scholarly journals Preoperative Ankle Swelling and the Effect on Postoperative Wound Complications Following Ankle Fracture Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0011
Author(s):  
Anthony Silva ◽  
Simon Platt
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Operative Intervention ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Soft Tissue Management ◽  
Time To Surgery ◽  
Soft Tissue Problems ◽  
Fracture Surgery

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: It is widely perceived that swelling in the first 24-48 hours following an ankle fracture precludes fixation, delaying operative treatment by 10-14 days to allow swelling to reduce. Such soft tissue management is assumed to be associated with better immediate soft tissue outcomes (wound closure) and mitigation of medium to long-term soft tissue problems. The aim of this study is to identify whether pre-operative ankle swelling has an independent effect on post-operative wound complications following ankle fracture surgery. The hypothesis of this study is that operative intervention at any point in time after the fracture of the ankle, irrespective of swelling, will show no better or worse soft tissue outcomes than those fixations delayed for swelling. The primary outcome measure will be wound complication. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre that were operatively managed for malleolar ankle fractures. Skeletally mature patients with closed, isolated ankle fractures were included in the study. Patients who were multiply-injured, had open fractures, and/or had known pre-existing limb oedema were excluded. Time to surgery was determined by the on-call attending orthopaedic surgeon. Ankle swelling of both the operative and non-operative limb was measured using the validated ‘Figure-of-eight’ measurement around the foot and ankle to quantify swelling of the affected ankle. A ratio of the patient’s 2 ankles was used as the measure of swelling to eliminate any bias between operators and standardise measurements between patients. Visual assessment of swelling was also recorded. Follow up was at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Wound complications, patient co-morbidities, operative time, surgeon experience, and hospital stay duration were recorded Results: A total of 50 patients met inclusion criteria. Demographics were a 69% female predominance, a mean age of 45, and age range of 17- 69 years. A complication rate of 4% (n=2) was identified with both complications being superficial wound infections requiring oral antibiotics and wound episodes for treatment. Time to surgery had a mean of 6 days (range 0- 20). There was no significant difference in ankle swelling or time to surgery between patients with wound complications and those without. There were no significant differences identified between these groups when considering BMI, smoking status, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease. Level of operating surgeon, operative time, tourniquet time, and closure material were also not significantly different between patients with and without wound complications. Conclusion: Our results show little post-operative soft tissue complications. If anything, our results are consistent with or show fewer soft tissue problems than the reported literature, despite a range of time to intervention. While we acknowledge that there may be a bias between surgeons in their preference in soft tissue management; we perceive that our study was sufficiently pragmatic to level this effect. Pre-operative swelling and time to operative intervention in ankle fracture surgery were not shown to correlate with change in soft tissue outcomes following ankle fracture surgery.

Comparison of 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate Topical Skin Adhesive and Simple Interrupted Nylon Sutures for Wound Closure in Ankle Fracture Surgery

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (11) ◽  
pp. 1283-1289
Author(s):  
Young Hwan Park ◽  
Jong Hyub Song ◽  
Gi Won Choi ◽  
Hak Jun Kim
Keyword(s):  
Patient Satisfaction ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Operative Time ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Retrospective Comparative Study ◽  
Fracture Surgery

Background: Multiple options are available for closure of incisions in ankle fracture surgery. The aim of our study was to compare postoperative outcomes between conventional simple interrupted nylon sutures and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate as a topical skin adhesive to close the incision after ankle fracture surgery. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 367 consecutive patients (174 simple interrupted nylon suture patients and 193 topical skin adhesive patients) who underwent operative treatment for ankle fracture between 2010 and 2015. Development of wound complications, operative time, Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), and patient satisfaction with the wound were compared. The demographics between the 2 groups were not different. Results: There were no differences in complication rates ( P = .861), OMAS at 3 months or 12 months following surgery ( P = .897 and .646, respectively) between the 2 types of wound closure. Operative time was 9 minutes shorter when topical skin adhesive was used compared to nylon sutures ( P = .003). Patient satisfaction with their wound was significantly higher in the topical skin adhesive group than the nylon skin suture group ( P = .012). Conclusions: The use of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesive for wound closure following ankle fracture surgery was effective, safe, and showed higher patient satisfaction compared to simple interrupted nylon sutures. Although caution should be taken because of the insufficient statistical power of complications, this method was an additional safe option for wound closure in ankle fracture surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

scholarly journals COVID-positive ankle fracture patients are at increased odds of perioperative surgical complications following open reduction internal fixation surgery

