Outcomes of Posterior Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation (PARIF) for the Posterior Malleolar Fragment in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072095514
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Martin ◽  
Courtney T. Tripp ◽  
Jeannie Huh

Background: Posterior malleolar fractures within a trimalleolar ankle fracture pattern are challenging to manage. Posterior ankle arthroscopy provides a means to assess the intra-articular and syndesmotic reductions, while removing loose bodies. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient reported outcomes of posterior arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Methods: From November 2015 to March 2019, we prospectively enrolled consecutive trimalleolar ankle fractures that underwent PARIF by a single surgeon. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were interpreted by 2 blinded musculoskeletal radiologists for articular reduction, syndesmosis congruity, and presence of ossific loose bodies. Patient outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and visual analog scale (VAS). A total of 28 trimalleolar ankle fractures were treated with PARIF. Mean patient age was 36 years (range, 19-69). Results: Preoperative CT identified 18 intra-articular loose bodies (range, 0-4) in 36% of ankles and 75% (n = 21) syndesmosis incongruity. Postoperative CT scans demonstrated anatomic intra-articular reduction in all fractures, 41.7% (5/12) syndesmosis incongruity without fixation, and 0% (0/9) with suture-button fixation. At mean 2-year follow-up, the results were good to excellent with mean VAS score 1 (range, 0-4), AOFAS score 84 (range, 63-100), FADI 85 (range, 59-100), and OMAS 76 (range, 40-100). Conclusion: The PARIF technique for displaced posterior malleolar fractures was effective in achieving anatomic intra-articular reduction, syndesmosis congruity, and intra-articular loose body removal, while safely preserving the soft tissues. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.

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.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110060
Author(s):  
Michael F. Githens ◽  
Malcolm R. DeBaun ◽  
Kimberly A Jacobsen ◽  
Hunter Ross ◽  
Reza Firoozabadi ◽  
...  

Background: Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented. Results: A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series. Conclusion: Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0001
Author(s):  
Daniel Dean ◽  
Francis McGuigan ◽  
Nicholas Casscells

Category: Ankle, Arthroscopy, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: High fibula fractures, including Maisonneuve and Weber type C fractures are commonly associated with syndesmotic injuries resulting in subluxation and dislocation of the ankle. These injuries to the joint are rarely evaluated or addressed during operative fixation, which generally consists of open reduction internal fixation of the fibula with or without fixation of the syndesmosis. Chondral lesions and loose bodies in ankle fractures may predict a poor result and can be addressed using arthroscopy to avoid exacerbating articular damage. The purpose of this study is to identify the frequency and severity of articular pathology in Weber C and Maisonneuve fibula fractures. Methods: A single surgeon case series of operatively managed ankle fractures with arthroscopic assessment from 2011-2015 was retrospectively reviewed. Inclusion criteria were patients with AO 44-C ankle fractures who were aged >17 and underwent arthroscopic assessment of the ankle joint prior to open reduction and internal fixation. Patients were excluded from the series if they presented <2 weeks from the time of injury, had a pilon variant, or had incomplete medical records available. Demographic information on the patients including age, sex, and BMI were collected. Information on mechanism of injury was recorded. Operative reports were reviewed and the presence of chondral injury and loose bodies was recorded. Descriptive statistics were performed on the collected data. Results: 18 patients (12 male, 6 female) with a mean age of 38.3 years (range 17-61; SD 13.9) were included in the case series. The average BMI 29.6 (SD 6.92). Five of the included fractures were Maisonneuve fractures while the remaining 13 were Weber C ankle fractures. The mechanism of injury of the fracture was low energy in 12, high energy in 1, and unknown in 5. On arthroscopic examination, 12 (66.7%) of the fractures were associated with full thickness articular cartilage injury requiring formal chondroplasty, 16 (88.9%) were associated with a minimum of partial articular damage, and only 2 (11.1%) had no articular damage identified on arthroscopy. Additionally, 12 (66.7%) had loose bodies that were removed during ankle arthroscopy. Conclusion: This study adds to a growing collection of literature concerning chondral injuries during ankle fractures. The data from this study suggest that AO 44-C fibular fractures are associated with a high rate of intraarticular pathology that can be effectively identified and managed during arthroscopy. Prospective studies are required to determine if there are therapeutic benefits to routine ankle arthroscopy in AO 44-C ankle fractures.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Dean ◽  
Bryant S. Ho ◽  
Albert Lin ◽  
Daniel Fuchs ◽  
George Ochenjele ◽  
...  

