scholarly journals Incidence and Predictive Factors of Tibial Fracture with Occult Posterior Ankle Fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Dafeng Wang ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
Xiaomin Dong ◽  
Shengtuo Zhou ◽  
Chaonan Wang
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Predictive Factors ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Tibial Fracture ◽  
Tibial Fractures ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Fracture Group ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Significant Difference

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.

scholarly journals Immediate Weight Bearing and Range of Motion After Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures: A Retrospective Controlled Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0021
Author(s):  
Brianna R. Fram ◽  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
Daniel Corr ◽  
Gerard Chang ◽  
James Krieg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Operative Complications

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]

Factors Affecting the Clinical Outcomes of Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures Associated with the Posterior Malleolar Fragment

2021 ◽  
Vol 111 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Kuyumcu ◽  
Emre Bilgin ◽  
Hasan Bombacı
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Fragment Size ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Foot And Ankle ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Posterior Malleolus ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Functional Scores ◽  
The Mean

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.

scholarly journals Screw Fixation of the Posterior Malleolus Fragment in Ankle Fracture: Cadaveric and Clinical Studies

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0026
Author(s):  
Gisoo Lee ◽  
Chan Kang ◽  
Yougun Won ◽  
Jae Hwang Song ◽  
Byungki Cho
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Cannulated Screw ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Neutral Position ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

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.

scholarly journals Mid-term Prospective Follow-up of Ankle Fracture Fixation Using Patient Reported Outcome Measures

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0039
Author(s):  
Paul Rai ◽  
Jitendra Mangwani
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Measures ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Anatomical Reduction ◽  
Clear Space ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Patient Reported

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common procedure to stabilise unstable ankle fractures. Anatomical reduction and stable fixation is desirable to achieve good clinical and radiological outcome after this injury. This prospective study examines the correlation between mid-term patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and quality of fracture reduction of adult patients with ankle fractures treated with ORIF. Methods: A total of 100 patients with unstable ankle fracture who underwent ORIF were prospectively entered into the study between Nov 2013 to Oct 2014. Exclusion criteria were: age <18 years, pathological or open fractures and patients with cognitive impairment. Two independent observers assessed fracture patterns and quality of reduction. Fixations were analysed using Pettrone’s criteria including assessment of fracture displacement, medial clear space and tibiofibular overlap. Patients were followed up at two years post-operatively with postal questionnaires. Validated PROMs, Olerud-Molander Score (OMAS) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) were used. For both scores a higher number indicated a better result. Co-morbidities and infection data were collated from Hospital records. Results: At 2 years post-op there were 5 deceased patients,17 did not have accessible radiographs and there was a 65% response rate to questionnaires. 46 patients were included in the final study group with a mean age of 45 (16-90). There was 1 Weber A fracture, 26 Weber B, 16 Weber C and 3 Medial malleolus fractures. 7% had Diabetes Mellitus, 22% were smokers. The mean OMAS score was 71.4(SD26.9) and LEFS score 56.7(SD25.9). There was no significant difference in PROM scores when fracture fragment reduction was optimised. There was a significant improvement in PROMs with low medial clear space and high tibiofibular overlap. Conclusion: This study reports a good correlation between quality of reduction and favourable PROMs at 2 years post ORIF ankle fracture. Reduced medial clear space and increased tibiofibular overlap were most associated with good outcome scores. Anatomical reduction of fracture fragments did not appear to affect PROMs on its own. There was very little infection in this cohort to confound the results. We would advise careful consideration of medial clear space and tibiofibular overlap in particular at time of fixation of unstable ankle fractures.

Can the implementation of the Opioid Start Talking form impact the amount of opioid use in patients after ankle fracture repair?