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0262115
Author(s):  
Michael R. Mercier ◽  
Anoop R. Galivanche ◽  
Jordan P. Brand ◽  
Neil Pathak ◽  
Michael J. Medvecky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Event ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Operative Intervention ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Minor Adverse Event ◽  
Propensity Matching ◽  
Fracture Surgery

Introduction Ankle fractures have continued to occur through the COVID pandemic and, regardless of patient COVID status, often need operative intervention for optimizing long-term outcomes. For healthcare optimization, patient counseling, and care planning, understanding if COVID-positive patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery are at increased risk for perioperative adverse outcomes is of interest. Methods The COVID-19 Research Database contains recent United States aggregated insurance claims. Patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery from April 1st, 2020 to June 15th, 2020 were identified. COVID status was identified by ICD coding. Demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complications were extracted based on administrative data. COVID-positive versus negative patients were compared with univariate analyses. Propensity-score matching was done on the basis of age, sex, and comorbidities. Multivariate regression was then performed to identify risk factors independently associated with the occurrence of 30-day postoperative adverse events. Results In total, 9,835 patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery were identified, of which 57 (0.58%) were COVID-positive. COVID-positive ankle fracture patients demonstrated a higher prevalence of comorbidities, including: chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (p<0.05 for each). After propensity matching and controlling for all preoperative variables, multivariate analysis found that COVID-positive patients were at increased risk of any adverse event (odds ratio [OR] = 3.89, p = 0.002), a serious adverse event (OR = 5.48, p = 0.002), and a minor adverse event (OR = 3.10, p = 0.021). Discussion COVID-positive patients will continue to present with ankle fractures requiring operative intervention. Even after propensity matching and controlling for patient factors, COVID-positive patients were found to be at increased risk of 30-day perioperative adverse events. Not only do treatment teams need to be protected from the transmission of COVID in such situations, but the increased incidence of perioperative adverse events needs to be considered.

scholarly journals Safety and Outcomes of Early Fixation in Patients who Suffered an Ankle Fracture

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0043
Author(s):  
Ashish Shah ◽  
Jacob Hawkins ◽  
Bradley Alexander ◽  
Abhinav Agarwal ◽  
Benjamin B. Cage ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fracture Fixation ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Wound Complication ◽  
The United States ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Time To Surgery ◽  
Prolonged Immobilization ◽  
Early Fixation ◽  
Injury Classification

Category: Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are a common injury in the United States leading to increased ER visits and healthcare costs. Additionally, these injuries normally lead to prolonged immobilization that can make it difficult for patients to return to work and normal activities. By optimizing fracture healing and decreasing the amount of time to union patients can avoid the frustration of prolonged immobilization and return to daily activities more quickly. It is believed that early surgical fixation of ankle fractures can lead to wound complications while late fixation can lead to issues with reduction during surgical intervention. This study was undertaken to determine if there is a difference in wound complication and time to union between early and late fracture fixation. Methods: From July of 2008 to June of 2018, a retrospective chart review of 321 patients who underwent ankle fracture corrected with ORIF was performed at a single institution. Patients with pilon fractures, poly trauma, open fractures, or less than 3 months of follow up time were excluded from our study. After exclusion were made there was 232 patients remaining. All patients were then stratified by time to surgery after injury and injury classification. The cohorts were surgery within 2 days with 31 patients, surgery within 7 days with 69 patients, and patients that had surgery after 8 days (132). The patients were also stratified according to the Lauge-Hansen classification. The cohorts were PA, PER, SA, and SER. Results: The average time to union for patients who were operated on within 2 days of injury was 108.48 days, 106.52 days for patients operated on between 3-7 days, and 97.59 days for patients operated on after 7 days. Wound complications were highest in the cohort operated on within 2 days at 9.6%. Patients operated on between 3 and 7 days had the lowest rate of wound complications at 2.8%/. Patients with an SER Lauge-Hansen classification has the fastest time to union at 94.04 days and individuals with an SA had the longest at 139.30 days. Wound frequency for patients with a classification of PA had the highest wound complications at 20%. Conclusion: There has been little research done on how time to surgery affects wound complications and healing time in ankle fracture fixation. Patients that received surgery after 7 days achieved union the fastest. We saw that wound complication rate was greatest in the cohort that had surgery within 2 days of injury. Injury classification did factor into union time and wound complications. Overall, there was not a significant difference in wound complication between early fixation and delayed fixation. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Time to surgery for ankle fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0039
Author(s):  
Paul Rai ◽  
Jitendra Mangwani
Keyword(s):  
Venous Thromboembolism ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Soft Tissue Coverage ◽  
Time To Surgery ◽  
Wound Breakdown ◽  
Deep Wound ◽  
Patient Reported ◽  
The Mean