Background: Risk factors associated with short-term functional outcomes in patients with operative ankle fractures have been established. However, no previous studies have reported the association between these risk factors and functional outcomes outside of the first postoperative year. We identified predictors of functional and pain outcomes in patients with operative ankle fractures using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) measures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a multicenter cohort of patients ≥18 years old who underwent operative management of closed ankle fractures from 2001 to 2013 with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up. Patients with pilon variants, Maisonneuve fractures, Charcot arthropathy, prior ankle surgery, and chronic ankle fractures were excluded. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were contacted and evaluated using the PROMIS PF and PI computerized adaptive tests. Patient demographic and injury characteristics were obtained through a retrospective chart review. Univariate and multivariate regression models were developed to determine independent predictors of physical function and pain at follow-up. Included in this study were 142 patients (64 women, 78 men) with a mean age of 52.7 years (SD = 14.7) averaging 6.3 years of follow-up (range 2-14). Results: Patients had a mean PF of 51.9 (SD = 10.0) and a mean PI of 47.8 (SD = 8.45). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that independent predictors of decreased PF included higher age (B = 0.16, P = .03), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (B = 10.3, P < .01), and higher body mass index (BMI; B = 0.44, P < .01). Predictors of increased PI included higher ASA class (B = 11.5, P < .01) and lower BMI (B = 0.41, P < .01). Conclusion: At follow-up, increased ASA class, increased BMI, and higher age at time of surgery were independently predictive of decreased physical function. Factors that were associated with increased pain at follow-up include lower BMI and higher ASA class. ASA class had the strongest effect on both physical function and pain. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 247301142095021
Author(s):  
Caroline E. Williams ◽  
Peter Joo ◽  
Irvin Oh ◽  
Christopher Miller ◽  
John Y. Kwon

Background: Patients undergoing fixation for foot and ankle fractures may experience poor outcomes despite achieving apparent anatomic reduction. Adjunct arthroscopy to identify missed concomitant injuries and subtle displacements has been proposed as a vehicle to enhance functional results for these patients. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the literature regarding arthroscopically assisted open reduction and internal fixation (AAORIF) methods for commonly encountered foot and ankle injuries including pilon, ankle, and calcaneus fractures published to date. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed database to access all studies reporting on arthroscopically assisted internal fixation methods for pilon, ankle, and calcaneus fractures. Relevant publications were analyzed for details on their respective study designs, the operative technique used, clinical outcomes, outcome instruments used, and reported complications. Results: A total of 32 studies were included in this review. Two studies on pilon fractures, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and case series with a total of 243 patients, met inclusion criteria. Postoperative articular reductions, bone union, and Mazur scores were found to be significantly better for those using adjunct arthroscopy when compared to those with no arthroscopy use. Patient-reported outcomes were overall reported as excellent for most patients, with no difference in patient-reported outcomes reported in the RCT. For ankle fractures, a total of 17 studies comprising of 2 systematic reviews, 1 meta-analysis, 2 RCTs, 5 retrospective comparative studies, 6 case series, and 1 case-control study met inclusion criteria for this review. Results were mixed, though the overall consensus was that arthroscopy use may help to better visualize concomitant intra-articular injuries and is generally considered safe with at least comparable outcomes to conventional methods. For the calcaneus, 13 studies met the criteria. Two studies were review papers, 8 were case series, and 3 were retrospective comparative studies. A total of 308 patients with 316 fractures formed the basis of analysis. In general, the studies found comparable functional outcomes between with or without arthroscopy use, but found that anatomical reductions were significantly improved with the use of arthroscopy. Conclusions: Arthroscopy shows promise as a valuable adjunct tool for internal fixation of foot and ankle fractures, though definitive conclusions as to its clinical significance have yet to be drawn because of limited evidence. Potential advantages related to the direct visualization of the fracture site and minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy were suggested throughout studies examined in this review. The presence of intra-articular pathology may lead to unexpectedly poor outcomes seen in some patients who undergo surgical fixation of ankle fractures with an otherwise anatomic reduction on postoperative radiographs; the ability to diagnose and address these lesions with arthroscopy, therefore, has the potential to improve patient outcomes. To date, however, available literature has not shown that significant improvements in anatomical reductions and treatment of these intra-articular injuries provide any improvement in outcomes over standard fixation methods. Few prospective randomized controlled studies have been performed comparing these 2 operative techniques, rendering any suggestion that AAORIF improves clinical outcomes over traditional open fixation difficult to justify. Further research is indicated for what may be a potentially promising surgical adjunct prior to advocating for its routine use in patients.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110044
Author(s):  
Catherine Conlin ◽  
Ryan M. Khan ◽  
Ian Wilson ◽  
Timothy R. Daniels ◽  
Mansur Halai ◽  
...  

