Patient Outcomes Following Ankle Fracture Fixation

Background: Several studies have reported on potential negative predictive factors of functional outcomes after ankle fracture fixation. However, there is minimal patient-reported data on long-term outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors leading to a poor patient-reported functional outcome at 2 and 5 years following ankle fracture fixation. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study over a 5-year period on patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, fracture pattern, and fixation quality were recorded and analyzed. Patients were followed up at 2 and 5 years. Data collected include the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), ongoing issues, and the need for further intervention. A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 180 patients, follow-up data were available for 82 (46%) patients at 2 years and 94 (52%) patients at 5 years. At 2 years, age ≥60 years was a predictor of worse LEFS, while a body mass index ≥30 was a predictor of worse OMAS. Severely deformed ankle at presentation showed worse OMAS and LEFS score. However, these predictive factors were not significant at 5 years. An anatomically reduced ankle fracture fixation was more likely to have a better functional outcome at the 2- and 5-year follow-ups. A reduction in OMAS at 2 years was predictive of possible ongoing issues following surgery, which in turn increased the odds of worsening OMAS at 5 years. Conclusion: Achieving adequate fracture reduction during fixation is crucial for better ankle functional recovery postinjury. In this cohort, we found that patients who undergo ankle fracture fixation will have an ongoing negative impact on their functional and physical capacity at both 2 and 5 years postoperatively. Appropriate patient counseling is necessary to prepare them for the expected functional outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic.

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Functional outcomes of unstable ankle fractures with and without syndesmotic fixation in the adolescent population

Journal of Children s Orthopaedics ◽

10.1302/1863-2548.15.200250 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Conner J. Paez ◽

Benjamin M. Lurie ◽

Vidyadhar V. Upasani ◽

Andrew T. Pennock

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Weight Bearing ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Medial Malleolus ◽

Syndesmotic Injury ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Male Sex

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes of adolescents with and without ankle syndesmotic injuries and identify predictors of functional outcome after operative ankle fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on operative adolescent ankle fractures treated between 2009 and 2019 with a minimum of one-year follow-up (mean 4.35 years). Patients who underwent syndesmotic fixation (SF) (n = 48) were compared with operative ankle fractures without syndesmotic injury (n = 63). Functional outcomes were assessed using standardized questionnaires, specifically the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation. Results: There were no differences in patient-reported outcomes, rates of return to sport or complications between groups with and without SF. The SF group had a longer tourniquet time (p = 0.04), duration of non-weight-bearing (p = 0.01), more Weber C fibula fractures (p < 0.001), fewer medial malleolus fractures (p = 0.03) and more frequently underwent implant removal (p < 0.0001). Male sex, lower body mass index (BMI) and longer duration of follow-up were significant predictors of a higher FAAM sports score using multivariable linear regression. SF was not a predictor of functional outcome. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that patients that undergo surgical fixation of syndesmotic injuries have equivalent functional outcomes compared to operative ankle fractures without intraoperative evidence of syndesmotic injury. We also identified that male sex, lower BMI and longer duration of follow-up are predictors of a good functional outcome. Level of Evidence: III

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POS0942 THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF UNDIAGNOSED DEPRESSION IN AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHROPARTHY: RESULTS OF A SCREENING STUDY

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.145 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 734.1-734

Author(s):

S. Maguire ◽

F. B. O’shea

Keyword(s):

Disease Activity ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Depression Scale ◽