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 397-404
Author(s):  
Benjamin Best, DO ◽  
Alan Afsari, MD ◽  
Rajan Sharma, DO ◽  
James T. Layson, DO ◽  
Marek Denisiuk, DO
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Final Analysis ◽  
Fracture Repair ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
P Value ◽  
Prescription Database ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Opioid Prescription ◽  
Significant Difference

Objective: As part of 2018 legislation aimed at fighting the opioid epidemic, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) published the “Opioid Start Talking” (OST) Form on June 1, 2018. We examined if the implementation of the OST form led to an identifiable decrease in patient opioid use. Specifically, we examined the opioid prescription quantities in patients who sustained ankle fractures that required open reduction internal fixation (ORIF).Design: Retrospective. Hospital medical records and Michigan Automated Prescription Database (MAPS) were analyzed for similar ankle fracture patients operated on by two surgeons prior to and after the initiation of the OST form. Records allowed us to track opioid filling through MAPS for 120 days after surgery in two groups: preimplementation (PRE) and post-implementation (POST) OST groups. The gathered data were analyzed by the investigators along with a staff statistician.Setting: Single-institution orthopedic practice.Patients, participants: Seventy eight patientsMain outcome measure: Average morphine milligram equivalent (MME) per patient encounter.Results: Seventy eight patients were included in the final analysis after applying the exclusion criteria. There were 38 patients in the pre-OST form period and 40 in the post-OST form period groups. The pre-OST and post-OST groups were well matched between the two surgeons. There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference found in the median MME between patients from the pre-period group to the post-period group (median 59 vs 50, P = 0.61). In regard to the injury pattern, the bimalleolar MME median was 50 (38 = 25th percentile, 67 = 75th percentile; min-max 0-175) and the trimalleolar median MME was 63 (39 =25% percentile, 81 = 75th percentile; min-max 0-249) with a P value of 0.20.Conclusions: Overall, the administration of the OST form to patients with ankle fractures did not result in a decrease in MMEs prescribed within 120 days of surgery. Although it is a start in the battle against the opioid epidemic, further evaluation of the effectiveness of the OST form is necessary.

scholarly journals A comparative study of the clinical efficacy of supination-adduction type II ankle fracture surgery based on the medial pilon fracture concept versus the ankle fracture concept

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhida Ma ◽  
Junfeng Zhan ◽  
Nan Zhu ◽  
Liujie Zheng ◽  
Yao Hu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Articular Surface ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Type Ii ◽  
Pilon Fracture ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fracture Group ◽  
American Orthopaedic ◽  
Medical University ◽  
Concept Group

Abstract Background A supination-adduction (SAD) ankle fracture is a special type of ankle fracture that results in collapse of the distal tibial articular surface; as such, orthopaedic surgeons require greater awareness of this type of fracture. The severity of this injury lies between that of an ordinary ankle fracture and a pilon fracture, and the treatment of such fractures based on the ankle fracture concept leads to extremely high rates of postoperative complications and a poor prognosis. In this retrospective study, we aimed to explore the treatment of SAD fractures based on the pilon fracture concept. Methods We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 67 patients with Lauge-Hansen supination-adduction type II (SAD-II) ankle fractures, most of whom had a 44-A AO classification. Patients underwent surgical treatment at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from January 2009 to June 2019. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical concept employed: 43 patients were included in the ankle fracture surgical concept group, and 24 patients were included in the medial pilon fracture surgical concept group. The therapeutic effect was evaluated based on the Burwell-Charnley radiological reduction standard, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score 1 year after surgery using regression with adjustment for confounding factors. Results All 67 patients were followed up. Twenty-four patients were treated according to the medial pilon fracture concept, and forty-three patients were treated according to the ankle fracture concept. The AOFAS score 1 year after surgery in the medial pilon group (89.83 ± 2.77) was higher than that in the ankle fracture group (83.63 ± 7.97) (p < 0.05). The VAS score 1 year after surgery in the medial pilon fracture group (1.17 ± 0.96) was significantly better than that in the ankle fracture group (2.28 ± 0.96) (p < 0.05). Conclusion Patients with Lauge-Hansen SAD-II ankle fractures treated based on the medial pilon fracture surgical concept had better postoperative outcomes than those treated based on the ankle fracture surgical concept. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective cohort study.

scholarly journals Effects of growth hormone in patients with tibial fracture: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

