Changes in the Syndesmotic Reduction After Syndesmotic Suture-Button Fixation for Ankle Malleolar Fractures: 1-Year Longitudinal Evaluations Using Computed Tomography

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110085
Author(s):  
Seiji Kimura ◽  
Satoshi Yamaguchi ◽  
Yoshimasa Ono ◽  
Shotaro Watanabe ◽  
Ryuichiro Akagi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Tomographic Images ◽  
Minimum Detectable Change ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Dependent Change ◽  
Time Dependent Change ◽  
Over Time

Background: Evaluation over time is important in assessing the reduction of the syndesmosis after suture-button fixation for ankle malleolar fractures. The purposes of this study were to evaluate time-dependent change in the syndesmotic reduction immediately after suture-button fixation for ankle malleolus fractures and 1 year after surgery using computed tomography, and to investigate the reliability of the measurement values to evaluate the reduction of syndesmosis. Methods: We assessed 28 patients who underwent suture-button fixation for ankle fractures. Syndesmotic reduction was assessed within 2 weeks of the fracture surgery and 1 year after surgery using axial computer tomographic images. Side-to-side differences in the anterior, central, and posterior tibiofibular distances, anteroposterior fibular translation, fibular rotation, and syndesmosis area were measured. Results: The mean anterior tibiofibular distance and anteroposterior fibular translation were 1.8 mm and 1.5 mm, respectively, after syndesmotic fixation. They decreased to 1.2 mm and 0.6 mm, respectively, at 1 year after surgery ( P = .03 and P = .01, respectively). The other measurement values did not change over time. The minimum detectable change in the distance of measurements was 1 mm or less. Conclusion: The anterior tibiofibular distance and anteroposterior fibular translation had decreased 1 year after fixation in ankle malleolar fractures with syndesmotic suture button. Even if the fibula is posteriorly malreduced by the time computed tomography is performed immediately after surgery, the fibula may return to a good position 1 year after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Slippage of Tightrope Button in Syndesmotic Fixation of Weber C Malleolar Fractures: A Case Series

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mas’uud Ibnu Samsudin ◽  
Ming Quan Wayne Yap ◽  
Ang Wei Luong ◽  
Ernest Beng Kee Kwek
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Compression ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Pain ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Persistent Symptoms ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Clear Space ◽  
The Mean

Background: Tightrope fixation is an emerging technique for syndesmotic fixation with promising results. However, our case series highlights the slippage of Tightrope buttons as a complication of suture button syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures using limited contact dynamic compression (LCDCP) plates. Methods: We report a series of cases from our database in which slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes in Weber C malleolar fractures was noted. We measured the medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal tibiofibular overlap (DTFO) and computed the largest change in these measurements from the first postoperative follow-up radiographs. Patient records were reviewed for persistent symptoms that could be attributed to the loss of syndesmotic fixation and stability. Results: Follow-up radiographs of 3 patients showed a slippage of the Tightrope button through the LCDCP holes. Two of the patients reported persistent ankle pain and swelling with prolonged activity. The mean increases in MCS and TFCS among these patients were 0.7 (±0.081) mm and 1.5 (±0.798) mm, respectively. The mean decrease in DTFO was 2.2 (±0.864) mm. We next highlight 3 patients with Weber C malleolar fractures who underwent suture button syndesmotic fixation using double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP. Conclusion: This case series reported Tightrope button slippage as an early complication of syndesmotic fixation of Weber C malleolar fractures. We propose the use of double-stacked one-third tubular plates instead of the LCDCP to avoid this complication. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

scholarly journals Confirming Proper Button Deployment of Suspensory Fixation During ACL Reconstruction

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712097434
Author(s):  
Daniel F. O’Brien ◽  
Lilah Fones ◽  
Victoria Stoj ◽  
Cory Edgar ◽  
Katherine Coyner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Acl Reconstruction ◽  
Sports Medicine ◽  
Cruciate Ligament ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Graft Fixation ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Lateral Cortex ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
Suspensory Fixation