Clinic Visit ◽

Categorical Variables ◽

P Value ◽

Continuous Variables ◽

Numerical Result ◽

Co Morbidity ◽

Patient Reported

Background:Previous research in axial spondyloarthropathy(axSpA) has shown this population to have a high prevalence of depression. This co-morbidity has been previously shown to impact disease activity in patients with rheumatic disease.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to screen for early signs of depression using two validated tools, the Patient Health Questionaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale for depression (HADs-D) in patients with known axSpA.Methods:AxSpA patients attending the Rheumatology department in St James’ Hospital between February and October 2020 were invited to take a self-administered survey which included the PHQ-9 and the HADs-D. Scores from the HADs-D yielded a numerical result which was then categorised as normal, borderline or abnormal. PHQ-9 numerical results were categorised as normal, mild, moderate, moderate/severe or severe. Patients with a known diagnosis of depression were excluded. In addition to baseline demographics, patient reported outcomes from the clinic visit were also recorded.Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 26. Continuous variables were recorded as means, categorical variables as frequencies with percentages. A one-way analysis of variance analysis (ANOVA) was used to determine significance of variation in outcomes between patient outcomes as determined by the HADs-D and PHQ-9. A p-value of <0.05 was deemed significant. Consent was obtained prior to participation. Approval was received from the St James’/Tallaght Hospital Joint Ethics Committee.Results:In total 71 axSpA patients took part in the survey. The population was 70.4%(50) males and 29.5%(21) female, with an average age 47.9 years and mean disease duration 19.7 years (mean outcomes: BASDAI 4.08, BASFI 3.62, BASMI 3.54, ASQoL 6.79). Overall, 7 (9.9%) participants recorded abnormal HADs-D scores, while 17 (23.9%) recorded moderate to severe PHQ-9 scores indicative of underlying depression. AxSpA females had higher mean HADs-D scores (7.5 vs 4.8, p=0.01) than males, with abnormal scores in 19%(4) of females and 6% (3) of males. No significant differences were found in PHQ-9 scores between genders.Analysis revealed significantly worse BASDAI (6.27 vs 3.42, p<0.01) and AQoL scores (12.57 vs 5.26, p<0.01) in axSpA patients with abnormal compared to normal HADs-D scores. No significant differences were noted in BASFI, BASMI or baseline demographics. A similar pattern was noted on analysis of PHQ-9 scores, with significantly worse BASDAI (7.9 vs 2.55, p<0.01), BASFI (8.05 vs 2.33, p<0.01) and ASQoL (19.5 vs 2.62, p<0.01) noted in those scoring as severe compared to normal. No significant differences were detected in BASMI scores or baseline demographics.Conclusion:A high percentage of axSpA patients recorded high HADs-D and PHQ-9 scores concerning for undiagnosed depression. These patients were noted to have significantly worse disease activity and quality of life as compared to patients with normal scores. Clinicians treating axSpA should consider screening for depression in this population.Disclosure of Interests:Sinead Maguire Speakers bureau: Speaker fee from Jassen, Grant/research support from: Recipient of the Gilead Inflammation Fellowship Grant, Finbar Barry O’Shea: None declared

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Functional Outcomes After Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle

Foot & Ankle Specialist ◽

10.1177/1938640019826701 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 18-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Direk Tantigate ◽

Gavin Ho ◽

Joshua Kirschenbaum ◽

Henrik C. Bäcker ◽

Benjamin Asherman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Ankle Fracture ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Fracture Dislocation ◽

Wound Complications ◽

Pain Subscale ◽

Fracture Dislocations

Background. Fracture dislocation of the ankle represents a substantial injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle. There has been only limited reporting of functional outcome of ankle fracture-dislocations. This study aimed to compare functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation in ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of surgically treated ankle fractures over a 3- year period was performed. Demographic data, type of fracture, operative time and complications were recorded. Of 118 patients eligible for analysis, 33 (28%) sustained a fracture-dislocation. Mean patient age was 46.6 years; 62 patients, who had follow-up of at least 12 months, were analyzed for functional outcome assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The median follow-up time was 37 months. Demographic variables and FAOS were compared between ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Results. The average age of patients sustaining fracture-dislocation was greater (53 vs 44 years, P = .017); a greater percentage were female (72.7% vs 51.8%, P = .039) and diabetic (24.2% vs 7.1%, P = .010). Wound complications were similar between both groups. FAOS was generally poorer in the fracture-dislocation group, although only the pain subscale demonstrated statistical significance (76 vs 92, P = .012). Conclusion. Ankle fracture-dislocation occurred more frequently in patients who were older, female, and diabetic. At a median of just > 3-year follow-up, functional outcomes in fracture-dislocations were generally poorer; the pain subscale of FAOS was worse in a statistically significant fashion. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III

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Prospective Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO) Study Assessing Outcomes of Surgically Managed Ankle Fractures

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719891157 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 206-210

Author(s):

Jasen Gilley ◽

Raheem Bell ◽

Mateus Lima ◽

Bennet Butler ◽

Joshua E. Barrett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ankle Fracture ◽

Outcome Measurement ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Measurement Information ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Mean Values ◽

Population Mean ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Nonnormal Distribution