2007 ◽  
Vol 156 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Raschke ◽  
Michael Højby Rasmussen ◽  
Shunmugam Govender ◽  
David Segal ◽  
Mette Suntum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Tibial Fracture ◽  
Open Fractures ◽  
Tibial Fractures ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Double Blind Placebo ◽  
Post Surgery ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Closed Fractures

Objective: Investigate whether intervention with GH after tibial fracture enhances fracture healing. Design: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 406 patients (93 women, 313 men, age: 18–64 years) with tibial fracture. Methods: Patients were stratified by tibial fracture (open or closed) and allocated to placebo or GH treatment (15, 30 or 60 μg/kg daily, until clinically assessed healing or until 16 weeks post-surgery). Primary outcome was time from surgery until fracture healing and assessment of healing was done centrally and observer blinded. Patients reported for evaluation every 4 weeks until 24 weeks, and at 9 and 12 months. Results: GH did not accelerate time to healing in the combined group of open and closed fractures. When separately analysing the closed and open fractures, a significant difference in time to healing was observed between treatment groups, exclusively in the closed fractures (P<0.05; subgroup analysis revealed that the 60 μg/kg group was significantly different from placebo). The relative risk of fracture healing for 60 μg/kg versus placebo during the 12 month was: all fractures, 1.16; 95% CI: (0.86; 1.57) (ns); closed fractures, 1.44; 95% CI: (1.01; 2.05; P<0.05); open fractures, 0.75; 95% CI: (0.42; 1.31) (ns). The estimated median number of days before fracture healing in closed fractures was 95 with 60 μg/kg versus 129 with placebo (95% CI: (94; 129) and (94; 249)) corresponding to approximately 26% decrease in healing time. Conclusions: In the overall group of open and closed tibial fractures, no significant enhancement of fracture healing was observed with GH, whereas in closed tibial fractures, GH accelerated healing significantly.

scholarly journals Timing of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
J. Turner Vosseller ◽  
Justin Greisberg ◽  
Benjamin Ascherman ◽  
Christina Freibott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Functional Outcome ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Open Reduction ◽  
Demographic Variables ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
The Mean

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Unstable ankle fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for stabilization in an effort to ultimately prevent post-traumatic arthritis. It is not uncommon for operative treatment to be performed as an outpatient in the ambulatory surgery setting several days to a couple weeks after the injury to facilitate things from a scheduling perspective. It is unclear what effect this delay has on functional outcome. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of delayed operative treatment by comparing the functional outcomes for groups of patients based on the amount of time between the injury and surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 122 ankle fracture patients who were surgically treated by ORIF over a three year period was performed. All ankle fracture patients older than 18 years with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up were included. A total of 61 patients were included for this study. Three patients were excluded; 2 patients had an open injury and 1 patient presented with a delayed union. Demographic data, comorbidities, injury characteristics, duration from injury to surgery, operative time, length of postoperative stay, complications and functional outcomes were recorded. Functional outcome was determined by Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the latest follow-up visit. Comparison of demographic variables and the subcategory of FAOS including symptoms, pain, activities of daily living (ADL), sport activity and quality of life (QOL) was performed between patient underwent ORIF less than 14 days after injury and 14 days or greater. Results: A total of 58 patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (62.1%) were female. The mean age of patients was 48.14 ± 16.84 years (19-84 years). The mean follow-up time was 41.48 ± 12.25 months (24-76 months). The duration between injury and operative fixation in the two groups was 7 ± 3 days (<14 days) and 18 ± 3 days (>14 days), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic variables, comorbidities, injury characteristics, or length of operation. Each subcategory of FAOS demonstrated no statistically significant difference between these two groups. (Table 1) Additionally, further analysis for the delayed fixation more than 7 days and 10 days also revealed no significant difference of FAOS. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture more than 14 days does not significantly diminish functional outcome according to FAOS. Delay of ORIF for ankle fractures does not play a significant role in the long-term functional outcome.

scholarly journals Delayed Internal Fixation of Distal Radius and Bimalleolar Ankle Fractures Does Not Increase Surgical Time

