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 ◽  
...  

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.

Injury ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (10) ◽  
pp. 1931-1935 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Y. Chien ◽  
Kristen L. Stupay ◽  
Christopher P. Miller ◽  
Jeremy T. Smith ◽  
Jorge Briceno ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
Gavin Ho ◽  
Joshua Kirschenbaum ◽  
Henrik C. Bäcker ◽  
Benjamin Asherman ◽  
...  

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


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (26) ◽  
pp. 2265-2270
Author(s):  
Amit Saraf ◽  
Manish Singhal ◽  
Najmul Huda

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries encountered by orthopaedic surgeons. An ankle is considered unstable when the loss of normal constraints around the ankle permits the talus to move in a non-physiologic pattern. Under such circumstances, the dynamic joint surface contact area within the ankle is diminished, which predisposes to articular cartilage damage and premature degeneration. In today’s time, many modalities are available for surgical fixation of bimalleolar fractures. Such interventions restore anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle joint. Even though there are plethora of foreign studies on similar matter, deficiency of such analysis has been depicted in literature from developing countries, particularly from South-East Asian region. In this study, we wanted to assess various methods of internal fixation in ankle fracture & evaluate their clinical and radiological outcome post-operatively. METHODS 26 ankle fracture patients in the age group of 18 - 60 years were included in this study. Fractures were classified pre-operatively based on Lauge-Hansen classification. Patients were followed up at regular intervals of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th & 12 month after surgery and assessed by Baird and Jackson scoring system based on subjective, objective and radiographic criteria. Complications like infection, arthritis, stiffness & implant failure were assessed on regular follow-up. RESULTS Variety of methods (including k-wires, plates & screws) were used for surgical fixation. Majority of fractures resulted from road traffic accident (RTA). Patients were evaluated using Baird & Jackson scoring system during follow-up at 1st, 2nd , 3 rd, 6th & 12 month. All patients had poor scores for initial 3 months. Patients showed good to excellent result on final follow-up at 9 to 12 months after surgery. Complications were observed in 19 % cases with arthritis being most common. CONCLUSIONS Open reduction and internal fixation restores the articular congruity of the ankle joint. The operative result was satisfactory with good clinical outcome. KEYWORDS Ankle, Fracture, Anatomy, Modalities


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramy Khojaly ◽  
Ruairí Mac Niocaill ◽  
Muhammad Shahab ◽  
Matthew Nagle ◽  
Colm Taylor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that extended periods of immobilisation and weight-bearing limitation may lead to poorer clinical outcomes. Traditional non-weight-bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 h versus non-weight-bearing (NWB) and immobilisation in a cast for 6 weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures (lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar with or without syndesmotic injury) is proposed. All patients presenting to three trauma units will be included. The exclusion criteria will be skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The three institutional review boards have granted ethical approval. The primary outcome measure will be the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection (deep and superficial), displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion (plantar flexion and dorsal flection), RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. The trial will be reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement for reporting a pragmatic trial, and this protocol will follow the SPIRIT guidance. Discussion Traditional management of operatively treated ankle fractures includes an extended period of non-weight-bearing. There is emerging evidence that earlier weight-bearing may have equivocal outcomes and favourable patient satisfaction but higher wound-related complications. These studies often preclude more complicated fracture patterns or patient-related factors. To our knowledge, immediate weight-bearing (IWB) following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures has not been investigated in a controlled prospective manner in recent decades. This pragmatic randomised-controlled multicentre trial will investigate immediate weight-bearing following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition. It is hoped that these results will contribute to the modern management of ankle fractures. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN76410775. Retrospectively registered on 30 June 2019.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0015
Author(s):  
Paolo Ceccarini ◽  
Rosario Petruccelli ◽  
Michele Bisaccia ◽  
Giuseppe Rinonapoli ◽  
Auro Caraffa

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The aim of our study is to compare two types of plates, one third tubular plate and LCP distal fibula plate, evaluating the clinical outcome and the skin complications associated with their use. Methods: We collected the data of 122 consecutive unimalleolar or bimalleolar fractures treated by internal fixation for a closed, displaced distal closed fibular fracture. Exclusion criteria were: 1) open ankle fractures,2) trimalleolar fractures, 3) previous ankle fractures 4) severe venous insufficiency, 5) ankleosteoarthritis previous to surgery, 6) associated ankle dislocation. After this selection, 93 patients were included in our study and assigned in two groups, based on using of different implant: in group A48 patients were treated with one-third tubular and in group B 45 patients were treated with LCP distalfibula plate. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics. Patients received the same surgical procedure and the same post-operative care, then they were radiologically evaluated at1-3-12 months and clinical examination was made at 24 (range 15-36) months using AOFAS clinical rating system. All data were evaluated using chi-square test. Results: At the final 24-month follow-up a comparison between the two groups showed no statistical significant differences in reduction accuracy and bone union ratio at radiological examination. The wound complications rate of the overall study group was 7.6%. There were no statistical differences in the rate of wound complications between the two groups. There were no differences between both group in percentage of hardware removal at follow-up (overall 5.4%). In the group A occurred 1 deep infection, 2 superficial infection, no wound dehiscence; in group B occured 1 deep infection, 1 superficial infection and 2 wound dehiscence. There were no statistical differences in the rate of wound complications between the two groups (p=0.70; Fisher exact test). Conclusion: Our study has shown no difference in radiographic bone union rate, no significant differences in terms of clinical outcomes, in time of bone reduction and wound complication rate between the LCP distalfibula plate and conventional one-third tubular plate. RCT or metanalasys are in this case useful to improve scientific evidence and give more information for the correct surgical treatment of ankle fractures.