Background: Ankle fractures are a common cause of morbidity that have increased in incidence over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and prognosis of various fracture subtypes by using 2 validated patient-reported outcome measures: the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) and Pain Interference (PI) Computer Adaptive Tests (CATs). Methods: Twelve-month postoperative PF and PI CATs were collected for 126 ankle fracture patients presenting between 2014 and 2017. Patients were stratified by ankle fracture subtype and refined by the presence/absence of concomitant deltoid injury or posterior malleolar fracture. Patients defined as members of vulnerable populations and patients presenting more than 2 weeks from time of injury or with prior acute ipsilateral fracture were excluded. The distribution of PF and PI T scores were assessed via a Shapiro-Wilk test and a 1-way analysis of variance. If significant differences were found between groups, pairwise comparisons were tested via Dwass, Steel, and Critchlow-Fligner multiple comparison analysis. Results: Mean values for the PROMIS PF and PI for each fracture subtype were calculated and compared to reference population mean (SD) T scores of 50 (10): isolated lateral malleolar (PF: 50/PI: 51), isolated medial malleolar (PF: 52/PI: 49), bimalleolar (PF: 48/PI: 50), trimalleoar (PF: 47/PI: 51), isolated posterior malleolar (PF: 53/PI: 44), and isolated syndesmotic injury (PF: 60/PI: 46). Shapiro-Wilk test indicated a nonnormal distribution for the postoperative PROMIS PF T scores across all fracture patients ( P = .0421). Conclusion: Operative fixation of an ankle fracture was able to return most patients to the population mean with regard to PROMIS function and pain regardless of fracture type. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

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Variability in the Reporting Terminology of Adverse Events and Complications in Ankle Fracture Fixation: A Systematic Review

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100719879930 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 41 (2) ◽

pp. 170-176

Author(s):

Stefan A. St George ◽

Hooman Sadr ◽

Chayanin Angthong ◽

Murray Penner ◽

Peter Salat ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Fracture Fixation ◽

Ankle Fracture ◽

Soft Tissue Injuries ◽

Classification Systems ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Implant Complications ◽

Frequency Of Use ◽

Standardized Reporting

Background: Classification systems for the reporting of surgical complications have been developed and adapted for many surgical subspecialties. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the variability and frequency of reporting terms used to describe adverse events and complications in ankle fracture fixation. We hypothesized that the terminology used would be highly variable and inconsistent, corroborating previous results that have suggested a need for standardized reporting terminology in orthopedics. Methods: Ankle fracture outcome studies meeting predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected for analysis by 2 independent observers. Terms used to define adverse events and complications were identified and recorded. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus with the aid of a third observer. All terms were then compiled and assessed for variability and frequency of use throughout the studies involved. Reporting terminology was subsequently grouped into 10 categories. Results: In the 48 studies analyzed, 301 distinct terms were utilized to describe complications or adverse events. Of these terms, 74.4% (224/301) were found in a single study each. Only 1 term, “infection,” was present in 50% of studies, and only 19 of 301 terms (6.3%) were used in at least 10% of papers. The category that was most frequently reported was “infection,” with 89.6% of studies reporting on this type of adverse event using 25 distinct terms. Other categories were “wound healing complications” (72.9% of papers, 38 terms), “bone/joint complications” (66.7% of papers, 35 terms), “hardware/implant complications” (56.3% of papers, 47 terms), “revision” (56.3% of papers, 35 terms), “cartilage/soft tissue injuries” (45.8% of papers, 31 terms), “reduction/alignment issues” (45.8% of papers, 29 terms), “medical complications” (43.8% of papers, 32 terms), “pain” (29.2% of papers, 16 terms), and “other complications” (20.8% of papers, 13 terms). There was a 78.6% interobserver agreement in the identification of terms across the 48 studies included. Conclusion: The reporting terminology utilized to describe complications and adverse events in ankle fracture fixation was found to be highly variable and inconsistent. This variability prevents accurate reporting of complications and adverse events and makes the analysis of potential outcomes difficult. The development of standardized reporting terminology in orthopedics would be instrumental in addressing these challenges and allow for more accurate and consistent outcome reporting. Level of Evidence: Level III; systematic review of Level III studies and above.

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Predictors of Patient-Reported Function and Pain Outcomes in Operative Ankle Fractures

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/1071100716688176 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 38 (5) ◽

pp. 496-501 ◽

Cited By ~ 12

Author(s):

Daniel M. Dean ◽

Bryant S. Ho ◽

Albert Lin ◽

Daniel Fuchs ◽

George Ochenjele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Physical Function ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Case Series ◽

Ankle Fractures ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Class B ◽

Pain Outcomes

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.