Background: Total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle fusion are effective treatments for end-stage ankle arthritis. Comparative studies elucidate differences in treatment outcomes; however, the literature lacks evidence demonstrating what outcomes are important to patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate patients’ experiences of living with both a TAR and ankle fusion. Methods: This research study used qualitative description. Individuals were selected from a cohort of patients with TAR and/or ankle fusion (n = 1254). Eligible patients were English speaking with a TAR and contralateral ankle fusion, and a minimum of 1 year since their most recent ankle reconstruction. Surgeries were performed by a single experienced surgeon, and semistructured interviews were conducted by a single researcher in a private hospital setting or by telephone. Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) scores, radiographs, and ancillary surgical procedures were collected to characterize patients. Themes were derived through qualitative data analysis. Results: Ten adults (8 men, 2 women), ages 59 to 90 years, were included. Average AOS pain and disability scores were similar for both surgeries for most patients. Participants discussed perceptions of each reconstructed ankle. Ankle fusions were considered stable and strong, but also stiff and compromising balance. TARs were considered flexible and more like a “normal ankle,” though patients expressed concerns about their TAR “turning” on uneven ground. Individuals applied this knowledge to facilitate movement, particularly during a first step and transitioning between positions. They described the need for careful foot placement and attention to the environment to avoid potential challenges. Conclusion: This study provides insight into the experiences of individuals living with a TAR and ankle fusion. In this unusual but limited group of patients, we found that each ankle reconstruction was generally perceived to have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. Most participants articulated a preference for their TAR. These findings can help clinicians better counsel patients on expectations after TAR and ankle fusion, and improve patient-reported outcome measures by better capturing meaningful outcomes for patients. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712096792
Author(s):  
James L. Cook ◽  
Kylee Rucinski ◽  
Cory R. Crecelius ◽  
Richard Ma ◽  
James P. Stannard

Background: Return to sport (RTS) after osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation for large unipolar femoral condyle defects has been consistent, but many athletes are affected by more severe lesions. Purpose: To examine outcomes for athletes who have undergone large single-surface, multisurface, or bipolar shell OCA transplantation in the knee. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Data from a prospective OCA transplantation registry were assessed for athletes who underwent knee transplantation for the first time (primary transplant) between June 2015 and March 2018 for injury or overuse-related articular defects. Inclusion criteria were preinjury Tegner level ≥5 and documented type and level of sport (or elite unit active military duty); in addition, patients were required to have a minimum of 1-year follow-up outcomes, including RTS data. Patient characteristics, surgery type, Tegner level, RTS, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), compliance with rehabilitation, revisions, and failures were assessed and compared for statistically significant differences. Results: There were 37 included athletes (mean age, 34 years; range, 15-69 years; mean body mass index, 26.2 kg/m2; range, 18-35 kg/m2) who underwent large single-surface (n = 17), multisurface (n = 4), or bipolar (n = 16) OCA transplantation. The highest preinjury median Tegner level was 9 (mean, 7.9 ± 1.7; range, 5-10). At the final follow-up, 25 patients (68%) had returned to sport; 17 (68%) returned to the same or higher level of sport compared with the highest preinjury level. The median time to RTS was 16 months (range, 7-26 months). Elite unit military, competitive collegiate, and competitive high school athletes returned at a significantly higher proportion ( P < .046) than did recreational athletes. For all patients, the Tegner level at the final follow-up (median, 6; mean, 6.1 ± 2.7; range, 1-10) was significantly lower than that at the highest preinjury level ( P = .007). PROMs were significantly improved at the final follow-up compared with preoperative levels and reached or exceeded clinically meaningful differences. OCA revisions were performed in 2 patients (5%), and failures requiring total knee arthroplasty occurred in 2 patients (5%), all of whom were recreational athletes. Noncompliance was documented in 4 athletes (11%) and was 15.5 times more likely ( P = .049) to be associated with failure or a need for revision than for compliant patients. Conclusion: Large single-surface, multisurface, or bipolar shell OCA knee transplantations in athletes resulted in two-thirds of these patients returning to sport at 16 to 24 months after transplantation. Combined, the revision and failure rates were 10%; thus, 90% of patients were considered to have successful 2- to 4-year outcomes with significant improvements in pain and function, even when patients did not RTS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 247301142096631
Author(s):  
Luke D. Cicchinelli ◽  
Jurij Štalc ◽  
Martinus Richter ◽  
Stuart Miller