Background: Suspensory fixation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) grafts has emerged as a popular device for femoral graft fixation. However, improper deployment of the suspensory fixation can compromise proper graft tensioning, leading to failure and revision. Also, soft tissue interposition between the button and bone has been associated with graft migration and pain, occasionally requiring revision surgery. Many surgeons rely on manual testing and application of distal tension to the graft to confirm proper button deployment on the lateral cortex of the femur for ACL graft fixation. Purpose: To determine the reliability of the manual resistance maneuver when applying distal tension to deploy the suspensory device along the lateral cortex of the femur. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: All patients undergoing ACLR with a suture button suspensory device for femoral fixation were eligible for enrollment in the study. The surgeries were performed by 3 board-certified, sports medicine fellowship–trained orthopaedic surgeons at a single outpatient surgical center between May 2018 and June 2019. All grafts were passed in a retrograde manner into the femoral tunnel, and a vigorous manual tensioning maneuver in a distal direction was placed on the graft to deploy and secure along the lateral cortex of the femur. Intraoperative mini c-arm fluoroscopy was obtained to demonstrate proper suture button positioning. If interposing tissue or an improperly flipped button was identified, rectifying steps were undertaken and recorded. Results: A total of 51 patients with a mean age of 33.3 years were included in the study. Of these patients, 74.5% had normal suture button positioning identified via intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging, while 15.7% had interposed soft tissue and 9.8% had an improperly flipped button. In all cases, the surgeon was able to rectify the malpositioning intraoperatively. Conclusion: Despite the manual sensation of proper suspensory button positioning, intraoperative fluoroscopy identified suture button deployment errors in ACLR 25% of the time. Correcting the malpositioning is not technically demanding. These findings advocate for routine intraoperative surveillance to confirm appropriate suture button seating during ACLR.

scholarly journals Posterior malleolar fractures. New classification and treatment algorithm

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 254-259
Author(s):  
Diego Yearson ◽  
Ignacio Melendez ◽  
Federico Anain ◽  
Santiago Siniscalchi ◽  
Juan Drago
Keyword(s):  
Posterior Approach ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fracture Pattern ◽  
Joint Surface ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
New Classification ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Posterior Malleolus

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.

scholarly journals Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure: Suture-Button Fixation Achieves Excellent Remodeling at 3-Year Follow-up

2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian Xu ◽  
Haifeng Liu ◽  
Wei Lu ◽  
Zhenhan Deng ◽  
Weimin Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Humeral Head ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Concentric Circle ◽  
Vertical Position ◽  
Latarjet Procedure ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Best Fit

Background: Some studies have advocated the use of suture-button fixation during the Latarjet procedure to reduce complications associated with screw fixation. However, the sample size of these studies is relatively small, and their follow-up period is short. Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of the suture-button Latarjet procedure with at least 3 years of follow-up and remodeling of the coracoid graft. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A total of 152 patients who underwent the suture-button Latarjet procedure between February 2013 and February 2016 were selected, and 128 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative clinical results were assessed. The position and healing condition of the coracoid graft and arthropathy of the glenoid and humeral head were also assessed using radiography and 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT). Results: The mean follow-up time was 40.3 ± 5.8 months. There were 102 patients included in this study. The mean visual analog scale score for pain during motion, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, the Rowe score, and the Walch-Duplay score were improved considerably. A total of 100 grafts achieved bone union. The overall absorption rate was 12.6% ± 4.3%. Graft absorption mostly occurred on the edge and outside the “best-fit” circle of the glenoid. A vertical position was achieved in 98 grafts (96% of all cases) immediately postoperatively, with the mean graft midline center at the 4 o’clock position. In the axial view, CT showed that 89 grafts were flush to the glenoid, whereas 2 and 11 grafts were fixed medially and laterally, respectively. In all cases, the bone graft and glenoid tended to extend toward each other to form concentric circles during the remodeling process. During follow-up observations, the height of the 11 grafts that were positioned laterally (ie, above the glenoid level) exhibited a wave-curved change. No arthropathy was observed in any patient. Conclusion: Patient outcomes were satisfactory after the modified arthroscopic suture-button Latarjet technique. Graft absorption mostly occurred on the edge and outside the “best-fit” circle of the glenoid. The graft exhibited the phenomenon of ectatic growing when it fused with the glenoid and finally remodeled to a new concentric circle with the humeral head analogous to the original glenoid. Grafts positioned laterally did not cause arthropathy of the joints within the period of the study.