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Slowed-Down Rehabilitation Following Percutaneous Repair of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Foot & Ankle International ◽

10.1177/10711007211038594 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 107110072110385

Author(s):

Nicola Maffulli ◽

Nikolaos Gougoulias ◽

Gayle D. Maffulli ◽

Francesco Oliva ◽

Filippo Migliorini

Keyword(s):

Achilles Tendon ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Achilles Tendon Rupture ◽

Rehabilitation Program ◽

Calf Circumference ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Traditional Group ◽

Percutaneous Repair ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Group 1

Background: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures, early postoperative weightbearing is advocated; however, it is debatable how aggressive rehabilitation should be. We compared the clinical and functional outcomes in 2 groups of patients who followed either our “traditional” or a “slowed down” rehabilitation after percutaneous surgical repair. Methods: Sixty patients were prospectively recruited to a slowed down (29 patients) or a traditional (31 patients) rehabilitation program. Both groups were allowed immediate weightbearing postoperatively; a removable brace with 5 heel wedges was applied at 2 weeks. In the slowed-down group, 1 wedge was removed after 4 weeks. Gradual removal of the boot took place after 4 wedges were kept for 4 weeks. In the traditional group, 1 wedge was removed every 2 weeks, with removal of the boot after 2 wedges had been kept for 2 weeks. The AT Resting Angle (ATRA) evaluated tendon elongation. Patient reported functional outcomes were assessed using the AT Rupture Score (ATRS). Calf circumference difference and the isometric plantarflexion strength of the gastro-soleus complex were evaluated. Results: At the 12-month follow-up, both ATRA and ATRS were more favorable in the slowed-down group. The isometric strength and the calf circumference were more similar to the contralateral leg in the slowed-down group than in the traditional one. Conclusion: Following percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon patients undergoing slowed down rehabilitation performed better than the traditional one. These conclusions must be considered within the limitations of the present study. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

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Predictive Factors Influencing Functional Results After Proximal Hamstring Tendon Avulsion Surgery: A Patient-Reported Outcome Study After 227 Operations From a Single Center

Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine ◽

10.1177/23259671211043097 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (10) ◽

pp. 232596712110430

Author(s):

Raymond Best ◽

Anorte Meister ◽

Malin Meier ◽

Jochen Huth ◽

Ulrich Becker

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Predictive Factors ◽

Hamstring Tendon ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Duration Of Surgery ◽

The Mean ◽

Concomitant Factors ◽

Proximal Hamstring ◽

Tendon Avulsion

Background: Although debilitating, proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injuries are rare and often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Consequently, delayed diagnosis and surgical treatment may result in poor outcomes. Studies investigating a correlation between postoperative functional outcomes and this delay in surgical treatment or other concomitant factors in large cohorts have not yet been performed to our knowledge. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to conduct an investigation in a large patient group regarding factors that could influence a patient’s functional outcome after hamstring surgery. We hypothesized that this outcome would significantly correlate to the time between trauma and surgery. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients who received surgical treatment of proximal hamstring tendon avulsion injuries in our institution between the years 2010 and 2020 were asked to complete a validated, injury-specific outcome measurement, the Perth Hamstring Assessment Tool (PHAT; 0-100 points). In addition to calculating these outcomes, we evaluated the association of the obtained results with possible predictive factors such as age, sex, stump retraction shown on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and timing and duration of surgery. Results: A total of 226 patients (227 operations) were eligible for the study, and 204 cases of hamstring tendon avulsion injury met our inclusion criteria. The return rate for the PHAT questionnaire was 85.3%. The mean PHAT score revealed good results (79.8 ± 19.1). Irrespective of concomitant factors, the scores of male patients were significantly higher compared with those of female patients (83.8 ± 16.9 vs 75.8 ± 20.6 respectively; P = .004). The mean time to surgery was 5.7 weeks after trauma, and more delayed surgery correlated significantly with lower PHAT scores ( P = .003; r = –0.228). The mean degree of stump retraction on MRI (5 cm) did not significantly influence PHAT scores ( P = .525; r = –0.06). Conclusion: Delay of surgery and female sex were disadvantageous in terms of a good functional outcome measure (PHAT score) after hamstring tendon refixation surgery. By contrast, patient age as well as the retraction of the tendon stump on preoperative MRI did not influence PHAT scores in the present study.