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures constitute 9% of all fractures and surgical fixation is often required when they are unstable. The bony anatomy has little soft tissue coverage overlying the malleoli. The surgical site is therefore at risk of infection and wound breakdown. BOAST guidelines advise operative fixation on the first or second day after injury. Often in practice this window is missed and fixation is undertaken many days after the injury. We aimed to prospectively review the incidence of early wound complications and infection in 300 patients treated early or late with plate osteosynthesis for Weber B or C ankle fractures. This was conducted at a UK Trauma Unit. Methods: Between November 2013 and November 2016 consecutive patients with closed, isolated ankle fractures were included. Consent was obtained for entry into the study pre-operatively and they were followed up at 2 weeks post operation. Patients were categorised by time to surgery into the following subsets: < 24 hours, < 48 hours and > 48 hours. The 2 week consultation letters were reviewed retrospectively and reported wound complications recorded. The hospital microbiology database was used to identify any positive superficial or deep wound culture results. Comorbidity data and demographics were collected. Results: 208 out of 300 patients had a complete dataset. The mean age was 46 (range 16-95). The superficial infection rate at < 24 hours, < 48 hours and > 48 hours was 4%, 0% and 3% respectively. There were no suspected deep infections at 2 weeks. There were 7 (3%) positive deep wound cultures. The mean BMI was 28 and venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was instituted for all patients as per local guidelines. 3% had diabetes and 23% were smokers. Conclusion: This study has shown that timing of surgery has not shown any significant influence on early infection rates. Surgery may be safely delayed until soft tissue swelling has reduced. However, there may be other benefits of early surgery such as reduced venous thromboembolism and improved patient reported outcome measures.

Wound-Healing Issues Following Rotational Ankle Fracture Surgery: Predictors and Local Management Options

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hesham Saleh ◽  
Sanjit Konda ◽  
Adam Driesman ◽  
John Stranix ◽  
Catherine Ly ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Management Options ◽  
Original Cohort ◽  
Surgical Interventions ◽  
Postoperative Wound ◽  
Trimalleolar Fractures ◽  
Medical Histories ◽  
Fracture Surgery

Background. The incidence and risk factors of wound-healing complications following rotational ankle fracture surgery are well documented in the literature. However, there is a paucity regarding management options following these complications. The goal of this study was to provide a descriptive analysis of one surgeon’s experience managing wound complications in patients who have undergone ankle fracture surgery. Methods. A total of 215 patients who were operatively treated for an unstable ankle were retrospectively identified. Patient demographics, medical histories, initial injury characteristics, surgical interventions, and clinical follow-up were collected. Twenty-five of these patients developed postoperative wound problems. Results. Of the original cohort of 215 patients, 25 (11.6%) developed wound-healing complications. Their average age was 53.6 ± 18.0 years; there were 12 males (48.0%). Connective tissue/inflammatory disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.9), cardiovascular disease (OR 3.6), and active smoking (OR 3.3) were associated with an increased likelihood of developing postoperative wound complications. With regard to injuries, open fractures (OR 17.9) had the highest likelihood of developing postoperative complications, followed by type 44-C (OR 2.8) and trimalleolar fractures (OR 2.0). Conclusion. Wound complications following open treatment of ankle fractures occurred with an incidence of 11.6% in this series, of which only about half required operative intervention. A third of wounds were managed by orthopaedics in conjunction with plastic surgery. Levels of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective comparative study

Functional Outcomes After Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
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

Correlation of Soft Tissue Swelling and Timing to Surgery With Acute Wound Complications for Operatively Treated Ankle and Other Lower Extremity Fractures

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
pp. 526-536 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Riedel ◽  
Amber Parker ◽  
Mingxin Zheng ◽  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
Steven J. Staffa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Wound Complication ◽  
Timing Of Surgery ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Heel Pad

