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

2021 ◽  
pp. 105550
Author(s):  
S. Schoenmakers ◽  
M. Houben ◽  
S. van Hoeve ◽  
P. Willems ◽  
K. Meijer ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110500
Author(s):  
Jong Seok Beak ◽  
Yeong Tae Kim ◽  
Sung Hyun Lee

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) after surgery for ankle fractures in patients aged ≤50 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures and were followed up for a minimum period of 5 years. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the presence of advanced OA at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression was used to model the correlation between risk factors and OA. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Results: The data of 332 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The overall rate of posttraumatic arthritis was 27.7% (nonarthritis group: 240 patients, arthritis group: 92 patients). The arthritic change was significantly affected by BMI (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-19.76; adjusted odds ratio [OR] ≥ 30, 6.56), fracture-dislocation injury (CI 1.66-11.57; adjusted OR, 4.06), posterior malleolus (PM) fracture (CI 1.92-12.73, adjusted OR > 25% of the articular surface, 5.72), and postoperative articular incongruence (CI 1.52-18.10; adjusted OR, 7.21). The mean scores of the arthritis group were lower than those in the nonarthritis group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Obesity, fracture-dislocation injury, concomitant large PM fracture, and articular incongruence were risk factors of posttraumatic OA after surgery for ankle fractures. Surgeons should be aware that accurate reduction is critical in patients with ankle fractures with associated large PM fractures, especially those with obesity or severe initial injuries such as fracture-dislocation. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Kuyumcu ◽  
Emre Bilgin ◽  
Hasan Bombacı

Background This study was performed to determine the factors that influence the clinical outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures associated with the posterior malleolus (PM). Methods We evaluated 42 fractures of 42 patients. Posterior malleolus fracture size was calculated using computed tomography. Posterior malleolar fractures with a size less than 10% were left nonfixated. The decision for larger fragments was performed using fluoroscopy following the fixation of other components. If the joint was found to be congruent, the PM was left nonfixated. Otherwise, the PM was reduced and fixated. Clinical outcomes were evaluated based on Weber, Freiburg, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores. Ankle osteoarthritis was determined according to the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society classification. The effect of PM fixation, age, PM fragment size, waiting period before surgery, presence of ankle dislocation, and number of injured malleoli on clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical significance was set at a value of P &lt; .05. Results The mean patients age was 48.5 ± 14.9 years (range, 20–84 years) and the mean follow-up was 23.7 ± 8.6 months (range, 12–56 months). Fixation of the PM was performed solely in 12 patients. Postoperative displacement of the PM and articular step were less than 2 mm in all fractures. Statistically significant worse outcomes were demonstrated based on functional scores in the patients with a PM size greater than or equal to 25% (P = .042, P = .038, and P = .048, respectively) and in patients aged 60 years or older (P = .005, P = .007, and P = .018, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between functional scores and the other factors. Ankle osteoarthritis was observed at a higher rate in patients with PM size greater than or equal to 25% and in patients aged 60 years or older. Conclusions Clinical outcomes of the patients are mainly influenced by the patient's age and PM fragment size. However, if the tibiotalar joint is congruent, comparable results can be obtained in PM fixated or nonfixated patients.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0026
Author(s):  
Gisoo Lee ◽  
Chan Kang ◽  
Yougun Won ◽  
Jae Hwang Song ◽  
Byungki Cho

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Previously, a posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) covering 25–30% of the articular surface was a known indication for surgical fixation for ankle fractures. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of screw fixation for PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface and to evaluate the results of cadaver experiments. Methods: The clinical study enrolled ankle fracture patients with PMFs who planned to undergo surgery between March 2014 and February 2017. Among them, 62 with type 1 PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface were included: 32 patients underwent cannulated screw fixation for PMF after fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture (A group), whereas the other 30 patients underwent internal fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture but no screw fixation (B group). Clinical outcomes were determined at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-month visits. Additionally, cadaver studies were conducted to evaluate cannulated screw fixation or no fixation in cases of PMFs comprising <25% of the articular surface and >1 mm displacement. Ankle joint stability was measured under external torque on the ankle in the neutral position. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: Clinical outcomes at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly higher in group A than in group B. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in clinical outcomes at 18 months of follow-up. In the cadaver study, PMF screw fixations were significantly more stable under external rotation force. Conclusion: Screw fixation was significantly useful during early recovery and in short-term clinical outcomes owing to stabilization of ankle fractures with PMF involving <25% of the articular surface.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashwani Kumar ◽  
Puneet Mishra ◽  
Anupama Tandon ◽  
Rajesh Arora ◽  
Manish Chadha

