehabilitation program on pain, swelling, range of motion, balance, fear of movement, functional status of the ankle, and quality of life in a patient with a surgically treated trimalleolar ankle fracture. In the study, pain (Visual Analogue Scale), ankle joint swelling (Figure of eight methods), range of motion (Universal goniometer), static balance performance (Flamingo Balance Test), fear of movement (Tampa Kinesophobia Scale), functional status of the ankle (Foot Function Index) and quality of life (SF-36 Health Survey) were assessed. An eight-week functional rehabilitation program was applied to the patient after 8th week from surgery. Assessments were repeated before and after functional rehabilitation program, and at the one-year follow-up. At the end of the functional rehabilitation program and in one-year follow-up, it was found that pain, swelling, and fear of movement decreased, range of motion, balance, functional status of the ankle, and quality of life increased. In trimalleolar ankle fractures, a well-planned functional physiotherapy and rehabilitation program after surgery can support surgical treatment by reducing the patient's symptoms and fear of movement, increasing functional capacity and quality of life.

Can Hardware Removal be Avoided Using Bioresorbable Mg-Zn-Ca Screws After Medial Malleolar Fracture Fixation? Mid-Term Results of a First-In-Human Study

Twenty patients with isolated, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures were treated with bioresorbable screws made of Mg, 0.45wt% calcium (Ca) and 0.45wt% zinc (Zn) (ZX00). Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the presence of complications 6 and 12 months after surgery and the AOFAS scale after 12 months were reported. The functional outcomes were analysed through the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint with a standard goniometer. Degradation products and the bioresorbability of the screws were evaluated using plane radiographs. One patient was lost to follow-up. All patients were free of pain, no complications, shoe conflict or misalignement were reported after 12 months of follow-up. No Mg screws were surgically removed. An additional fixation of the distal fibula or the dorsal tibial fragment with conventional titanium implants (Ti) was performed in 17 patients. Within 12 months after primary refixation, 12 of these patients (71%) underwent a second surgery for Ti hardware removal. The mean AOFAS score was 89.8±7.1 and the difference between the treated and the non-treated site in the ROM of the talocrural joint was 2°±11° after 12 months. Radiolucent areas around the screws were attributed to degradation and did not affect clinical or functional outcomes. After one year, the Mg screw heads could not be detected in the plane radiographs of 17 patients which suggests that the majority of the screw head is degraded without introducing adverse reactions. At 6 and 12 months, the bioresorbable Mg screws show excellent PROMs without complications or need for screw removal. The resorbability of the screw heads in most of the patients after one year could also provide an advantage over conventional bio-inert implants by avoiding related skin irritation due for instance to shoe conflict.

Analysis of 6851 foot and ankle injuries from 2010-2017 in an emergency department

HintergrundSprunggelenk- und Fußverletzungen gehören zu den häufigsten Krankheitsbildern in der Traumatologie. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die demografischen Veränderungen von Patienten mit Fuß- und Sprunggelenkverletzungen, das zeitliche Auftreten und die Entwicklung über die Jahre in einer Notaufnahme zu untersuchen.Material und MethodenRetrospektive Datenauswertung von Patienten, welche aufgrund einer Fuß- und Sprunggelenkverletzung in der Notaufnahme im Zeitraum von 2010 bis 2017 behandelt wurden. Die Patienten wurden mittels ICD-Codes identifiziert und die demografischen Veränderungen, das zeitliche Auftreten und die Entwicklung über die Jahre analysiert. Mittels Quantil-Quantil-Diagramm wurden kontinuierliche Variablen auf Normalverteilung getestet und, falls zutreffend, mittels t‑Test oder nichtparametrischem Mann-Whitney-U-Test auf Signifikanz überprüft.ErgebnisseInsgesamt wurden 6581 Fuß- und Sprunggelenkverletzungen in die Analyse eingeschlossen. Das mittlere Alter von Patienten mit einer Fußfraktur war 39 ± 17,4 Jahre und mit einer Sprunggelenkfraktur 47 ± 19,2 Jahre (p < 0,001). Ligamentäre Verletzungen des Sprunggelenks traten insbesondere bei jüngeren Patienten in den Sommermonaten auf. Die Altersverteilung bei Sprunggelenkfrakturen zeigte für Männer einen Häufigkeitsgipfel zwischen dem 30. und 39. Lebensjahr und bei Frauen ein vermehrtes Auftreten ab dem 50. Lebensjahr. In der Altersgruppe zwischen 65 und 75 Jahren stellten Trimalleolarfrakturen die zweithäufigste Sprunggelenkfraktur dar. Frakturen des Fußes betrafen am häufigsten Patienten im Alter von 20 bis 29 Jahren, wobei bei Frauen ein 2. Häufigkeitsgipfel zwischen dem 50. und 59. Lebensjahr zu beobachten war.SchlussfolgerungLigamentäre Verletzungen des Sprunggelenks sind häufige Krankheitsbilder in der Notaufnahme und betreffen v. a. jüngere Patienten. Sprunggelenkfrakturen zeigten für Frauen eine bimodale Altersverteilung, und insbesondere Bi- und Trimalleolarfrakturen waren vermehrt bei Frauen ab dem 65. Lebensjahr zu beobachten. Aufgrund der erhöhten Prävalenz von Fuß- und Sprunggelenkfrakturen bei älteren Frauen sollte in diesem Patientenkollektiv eine weitere Osteoporoseabklärung veranlasst werden.