Background: Considerable debate exists regarding how soft-tissue edema should influence timing of surgery for ankle and other lower extremity fractures. Assessment of swelling is subjective, and timing varies among surgeons. However, timing of surgery is one of the few modifiable factors in fracture care. Ultrasonography can objectively measure swelling and help determine optimal timing. The purposes of this study were to determine whether objective measures of swelling, timing to surgery, and patient-specific risk factors correlated with wound complications and to try to create a prediction model for postoperative wound complications based on identified modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors. Methods: Patients with closed ankle and other lower extremity fractures requiring surgery with an uninjured, contralateral extremity were included. Demographic information and sonographic measurements on both lower extremities were obtained pre-operatively. Subjects were followed for 3 months and wound complications were documented. A predictive algorithm of independent risk factors was constructed, determining wound complication risk. Given that patients with ankle fractures made up the majority of the study cohort (75/93 or 80%), a separate statistical analysis was performed on this group. A total of 93 subjects completed the study, with 75/93 sustaining ankle fractures. Results: Overall wound complication rate was 18.3%. Timing to surgery showed no correlation with wound complications. A heel-pad edema index >1.4 was independently associated with wound complications. Subgroup analysis of ankle fractures demonstrated a 3.4× increase in wound complications with a heel-pad edema index >1.4. Tobacco history and BMI >25 were independent predictors of wound complications. An algorithm was established based on heel-pad edema index, BMI >25, and tobacco history. Patients with none of the 3 factors had a 3% probability of a wound complication. Patients with 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 factors had a 12-36%, 60-86% and 96% probability of a wound complication, respectively. Conclusions: Timing to surgery had no correlation with wound complications. Heel-pad edema index >1.4, BMI >25, and tobacco-use correlated with wound complications. When separately analyzing the cohort that sustained ankle fractures, the heel-pad edema index of >1.4 was still demonstrated to be predictive of wound complications corresponding to a 3.4× increase in wound complication rates (11.1% vs 37.5%). Risk of wound complications significantly increased with each factor. In patients with increased BMI and/or tobacco use, resolution of heel edema may significantly reduce wound complications in lower extremity trauma. Level of Evidence: Level II, prognostic, prospective cohort study.

scholarly journals Does the quality of preoperative closed reduction of displaced ankle fractures affect wound complications after surgical fixation?

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0018
Author(s):  
Bonnie Chien ◽  
Kristen Stupay ◽  
Christopher Miller ◽  
Jeremy Smith ◽  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Classification System ◽  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ankle Osteoarthritis ◽  
Surgical Fixation

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Prompt reduction and stabilization of displaced ankle fractures is important to protect soft tissues, restore potential neurovascular deficits and prevent cartilage injury. Many of these injuries do eventually require surgical fixation. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the initial quality of ankle closed reduction based on radiographic criteria would affect outcomes such as ankle osteoarthritis and complications after surgery. Furthermore, we sought to develop a classification system for the quality of closed reduction that would be easy to use and provide interrater reliability. Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who sustained isolated, closed ankle fractures with at least 3 months follow up postoperatively at two level 1 trauma centers was performed. Patient demographics and history, ankle fracture characteristics and reduction information as well as surgical outcomes and complications were collected. A grading classification for the quality of the initial closed reduction before surgery was developed based on standard AP or mortise and lateral ankle x-rays. The factors considered for rating the reduction included the degree of talar shift on the AP/mortise view, malleoli displacement, as well the relationship of a central plumb line to the center of the talar dome on the lateral x-ray. For ankle osteoarthritis, the Takakura classification was utilized. Three reviewers (1 resident, 2 attendings) independently reviewed and rated all imaging. Results: 161 patients were analyzed. 65% female, average age 50, average 4 days between injury and surgery, mean follow up of 12 months (3-58 months), and 17% wound complications. Psychiatric history was the single comorbidity significantly associated with complications (p=0.009). There was no difference in wound or infection complication rates based on initial closed reduction quality (p=0.17). Neither number nor quality of reductions correlated with increased osteoarthritis (p=0.19, 0.39 respectively). Worst graded reductions had shorter time to surgery, mean 1.4 vs 4.7 days for best reductions (p=0.03), suggesting a protective factor that may account for no association between reduction quality and wound complications. Interclass correlation coefficients for multiple observers showed very high consistency for grading of reduction quality based on the classification system (ICC >0.85, p<0.001). Conclusion: It is often emphasized that a displaced ankle fracture should be as perfectly reduced as possible, understandably for grossly dislocated ankle fracture dislocations potentially compromising skin and neurovascular structures. At the same time, this original study demonstrated contrary to common assumption that the initial quality of ankle closed reduction does not appear to affect the severity of ankle osteoarthritis or the rate of surgical complications. This study also developed a highly reproducible ankle reduction classification system. It opens the opportunity for future prospective application and analysis of this classification’s ultimate clinical utility.