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-46
Author(s):  
Aman Chopra ◽  
Paul Hoogervorst ◽  
Meir Marmor
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Exposure ◽  
Distal Radius ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Callus Formation ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Surgical Time ◽  
Fracture Care ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Duration Of Surgery ◽  
The Mean

Introduction: It is commonly believed that delay in fracture fixation of more than two weeks results in increased Surgical Time (ST), due to scar and callus formation at the fracture site. Reducing ST can lower hospital costs and decrease radiation exposure. Methods and Results: A retrospective chart review was conducted to investigate whether early fracture care (up to 2 days after injury) results in decreased ST and radiation exposure compared to delayed fracture care (> 14 days after injury) for distal radius and bimalleolar ankle fractures. A total of 581 radius and ankle fractures that underwent surgical fixation between 2014 and 2017 were identified from the OR registry. Cases with only a single volar locking plate for the distal radius and constructs consisting of 2 medial malleolar screws, third tubular plate, and up to 1 syndesmotic screw for the ankle were included. The mean ST for distal radius cases done up to 2 days after injury was significantly greater than ST for distal radius cases done > 14 days after injury (125.78±29.75 minutes versus 105.83±24.82 minutes respectively , p=0.06). The mean ST for ankle fracture cases done less than 2 days did not differ from ST for ankle fracture cases done > 14 days after injury (140.86±28.15 minutes versus 173.22±39.98 minutes respectively, p=0.06). Conclusion: There was no significant difference in radiation exposure. Delaying surgery for distal radius and bimalleolar ankle fractures > 14 days after injury does not seem to significantly affect the duration of surgery or radiation exposure.

scholarly journals Early Weightbearing After Operatively Treated Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures with Large Posterior Malleolar Fragments

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0047
Author(s):  
Jason Tartaglione ◽  
Sorawut Thamyongkit ◽  
Pooyan Abbasi ◽  
Brent Parks ◽  
Erik Hasenboehler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Fracture Displacement ◽  
Posterior Malleolar Fracture ◽  
Average Motion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Surgical Fixation ◽  
Group 2 ◽  
Group 1

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: No consensus exists regarding postoperative rehabilitation protocols after surgical fixation of unstable trimalleolar ankle fractures with large posterior malleolar fragments. Additionally, no consensus exists regarding type of fixation of large posterior malleolar fragments in these fractures. It is unclear whether clinical results with early weightbearing differ between large posterior malleolar fragments fixed with either screws alone or a plate and screws construct. We evaluated fracture displacement with simulated early weightbearing in a cadaveric model. Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen lower extremities were assigned to Group 1, trimalleolar ankle fracture with a large posterior malleolar fragment fixed with screws (n=8) or Group 2, trimalleolar ankle fracture with a large posterior malleolar fragment fixed with a plate and screws construct (n=8). Both Groups were tested with an axial compressive load at 3.2 Hz from 100 to 1,000 N and internal/external torque at 1.6 Hz at 0.5 Nm for 250,000 cycles to simulate 5 weeks of full weightbearing. Displacement was measured by differential variable reluctance transducer. Results: The average motion at all fracture sites in both groups was less than 1 mm. Group 1 displacement of the medial, lateral, and posterior malleolar fracture was 0.30 ± 0.27 mm, 0.12 ± 0.11 mm, and 0.87 ± 0.68 mm respectively. Group 2 displacement of the medial, lateral, and posterior malleolar fracture was 0.78 ± 1.52 mm, 0.12 ± 0.16 mm, and 0.87 ± 1.20 mm respectively. There was no significant difference between the average motion at all fractures sites between Group 1 and Group 2 (P > 0.05). There was no statistical correlation between fracture displacement and bone mineral density. Conclusion: This study supports early weightbearing after surgical fixation of unstable trimalleolar ankle fractures regardless of type of fixation of the posterior malleolus. Further investigation of early weightbearing protocols after surgical fixation of unstable trimalleolar ankle fractures are needed to help guide future treatment.

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