scholarly journals Comparison of Time-dependent Changes in Syndesmotic Reduction Between Suture-button and Screw Fixation for Ankle Malleolar Fractures with Tibiofibular Diastasis

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0029
Author(s):  
Seiji Kimura ◽  
Satoshi Yamaguchi
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Fixation ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Time Dependent ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Suture Button ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Fixation Group ◽  
Postoperative Changes ◽  
Group B ◽  
Over Time

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Reduction of the tibiofibular syndesmosis is one of the most important factors that affect the clinical outcome after ankle malleolar fractures with syndesmotic diastasis. Recent studies have shown that suture-button fixation can yield better syndesmotic reduction than screw fixation immediately after surgery. However, the time-dependent change in the reduction for each fixation method has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the postoperative changes in the syndesmotic reduction after surgical treatment of ankle malleolar fractures between suture-button fixation and screw fixation using bilateral computed tomography. Methods: Patients who sustained ankle malleolar fractures with tibiofibular diastasis and underwent tibiofibular fixation were included. Suture-button fixation (Group B; n=14; age, 39 years) was used between 2015 and 2016, and syndesmotic screw fixation (Group S; n=20; age, 35 years) was used between 2012 and 2014. The syndesmotic screws were routinely removed. Patients underwent CT scanning of the bilateral ankles at 2 time points: at 2 weeks and 1 year after fracture fixation. Side-to-side differences in the anterior and posterior tibiofibular distances, and anteroposterior fibular translation were measured. Syndesmotic melreduction was defined as a side-to-side difference?2 mm in either of the measurements. The changes in each measurement and incidence of malreduction for each group were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test and McNemar’s test. Differences between the two groups at each time point were also compared. Results: At 2 weeks after fracture fixation, the side-to-side difference in anterior tibiofibular distance was significantly wider in Group B (1.9 mm) than in Group S (0.7 mm) (p=0.03). Additionally, the fibulas were more translated posteriorly in Group B (1.5 mm) than in Group S (0.2 mm). At 1 year, the anterior tibiofibular distance decreased to 0.8 mm in Group B (p=0.09). On the contrary, it significantly increased to 1.9 mm in Group S (p=0.002). In Group B, the incidences of malreduction were 4/14 and 2/14 at 2 weeks and 1 year, respectively (p=0.74). Two ankles, which were malreduced at 2 weeks, changed to a reduced syndesmosis at 1 year. In Group S, the incidences were 8/20 and 9/20 at 2 weeks and 1 year, respectively (p=0.35). Conclusion: Syndesmotic alignment changed over time in both fixation methods, however, the patterns of change were different. Using suture-button fixation, the anterior tibiofibular distance decreased over time. As a result, the widened syndesmoses at 2 weeks changed to reduced syndesmoses at 1 year. On the contrary, using tibiofibular screw fixation, the anterior tibiofibular distance widened after screw removal. Our result suggests that the flexible suture-button fixation allows the fibula to move to the optimal location over time.

Midfoot Arthrodesis following Multi-Joint Stabilization with a Novel Hybrid Plating System

2012 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Filippi ◽  
Mark S. Myerson ◽  
Mark W. Scioli ◽  
Bryan Dale Den Hartog ◽  
David B. Kay ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Healing Rate ◽  
Case Series ◽  
The Other ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Joint Gap