2014 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 018-022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wilson Cintra Júnior ◽  
Miguel Luiz Antonio Modolin ◽  
Rodrigo Itocazo Rocha ◽  
Thadeu Rangel Fernandes ◽  
Ariel Barreto Nogueira ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the importance of treatment of deformities caused by massive localized lymphedema (MLL) in the severely obese. METHODS: in a period of seven years, nine patients with morbid obesity and a mean age of 33 years underwent surgical resection of massive localized lymphedema with primary synthesis. This is a retrospective study on the surgical technique, complication rates and improved quality of life. RESULTS: all patients reported significant improvement after surgery, with greater range of motion, ambulation with ease and more effective hygiene. Histological analysis demonstrated the existence of a chronic inflammatory process marked by lymphomonocitary infiltrate and severe tissue edema. We observed foci of necrosis, formation of microabscesses, points of suppuration and local fibrosis organization, and pachydermia. The lymphatic vessels and some blood capillaries were increased, depicting a framework of linfangiectasias. CONCLUSION: surgical treatment of MLL proved to be important for improving patients' quality of life, functionally rehabilitating them and optimizing multidisciplinary follow-up of morbid obesity, with satisfactory surgical results and acceptable complication rates, demonstrating the importance of treatment and awareness about the disease.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 223-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachariah W. Pinter ◽  
Kenneth S. Smith ◽  
Parke W. Hudson ◽  
Caleb W. Jones ◽  
Ryan Hadden ◽  
...  

Distal fibula fractures represent a common problem in orthopaedics. When fibula fractures require operative fixation, implants are typically made from stainless steel or titanium alloys. Carbon fiber implants have been used elsewhere in orthopaedics for years, and their advantages include a modulus of elasticity similar to that of bone, biocompatibility, increased fatigue strength, and radiolucency. This study hypothesized that carbon fiber plates would provide similar outcomes for ankle fracture fixation as titanium and steel implants. A retrospective chart review was performed of 30 patients who underwent fibular open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The main outcomes assessed were postoperative union rate and complication rate. The nonunion or failure rate for carbon fiber plates was 4% (1/24), and the union rate was 96% (23/24). The mean follow-up time was 20 months, and the complication rate was 8% (2/24). Carbon fiber plates are a viable alternative to metal plates in ankle fracture fixation, demonstrating union and complication rates comparable to those of traditional fixation techniques. Their theoretical advantages and similar cost make them an attractive implant choice for ORIF of the fibula. However, further studies are needed for extended follow-up and inclusion of larger patient cohorts. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective Case series


2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 408
Author(s):  
Rony-Orijit Dey Hazra ◽  
Johanna Illner ◽  
Karol Szewczyk ◽  
Mara Warnhoff ◽  
Alexander Ellwein ◽  
...  

Introduction: The optimal treatment strategy for the proximal humeral fracture (PHF) remains controversial. The debate is centered around the correct treatment strategy in the elderly patient population. The present study investigated whether age predicts the functional outcome of locking plate osteosynthesis for this fracture entity. Methods: A consecutive series of patients with surgically treated displaced PHF between 01/2017 and 01/2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were treated by locking plate osteosynthesis. The cohort was divided into two groups: Group 1 (≥65 years) and Group 2 (<65 years). At the follow-up examination, the SSV, CMS, ASES, and Oxford Shoulder Score (OS), as well as a radiological follow-up, was obtained. The quality of fracture reduction is evaluated according to Schnetzke et al. Results: Of the 95 patients, 79 were followed up (83.1%). Group 1 consists of 42 patients (age range: 65–89 years, FU: 25 months) and Group 2 of 37 patients (28–64 years, FU: 24 months). The clinical results showed no significant differences between both groups: SSV 73.4 ± 23.4% (Group 1) vs. 80.5 ± 189% (Group 2). CMS: 79.4 ± 21 vs. 81.9 ± 16, ASES: 77.2 ± 20.4 vs. 77.5 ± 23.1, OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2; OS: 39.5 ± 9.1 vs. 40.8 ± 8.2. In the radiological follow-up, fractures healed in all cases. Furthermore, the quality of fracture reduction in both groups is comparable without significant differences. The revision rate was 9.5% in Group 1 vs. 16.2% in Group 2. Discussion: Both age groups show comparable functional outcomes and complication rates. Thus, the locking plate osteosynthesis can be used irrespective of patient age; the treatment decision should instead be based on fracture morphology and individual patient factors.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0002
Author(s):  
Amin Kheiran