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Functional outcome after surgical treatment of ankle fracture using Baird Jackson score

International Journal of Research in Orthopaedics ◽

10.18203/issn.2455-4510.intjresorthop20182738 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 4 (4) ◽

pp. 638

Author(s):

Amlan Mohapatra ◽

Karthik Raj

Keyword(s):

Surgical Treatment ◽

Functional Outcome ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Ankle Fracture ◽

External Rotation ◽

Clinical History ◽

The Elderly ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Superficial Skin ◽

Supination External Rotation

Background: Ankle fractures have been identified as a significant source of morbidity for both the young and the elderly. In this study we aim to evaluate the functional outcome of patients who were operated for ankle fracture at our centre and to assess the factors associated with the functional outcome.Methods: An observational study in the Department of Orthopedics, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangalore, Karnataka from January 1, 2017 till December 31, 2017 of all patients who presented with any type of ankle malleolar fracture and underwent surgery were included in the study. Clinical history, socio-demographic profile, anatomic classification and Weber’s classification was noted for all patients. Functional outcome was evaluated 6 months post-operatively using the Baird Jackson scale and factors associated were assessed.Results: During the study period 84 patients were enrolled in the study, mean age was 43.8±5.46 years and 48 were male patients. Supination external rotation was the most commonly seen injury in our patient population. Postoperatively, superficial skin infections were seen in 15% and restricted ankle movement in 11% patients. According to the Baird and Jackson score, clinical functional outcome was excellent in 17 cases, good in 47, fair in 15 and poor in 5 patients. Patients aged less than 45 years and supination external rotation injuries were significantly associated with excellent and good functional outcomes as compared to patients of older age.Conclusions: Surgical treatment resulted in excellent to good functional outcome in majority of the patients of this study. Further research is required to assess the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with long term follow up.

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Patient Outcomes Differences Following Ankle Fracture Fixation with or without Ankle Arthroscopy

Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics ◽

10.1177/2473011420s00013 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 2473011420S0001

Author(s):

Kenneth S. Smith ◽

Katherine D. Drexelius ◽

Shanthan C. Challa ◽

Daniel K. Moon ◽

Joshua A. Metzl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Function ◽

Ankle Fracture ◽

Patient Reported Outcomes ◽

Chart Review ◽

Ankle Arthroscopy ◽

P Value ◽

Function Score ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Physical Function Score

Category: Arthroscopy; Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are one of the most common types of fractures, yet there is currently no consensus about how best to treat these patients. The treatment approach typically includes open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF), but not all patients have a good clinical outcome. Intra-articular injuries have been suggested as one potential cause of these sub-optimal outcomes. Use of arthroscopy at the time of surgery is useful in identifying intra-articular lesions in acute ankle fractures, however, there is no evidence that arthroscopic intervention changes the patient’s outcome. Ankle arthroscopy increases the duration and potential complications of anesthesia administration and also increases cost. Our study assesses the clinical impact of arthroscopy accompanying an ankle fracture ORIF, which is essential to promote positive outcomes, while decreasing unnecessary complications and costs. Methods: This is a retrospective chart review. We queried all patients that underwent operative fixation of a bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fracture at our institution from January 1, 2014 through November 1, 2018. From this list, we excluded patients less than 18 years old and patients that had concomitant injuries to other body parts that required surgery. In addition, we only included Weber B and Weber C fibula fracture to homogenize the data. We then performed a chart review to extract all demographic data, fracture pattern, surgical procedures performed, tourniquet times, any revision surgeries, arthroscopic findings and any interventions performed due to the arthroscopic portion of the procedure. We then conducted a phone and email survey utilizing the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Short Form and the two question Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Results: Our study included 213 total patients (142 traditional ORIF, 71 ORIF plus arthroscopy) with an average age of 40 (standard deviation 14.2). The average follow up was 32.4 (13.1) months with a survey follow up rate of 50.7%. The demographic information between the two cohorts was statistically similar. The average tourniquet time for the arthroscopy cohort is 10 minutes longer (89 minutes versus 79 minutes). During the arthroscopy, there was a 28.2% rate of full thickness osteochondral lesions, 33.8% rate of loose bodies, and a 49.2% rate of small cartilage injury not requiring intervention. The mean PROMIS physical function score amongst Weber B fibula fractures was 45.8 and 42.3 in the arthroscopy and non-arthroscopy groups respectively (P value 0.012). In addition, the patient satisfaction rate in Weber B fibula fractures was higher in those patients that underwent arthroscopy as compared to ORIF alone (93.1% versus 75.5%, P value of 0.05). Patients that suffered a tibiotalar joint dislocation at the time of the ankle fracture had a significantly higher PROMIS physical function score (46.6 versus 40.2, P value 0.005) when their surgery included arthroscopy. Conclusion: Ankle arthroscopy at the time of ORIF led to higher mean patient reported outcomes for every tested metric but this reached statistical significance only when looking at the Weber B fibula fractures and ankle dislocations. There was no increase in complication rate and the arthroscopy took only 10 minutes longer on average. [Table: see text]

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