Background: Several methods for fixation have been described for midfoot arthrodesis. Multi-joint arthrodesis at this level can be challenging because of bone loss and deformity, making it difficult to obtain a stable construct. We present the results of a novel hybrid plating system that incorporates locked and non-locked compression screws for multi-joint arthrodesis of the midfoot. Method: A retrospective multicenter review of patients undergoing multi-joint arthrodesis with hybrid plating of the midfoot was performed to evaluate the time to radiographic arthrodesis. Hybrid plating was defined as a construct that incorporates locked and non-locked compression screws. Neuropathy was the only exclusion criteria. Radiographic arthrodesis was defined as bridging bone on one of the three standard foot radiographs in the absence of a joint gap on the other views, or by 50% or greater bridging bone on computed tomography. Etiology of the arthritis, presurgical comorbidities, body mass index, functional level and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: Seventy-two patients were evaluated, and arthrodesis was obtained in 67 patients at 6 weeks in 27 patients, 9 weeks in 26, 12 weeks in 11, and at 16 weeks in three. In five patients at least one of the joints were not fused at 16 weeks and were considered a nonunion. Complications were present in 12 patients (17%). Conclusions: The healing rate and time to arthrodesis compared favorably to similar published studies. Based on these results, hybrid plating was a reliable and consistent alternative for fixation in midfoot arthrodesis, especially in multi-joint disease. Level of Evidence: IV; Retrospective Case Series

scholarly journals Morphological analysis of posterior malleolar fractures with intra-articular impacted fragment in computed tomography scans

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyong Xie ◽  
Hao Lu ◽  
Hailin Xu ◽  
Yuan Quan ◽  
Yijun Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Tibial Plafond ◽  
Common Location

Abstract Background Intraarticular impacted fragment (IAIF) of posterior malleolar fractures has been reported by a few studies. However its location, morphology, and the correlation of posterior malleolar fractures have not been described in detail. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures, to analyze the related factors between IAIF and posterior malleolar fragments, and explore the treatment of IAIF. Materials and methods Between January 2013 and December 2018, 108 consecutive patients with unilateral posterior malleolar fractures were managed in our hospital. Basic demographic and computed tomography (CT) data were collected and classified by Lauge–Hansen, OTA/AO, Haraguchi, and Mason classification. Additional radiographic data, including the length and area of posterior malleolar fragment, IAIF, and stable tibial plafond were measured. The location of IAIF was described, and involvement of the fibular notch and medial malleolus was also observed. Statistics were analyzed based on univariate analysis (Chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Fisher’s test) and Spearman’s correlation test. Results Among the 108 cases of posterior malleolar fractures, 75 (69.4%) were with IAIF and 33 (30.6%) cases were without. There were 74 (68.5%) females and 34 (31.5%) males, and the average age of the patients was 49 years (18–89 years). The average LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) [length of involving fibular notch/(length of involving fibular + length of stable notch fibular notch)] was 32.9% (11.6–64.9%). The APMF/(APMF + ASTP + AIAIF) [area of posterior malleolar fragment/(area of posterior malleolar fragment + area of IAIF + area of stable tibial plafond)] and AIAIF/APMF (area of IAIF/area of posterior malleolar fragment) were 13.1% (0.8–39.7%) and 52.6% (1.2–235.4%), respectively. Involvement of medial malleolus (fracture line extended to medial malleolus, P = 0.022), involvement of fibular notch (P = 0.021), LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN) (P = 0.037), LMPMF (P = 0.004), and APMF were significantly related to the occurrence of IAIF. Conclusion Our research indicates a high incidence of IAIF in posterior malleolar fractures. All IAIFs were found in posterior malleolar, and the most common location was within the lateral area A. Posterior malleolar fracture lines that extend to medial malleolus or fibular notch herald the incidence of IAIF. LIFN/(LIFN + LSFN), LMPMF and APMF are also associated with the incidence of IAIF. CT scans are useful for posterior malleolar fractures to determine the occurrence of IAIF and make operational plans. Operation approach selection should be based on the morphology of posterior malleolar fragments and the location of IAIF. Level of evidence Level III, retrospective case analysis.