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Unstable ankle fractures are common orthopaedic injuries and majority requires open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The goal of surgery is to achieve anatomical reduction and stable fixation of fracture. Recent literature reports malreduction rate as high as 25% to 33%. There is emerging evidence that malreduction leads to poor patient reported outcome (PROMs) and may render additional surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of anatomical reduction and surgical fixation of ankle fractures and the effect of a simple education intervention on the adequacy of reduction of these fractures. Methods: An audit cycle was completed starting with retrospective review (phase 1) of 114 consecutive cases of ankle fracture that underwent ORIF between October 2006 and December 2007. Data was retrieved from theatre log and PACS. Age, fracture morphology, time to surgery, time to revision surgery and the quality of anatomical reduction were assessed by three surgeons using three radiological parameters (Pettrone’s criteria + Weber’s dime test). Paediatrics, pathological fractures, open fractures were excluded. The results were conveyed and interventions in the form of regional teaching and introduction of radiological criteria were implemented. Phase 2 (re-audit) was conducted with prospective review of 72 cases between December 2015 and June 2016. Inter-rater reliability was determined using kappa value. Chi- square test was used to compare malreduction rates between 2 phases. Logistic regression was performed for age, gender, time to ORIF with regards to revision surgery. P value < 0.05 was considered significant Results: Results of initial cohort showed significant rate of malreduced fixation in 25% of cases (29 out of 114). After implementation of interventions, malreduction rate reduced to 12.6% (9 out of 72). Of these nine malreduced cases, 3 cases underwent early revision surgery within the first 6 weeks of surgery. There was no significant correlation between age, gender and time to surgery, and time to revision surgery within 3 months of surgical fixation (p = 0.4). Using three radiological parameters (Weber’s dime test, tibiofibular overlap and medial clear space) the mean kappa values for inter-rater reliability was 0.786 (0.727- 0.861), representing a substantial agreement using three radiological parameters in order to avoid failure and or further surgery. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that simple education intervention locally can lead to better understanding of fixation and reduce the rate of malreduction of these fractures. We suggest using three radiological parameters in correction of corresponding anatomy of ankle mortise is a reliable tool to avoid malreduction. Malreductions were more likely to occur in complex fractures with syndesmotic injuries.


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0044
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Williams ◽  
Paul M. Lafferty

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Syndesmotic fixation with screws is commonly used for ankle fractures with syndesmotic disruption. Few studies have reported the development of heterotopic ossification (HO) within the syndesmosis following ankle injuries, which may lead to abnormal joint kinematics and even joint synostosis. However, there is little data on the prevalence and on the risk factors associated with the development of HO. The purpose of this study is to determine the (1) prevalence and (2) risk factors associated with the development of HO within the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis following ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic fixation. We hypothesized that screws within the syndesmosis articulation and broken screws would be associated with a higher incidence of HO than extraarticular and intact screws, respectively. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted for patients who sustained an ankle fracture with syndesmotic disruption. Inclusion criteria: age between 18 and 65 years old, a closed ankle fracture treated operatively with syndesmotic screw fixation. Exclusion criteria: additional lower extremity injury, history of prior ankle fracture, lack of radiographic follow-up and fixation other than 1 or 2 syndesmosis screws. Medical records were reviewed for: age, sex, high or low energy injury mechanism, smoking status, diabetes, BMI, perioperative complications, and further procedures. Fractures were classified by Lauge-Hansen and Weber systems. Immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed for the number of syndesmotic screws, whether screws were intraarticular or extraarticular and the number of cortices each screw crossed. Final postoperative radiographs were reviewed for retention or screw removal and the presence of HO. The presence of HO was defined as new or increased bone formation within the syndesmosis compared to immediate postoperative radiographs. Results: Included were 264 patients, mean radiographic follow-up of 10.5+/-10.2 months. The mean age was 39.2+/-12.6 years (38.7% female) with a mean BMI of 32.1+/-7.8. Current smokers made up 39.4% of patients and 10.6% were diabetic. The mean time to fracture fixation was 12.6+/-3.2 days and 198 patients (75%) had a low energy injury. There was no significant difference in HO formation for demographics, injury mechanism or time to fixation. Overall, HO developed in 160 patients (60.6%). There was no difference, additionally for fracture pattern, number screws or fixation construct (Table 1). HO developed in 92% of broken, 75% of loose and 44% of intact screws (P<0.001). Screws were removed in 107 patients (40.5%) with no difference in HO formation compared to patients with intact screws. Conclusion: Heterotopic ossification is commonplace following screw fixation for syndesmotic injuries with a prevalence of 60.6%. Broken screws and loosened screws are a significant risk factor for the development of HO. However, no other risk factors in this study were found to be associated with the development of HO, including intraarticular syndesmotic screw placement. Patients should be counseled on the prevalence although further research is needed to determine the effect on ankle motion and progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.


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