Background: Conventionally ankle fractures have been classified using plain radiographs. Because of complex 3-dimensional anatomy and complexity of injuries, plain radiographs may not always be able to clearly depict the complete fracture pattern. There is a paucity of studies regarding the utility of computed tomography (CT) scanning in malleolar ankle fractures (MAFs). Hence, we conducted this study to further understand the role of the CT scan in MAFs. Methods: A prospective study of 56 consecutive malleolar ankle fractures was conducted. In the first evaluation by a team of 3 observers, a management plan was made based on plain radiographs. All patients received a CT scan evaluation with a standard protocol. The second evaluation by the same team included formulating an operative plan based on the CT. Results: In 13 (23.2%) cases, the management plan changed after CT evaluation. In most of the cases, the change in the management plan included an alteration in fixation of the posterior malleolus followed by lateral malleolus in 4 cases. Most of the changes took place in AO 44 type C followed by types B and A. Maximum change was noted in trimalleolar fractures followed by bimalleolar and unimalleolar. The most common morphological characteristic fracture identified on CT scan that was not evident on plain radiography was Chaput fracture in 17 cases. Conclusion: CT scan evaluation of MAFs changed the management plan in a significant number of cases, especially if the fractured fragment included a posterior malleolus, AO type C, and/or if 2 or more malleoli were fractured as noted on plain x rays. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Dafeng Wang ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Xiaomin Dong ◽  
Shengtuo Zhou ◽  
Chaonan Wang

Background. Few studies exist on the predictive factors of tibial fractures with hidden posterior ankle fractures. Objective. To study the incidence and predictive factors of tibial fractures with occult posterior ankle fractures. Methods. Tibial fracture patients were prospectively selected who were admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to May 2021 and their general clinical data, X-ray images, CT images, and other imaging data were collected and then divided them into posterior malleolus fracture group and nonposterior malleolus fracture group according to the presence or absence of posterior malleolus fractures. Multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating curves (ROC) were performed to analyze the influencing factors of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture. Results. CT showed that 25 (13.44%) patients had occult posterior ankle fractures among 186 patients with tibial fracture. There was no significant difference in gender, age, and locations of tibial fracture between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). There were statistical differences in the types, locations, and lengths of patients with tibial fracture but without posterior malleolus fractures. The length of the tibia fracture group was significantly lower than the tibia with posterior ankle fracture group ( P < 0.05 ). Logistics regression analysis showed that tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was not significantly correlated with gender, age, and location of tibial fracture ( P > 0.05 ), but was significantly correlated with tibial fracture type, location, and length (HR = 1.830, P = 0.035 ; HR = 5.161, P = 0.004 ; HR = 1.126, P = 0.030 ). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of length of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was 0.599. The YD index suggested that the best cut point for the prediction of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was above 13.18%. The sensitivity and specificity of spiral tibial fracture and distal 1/3 tibial fracture for prediction were 88.00% and 63.35%, 92.00%, and 58.39%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of tibial fracture length ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Patients with tibial fractures have a higher incidence of occult posterior ankle fractures. Spiral tibial fractures and distal 1/3 tibial fractures have a higher predictive value for tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fractures and can help clinical detection as soon as possible, which is a more accurate and appropriate treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0034
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Martin ◽  
Jeannie Huh