scholarly journals What is Too Swollen? Correlation of Soft Tissue Swelling and Timing to Surgery with Acute Wound Complications for Operatively-Treated Lower Extremity Fractures

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0036
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Riedel ◽  
Amber Parker ◽  
Mingxin Zheng ◽  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
Steven J. Staffa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Lower Extremity ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Wound Complication ◽  
Timing Of Surgery ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Patient Specific ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Heel Pad

Category: Trauma, Soft Tissue Introduction/Purpose: Considerable debate exists regarding how soft-tissue edema should influence timing of surgery for lower extremity fractures. Assessment of swelling is subjective and timing varies amongst surgeons. However, timing of surgery is one of the few modifiable factors in fracture care. Ultrasonography can objectively measure swelling and help determine optimal timing. The purposes of this study are: 1) determine whether objective measures of swelling, timing to surgery, and patient-specific risk factors correlate with wound complications and; 2) create a prediction model for post-operative wound complications based on identified modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Methods: Patients with closed lower extremity fractures requiring surgery with an uninjured, contralateral extremity were included. Demographic information and sonographic measurements on both lower extremities were obtained pre-operatively. Subjects were followed for 3 months and wound complications were documented. A predictive algorithm of independent risk factors was constructed, determining wound complication risk. Results: 93 subjects completed the study with 71/93 sustaining ankle fractures. Overall wound complication rate was 18.3%. Timing to surgery showed no correlation with wound complications. A heel-pad edema index >1.4 was independently associated with wound complications. Subgroup analysis of ankle fractures demonstrated a 3.4x increase in wound complications with a heel- pad edema index >1.4. Tobacco history and BMI >25 kg/m2 were independent predictors of wound complications. An algorithm was established based on heel-pad edema index, BMI >25, and tobacco history. Patients with none of the 3 factors had a 3% probability of a wound complication. Patients with 1/3, 2/3 and 3/3 factors had a 12-36%, 60-86% and 96% probability of a wound complication, respectively. Conclusion: Timing to surgery had no correlation with wound complications. Heel-pad edema index >1.4, BMI >25, and tobacco- use correlated with wound complications. Risk of wound complications significantly increased with each factor. In patients with increased BMI and/or tobacco-use, resolution of heel edema may significantly reduce wound complications in lower extremity trauma.

scholarly journals Local Infiltration Analgesia with Ropivacaine Improves Postoperative Pain Control in Ankle Fracture Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Bao-Liang Li ◽  
Xizhe Liu ◽  
Lihua Cui ◽  
Wenqian Zhang ◽  
Hui Pang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postoperative Pain ◽  
Ankle Fracture ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Local Infiltration Analgesia ◽  
Local Infiltration ◽  
Superficial Wound ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Fracture Surgery ◽  
Infiltration Analgesia

Purpose. The study aimed at investigating the effect of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) with ropivacaine on postoperative analgesia for patients undergoing ankle fracture surgery. Methods. Consecutive patients were retrospectively included and analysed according to their medical records from July 2014 to August 2018 in a tertiary hospital. Inclusion criteria were patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures under general anaesthesia. Moreover, patients should have received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (iPCA) or LIA + iPCA for postoperative pain relief. The primary outcome indicator was visual analogue scale (VAS) from 8 hours to 48 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative opioid requirement, need for rescue medication, opioid-related adverse effects, and wound complications. Results. In total, 89 consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 48 males and 41 females. The average age was 44.6 ± 7.0 years, and VAS scores were significantly lower in the LIA + iPCA group at 8 hours after surgery (1.51 ± 0.58 cm vs 4.77 ± 1.83 cm, p<0.001). The time to first tramadol consumption was longer (580 ± 60.9 minutes vs 281 ± 86.4 minutes, p<0.001), and the number of patients who need tramadol was lower in the LIA + iPCA group (18 vs 26, p=0.04). There was a statistically significant reduction in morphine consumption (25.1 ± 6.3 mg vs 73.4 ± 8.2 mg, p<0.001) and opioid-related side effects in the LIA + iPCA group (4 vs 10, p=0.023). No major wound complications were noted in either group. However, there were 2 cases with superficial wound necrosis in group LIA + iPCA and 3 patients with superficial wound necrosis in group iPCA, and all cured by local wound care. Conclusions. The retrospective cohort study indicates that LIA with ropivacaine can provide better early postoperative pain management with a reduction of VAS scores for ankle fracture surgery. Patients receiving wound infiltration also experience decreased opioid consumption, a lower rate of analgesia-related side effects, and comparable wound complication rate.

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