Background: A novel biointegrative implant was developed for proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) arthrodesis to treat hammertoe deformity. Composed of continuous reinforcing mineral fibers bound by bioabsorbable polymer matrix, the implant demonstrated quiescent, gradual degradation with complete elimination at 104 weeks in animal models. This prospective trial assessed the implant’s safety, clinical performance, and fusion rate of PIPJ arthrodesis for hammertoe correction. Methods: Twenty-five patients (mean age 63.9±7.5 years) who required PIPJ arthrodesis were enrolled at 3 centers. Outcomes included radiographic joint fusion, adverse events, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, and patient satisfaction. Patients were evaluated 2, 4, 6, 12, and 26 weeks postoperatively. Results: Twenty-two patients (88%) achieved radiographic fusion at 26 weeks. All joints (100%) were considered clinically stable, with no complications or serious adverse events. Pain VAS improved from 5.3±2.5 preoperatively to 0.5±1.4 at 26 weeks postoperatively. FAAM-ADL total scores and level of functioning improved by mean 19.5±19.0 points and 24.4±15.7 percentage points, respectively, from preoperation to 26 weeks postoperation. Improvements in pain VAS and FAAM scores surpassed established minimal clinically important differences. All patients were very satisfied (84%) or satisfied (16%) with the surgery. Patient-reported postoperative results greatly exceeded (72%), exceeded (20%), or matched (8%) expectations. Conclusion: This prospective, multicenter, first-in-human clinical trial of a novel biointegrative fiber-reinforced implant in PIPJ arthrodesis of hammertoe deformity demonstrated a favorable rate of radiographic fusion at 12 and 26 weeks, with no complications and good patient-reported clinical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, prospective case series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
Diego Yearson ◽  
Ignacio Melendez ◽  
Federico Anain ◽  
Santiago Siniscalchi ◽  
Juan Drago

Objective: This study proposes a new classification of posterolateral malleolar fractures and a treatment algorithm. Methods: We divided the posterolateral malleolus, which we considered as the posterior malleolus, from the posteromedial one, which we considered as being part of the medial malleolus fracture. The experience with 77 patients treated from February 2017 to February 2020 was assessed. All of them were assessed by frontal and profile radiographies and computed tomography (CT). Among the parameters to classify these fractures, we believe the most determining ones are fracture size, followed by presence of fracture displacement. Results: Fractures were divided into those whose posterior fragment was 25% smaller than the tibial joint surface and those that compromised more than 25% of this joint. The first group underwent syndesmotic opening and was subclassified into 1A (stable fractures), which do not require surgical treatment, and 1B (unstable), which require syndesmotic stabilization. The second group, which comprised the larger fractures, was subclassified into 2 A (non-displaced fractures, or with a displacement below 2 mm), which underwent percutaneous osteosynthesis, 2B (displaced fractures), and 2C (comminuted fractures), which underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a posterior approach. Conclusion: The classifications published so far are anatomic or descriptive, but none of them proposes a therapeutic algorithm for each type of fracture. We believe it will be helpful for its interpretation and decision-making on the need to perform a posterior approach, prioritizing the anatomical reduction of the joint fragment and resolution of syndesmotic instability linked to each fracture pattern using the most simple and effective method. Level of Evidence IV; Therapeutic Studies; Case Series.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 323-326
Author(s):  
WEVERLEY RUBELE VALENZA ◽  
JAMIL FAISSAL SONI ◽  
JEAN CARLO BARBOSA ◽  
CHRISTIANO SALIBA ULIANA ◽  
CAROLINA UMETA MATSUNAGA

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to purpose a novel approach to the concomitant triplanar and tibial shaft fracture. Methods: Retrospective study between 2001 and 2019. We collected the patients’ general information, clinical and radiographic data, and complications after the following three-step treatment: (1) fixation of the Salter-Harris II fracture of the triplane fracture, (2) fixation of the Salter-Harris II/IV fracture with cannulated screws, and (3) fixation of the tibial fracture with flexible titanium nails. Results: The study included seven patients (six males) with a mean age of 14 years and a mean follow-up of 6.4 years (minimum two years). Five triplane fractures had two fragments and two had three fragments. Five fractures were classified as Salter-Harris II and two as Salter-Harris IV. Three tibial fractures were long oblique, three were spiral, and one had a third fragment. Six fractures affected the middle third and one affected the distal third of the tibia. All triplane and tibial fractures consolidated without significant displacement. No physeal damage was identified. Conclusions: This study described the association of tibial fractures with triplane ankle fractures managed by our proposed treatment, which proved to be effective for this fracture association. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.


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