Category: Arthroscopy; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The treatment of posterior malleolar fractures within a trimalleolar ankle fracture pattern can be challenging to manage. Due to anatomical constraints that inhibit visualization of the articular surface, reduction of the posterior malleolus relies on cortical read and/or intraoperative fluoroscopy. Posterior ankle arthroscopy is a tool that may address this shortfall by providing a means to assess the intra-articular and syndesmotic reductions, while removing any loose bodies. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient reported outcomes of posterior arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) for the posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Methods: From November 2015 to May 2019, we prospectively enrolled consecutive trimalleolar ankle fractures that underwent PARIF for the posterior malleolar fragment by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, surgical details, and fracture characteristics, as determined by computed tomography (CT) scan, were obtained. At final follow-up the main outcome measures collected were: The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OSMA), the Visual Analog Score (VAS), and surgical complications. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were interpreted and compared by two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists for articular congruity, syndesmosis congruity, and presence of loose bodies. Results: A total of 29 trimalleolar ankle fractures were treated with PARIF, including 15 fracture-dislocations. Mean patient age was 36 (range, 19-69) years. Mean prone tourniquet time was 58 (range, 35-79) minutes. Preoperative CT scans demonstrated intra-articular loose bodies in 53% of fractures and syndesmosis incongruity in 80% of fractures. Postoperative CT scans showed one ankle with a retained loose body and residual syndesmosis incongruity in 17% of fractures. 100% of fractures healed and demonstrated intra-articular reduction within 2mm. There were 2 complications (hardware irritation and sural nerve numbness). 2-year patient reported outcomes were available in 13 patients. These included mean VAS 1 (range 0-4), mean AOFAS score 84 (range, 63-100), mean FADI 85 (range, 59-100), and mean OSMA 76 (range, 40-100). Conclusion: Posterior ankle arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) is a safe and effective option for management of posterior malleolar fractures. The technique results in improved intra-articular and syndesmosis congruity, while removing loose bodies. Future studies are needed that compare this technique with current practices.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0021
Author(s):  
Brianna R. Fram ◽  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
Daniel Corr ◽  
Gerard Chang ◽  
James Krieg ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are the third most common adult fractures. Further, they are the second most common fracture type to require inpatient admission, behind only hip fractures, despite occurring in a population on average nearly 30 years younger. There is evidence that early or immediate weight bearing and range of motion may be safe following ankle fracture fixation, but existing studies are small and largely exclude patients with syndesmotic or posterior malleolar fixation. We therefore studied the safety of immediate weight bearing as tolerated (IWBAT) and immediate range of motion (IROM) following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures in a diverse cohort and attempted to identify risk factors for complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study. Out of 268 patients who underwent primary ORIF of an unstable ankle fracture from 2013-18, we identified 133 (49.6%) who were IWBAT and IROM. The treating surgeon excluded patients from IWBAT if they had an ipsilateral leg injury requiring non-weight bearing, a large displaced posterior malleolus fragment, or Maisonneuve injury with fracture of the proximal fibula. We used propensity-score matching to identify 172 controls who were non-weight bearing (NWB) and no range of motion for 6 weeks post-op. We reviewed medical records and radiographs for demographic, injury and treatment characteristics. Our primary outcome was complications. We compared demographics, injury characteristics, treatment episode, and complications between the IWBAT and NWB groups and performed within group analysis to identify risk factors for complications. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The groups did not differ significantly in age, BMI, Charleston Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking status, diabetes status, malleoli involved, percentages undergoing medial malleolus (60.9% IWBAT vs. 51.7% NWB, p=0.11), posterior malleolus (24.1% IWBAT, 26.7% NWB, p=0.59), or syndesmosis fixation (41.4% IWBAT, 42.4% NWB, p=0.85). There was no significant difference in total complications (9.8% IWBAT vs. 12.8% NWB, p=0.41), nonoperative complications (6.8% IWBAT vs. 8.7% NWB, p=0.53), or operative complications (3.8% IWBAT vs. 4.1% NWB, p=0.89). We did not identify any factors associated with increased complication risk, including posterior malleolus or syndesmosis fixation, diabetes, age, CCI or pre-injury assisted ambulation. Conclusion: IWBAT and IROM may be safe following ankle fracture ORIF in a broader patient population than previously believed. We did not identify specific risk factors for post-operative complications. Further study on patient selection may allow for more extensive use of this protocol to reduce the morbidity associated with unstable ankle fractures. [Table: see text]


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0027
Author(s):  
Sunghyun Lee ◽  
Hoiyoung Kwon

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The posterior malleolus is an important soft tissue attachment for the posterior inferior syndesmosis ligament. Recent studies suggested that direct fixation of a sizable posterior malleolar (PM) fracture through posterolateral approach would act to stabilize the syndesmosis and minimize or eliminate the need for trans-syndesmotic fixation. Indirect anteroposterior (AP) screw fixation was an alternative method, which represent relatively low complication. However, there were few studies to evaluate the stability of syndesmosis after indirect anteroposterior screw. The purpose of this study was to define the rate of syndesmotic instability after anteroposterior screw fixation and to compare to the clinical and anatomical outcomes with indirect reduction without fixation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review between 2009 and 2015 of consecutive patients who underwent surgery with sustained rotational ankle fractures including PM fractures. The exclusion criteria included age <18 years, diabetic neuropathy, tibial pilon fractures, previous ankle fracture repair and not available at minimum 1 year follow up. After the fibula and medial malleolar fracture fixation, the PM was fixed with an AP screw, leaving some of relatively smaller and indirect reduced PM fractures unfixed. Patients were sorted into 2 groups according to the presence (group F) or absence (group N) of AP screw fixation of PM. Then, both groups were divided according to the intraoperative necessity of syndesmotic fixation. The demographics, PM fragment size and syndesmosis widening comparing intact ankle on CT at 1 year postoperatively were recorded for each fracture. The functional outcomes were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results: A total 126 patients met the study inclusion criteria and underwent analysis. Syndesmotic fixation was required in 17 of 78 (21.8%) and 24 of 88 (72.7%) in group F and N, respectively (p=0.012). Postoperative and follow-up FAOS scores were similar in the four subgroups. The tibiofibular distance on CT was greater in the patients without syndesmotic screw fixation in group F and N (p=0.036 and 0.021, respectively). Conclusion: Indirect AP screw fixation of the PM fracture in rotational ankle fractures might be support syndesmotic stability and, thus, lower the rate of syndesmotic fixation. Also, these patients have functional outcomes at least equivalent to outcomes for patients having syndesmotic screw fixation. However, in AP screw fixation group, syndesmosis widening was evaluated without syndesmosis fixation, which could be resulted in degenerative arthritis change. Therefore, our data demonstrate that indirect AP screw fixation of PM fracture alone could not restore syndesmotic stability perfectly.


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