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
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Soft Tissues ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Loose Bodies ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Arthroscopic Reduction ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Patient Reported

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.

scholarly journals RADIOGRAPHIC EVOLUTION AND CERVICAL SAGITAL BALANCE OF LAMINOPLASTY VERSUS LAMINECTOMY IN PATIENTS WITH CERVICAL SPONDYLOTIC MYELOPATHY

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 92-95
Author(s):  
LUIZ CARLOS MILAZZO NETTO ◽  
RAPHAEL DE REZENDE PRATALI ◽  
VINÍCIO NUNES NASCIMENTO ◽  
PEDRO FELISBINO JR ◽  
NILO CARRIJO MELO ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Sagittal Vertical Axis ◽  
Thoracic Inlet ◽  
Radiographic Findings ◽  
Radiographic Parameters ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cervical Sagittal Alignment ◽  
Over Time

ABSTRACT Objective To compare radiographic findings of patients who underwent laminoplasty and laminectomy with arthrodesis for spondylotic cervical myelopathy. Methods Who were submitted to laminectomy with arthrodesis or laminoplasty to treat cervical spondylotic myelopathy with minimum follow-up of 6 months. The radiographic parameters related to the cervical spine evaluated were C0C2 lordosis (C0C2), cervical lordosis (CL), T1 slope (T1S), thoracic inlet angle (TIA), neck tilt (NT), cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA), and T1S – CL mismatch (T1S-CL). Results We evaluated 34 patients, 23 (68%) of whom were men. The mean age was 65 years (SD ± 13). There was no statistical difference in any of the preoperative radiographic parameters. Considering the patients submitted to laminectomy alone, a significant difference was observed for C0C2 (P = 0.045), CSVA (P = 0.0008), with differences between IPO and POS times (P = 0.026) and between PRE and POS (P = 0.0013) and T1S – CL mismatch (P = 0.0004), with a difference between IPO and POS (P = 0.0076) and between PRE and POS (P=0.001). Considering the patients submitted to laminoplasty alone, there was no difference over time for any radiographic parameters considered. Comparing the radiographic parameters between the laminectomy and laminoplasty groups in the three time periods, there was no significant difference for any of them. Conclusion This study suggests that patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy who underwent laminectomy with instrumentation may present worse radiographic evolution as regards cervical sagittal alignment over time when compared to patients who underwent laminoplasty. Level of evidence III; Retrospective case series.

Comparison of Computed Tomography, Traction, and Inverted Grayscale Radiographs for Understanding Pilon Fracture Morphology

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110492
Author(s):  
Gokay Eken ◽  
Abdulhamit Misir
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Interobserver Reliability ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fracture Morphology ◽  
Correct Identification ◽  
Retrospective Case ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Fracture Fragment ◽  
Plain Radiographs ◽  
Pilon Fractures

Background: There have been no studies evaluating the usefulness of grayscale radiographs in extremity fractures. We aimed to compare the ability and reliability of traction radiographs vs traction grayscale inversion radiographs to detect fracture fragment and comminution zones in comminuted tibia pilon fractures. Methods: Plain radiographs and grayscale inversion images of 60 patients with Orthopaedic Trauma Association/AO Foundation type C3 fracture were evaluated by 20 observers (15 orthopedic surgeons and 5 radiologists) after traction had been applied. The anterolateral, posterolateral, and medial malleolar fragments, as well as the lateral, central, and medial column comminution zones, were identified by all physicians. Computed tomography scan images were used as the “gold standard” against which plain radiographs and grayscale inversion image interpretation were measured. Intra- and interobserver reliability and correct identification of fracture fragments and comminution zones were evaluated. Results: The interobserver reliability for 3 of the fracture fragments and comminution zones on the traction plain radiographs was moderate, whereas it was substantial on traction grayscale inversion radiographs. The lateral comminution zones ( P = .001) and presence or absence of posterolateral fragments ( P < .001) were significantly better identified in grayscale inversion radiographs compared to standard radiographs. Conclusion: After traction was applied, we found grayscale inversion radiographs are superior to plain radiographs in the identification of posterolateral fragment and lateral zone of comminution in comminuted intraarticular pilon fractures. Level of Evidence: III, Retrospective Case Series.

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