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

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0034
Author(s):  
Kevin D. Martin ◽  
Jeannie Huh

Category: Arthroscopy; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: The treatment of posterior malleolar fractures within a trimalleolar ankle fracture pattern can be challenging to manage. Due to anatomical constraints that inhibit visualization of the articular surface, reduction of the posterior malleolus relies on cortical read and/or intraoperative fluoroscopy. Posterior ankle arthroscopy is a tool that may address this shortfall by providing a means to assess the intra-articular and syndesmotic reductions, while removing any loose bodies. The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic and patient reported outcomes of posterior arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) for the posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Methods: From November 2015 to May 2019, we prospectively enrolled consecutive trimalleolar ankle fractures that underwent PARIF for the posterior malleolar fragment by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, surgical details, and fracture characteristics, as determined by computed tomography (CT) scan, were obtained. At final follow-up the main outcome measures collected were: The Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle score, Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OSMA), the Visual Analog Score (VAS), and surgical complications. Preoperative and postoperative CT scans were interpreted and compared by two blinded musculoskeletal radiologists for articular congruity, syndesmosis congruity, and presence of loose bodies. Results: A total of 29 trimalleolar ankle fractures were treated with PARIF, including 15 fracture-dislocations. Mean patient age was 36 (range, 19-69) years. Mean prone tourniquet time was 58 (range, 35-79) minutes. Preoperative CT scans demonstrated intra-articular loose bodies in 53% of fractures and syndesmosis incongruity in 80% of fractures. Postoperative CT scans showed one ankle with a retained loose body and residual syndesmosis incongruity in 17% of fractures. 100% of fractures healed and demonstrated intra-articular reduction within 2mm. There were 2 complications (hardware irritation and sural nerve numbness). 2-year patient reported outcomes were available in 13 patients. These included mean VAS 1 (range 0-4), mean AOFAS score 84 (range, 63-100), mean FADI 85 (range, 59-100), and mean OSMA 76 (range, 40-100). Conclusion: Posterior ankle arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (PARIF) is a safe and effective option for management of posterior malleolar fractures. The technique results in improved intra-articular and syndesmosis congruity, while removing loose bodies. Future studies are needed that compare this technique with current practices.

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

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


2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072096943
Author(s):  
Kristian Pilskog ◽  
Teresa Brnic Gote ◽  
Heid Elin Johannessen Odland ◽  
Knut Andreas Fjeldsgaard ◽  
Håvard Dale ◽  
...  

Background: In the past, posterior malleolus fragments (PMFs) commonly have been indirectly reduced and fixed when fragments involve 25% or more of the tibial articular surface, while smaller fragments were left unfixed. The posterior approach has become increasingly popular and allows fixation of even smaller fragments. This study compares clinical outcome for the 2 treatment strategies. Methods: Patients with ankle fractures involving a PMF treated from 2014 to 2016 were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated to group A (treated with a posterior approach) or group B (treated with the traditional approach) according to the treatment given. A one-to-one matching of patients from each group based on the size of the PMF was performed. Patient charts were reviewed, and outcome evaluation was performed clinically, radiographically, and by patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs; Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score, RAND-36, visual analog scale [VAS] of pain, and VAS of satisfaction). Forty-three patients from each group were matched. Median follow-up was 26 (interquartile range [IQR], 19-35) months postoperatively. Results: The median PMF size was 17% (IQR, 12-24) in both groups, and they reported similar results in terms of PROMs. Fixation of the PMF was performed in 42 of 43 (98%) patients in group A and 7 of 43 (16%) patients in group B ( P < .001). The former group more frequently got temporary external fixation (56% vs 12%, P < .01) and less frequently had syndesmotic fixation (14% vs 49%, P < .01), and they had less mechanical irritation and hardware removal but more noninfectious skin problems (28% vs 5%, P < .01). Median time from injury to definitive surgery (8 vs 0 days, P < .001) and median length of stay (12 vs 3 days, P < .001) were longer in group A. Conclusion: Comparison of treatment strategies for ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus showed similar results between patients treated with a traditional approach and a posterior approach. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.


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

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


Foot & Ankle ◽  
1989 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion C. Harper

A cadaver study was conducted to evaluate the role of the posterior tibial margin or posterior malleolus, as well as medial and lateral supporting structures, in providing posterior stability for the talus. Posterior malleolar fractures consisting of approximately 30%, 40%, and 50% of the articular margin on the lateral radiograph were created in specimens that were then subjected to posterior stressing. No posterior talar subluxation was noted in any specimen. Repeat stressing following removal of the medial malleolus again revealed no subluxation in any specimen. The lateral supporting structures, primarily the posterior fibulotalar and fibulocalcaneal ligaments, appeared to be the key structures providing posterior talar stability. If the fibula is stable in an anatomic position, feared posterior instability of the talus would not appear to be an indication for internal fixation of posterior malleolar fractures.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110500
Author(s):  
Jong Seok Beak ◽  
Yeong Tae Kim ◽  
Sung Hyun Lee

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) after surgery for ankle fractures in patients aged ≤50 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures and were followed up for a minimum period of 5 years. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the presence of advanced OA at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression was used to model the correlation between risk factors and OA. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Results: The data of 332 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The overall rate of posttraumatic arthritis was 27.7% (nonarthritis group: 240 patients, arthritis group: 92 patients). The arthritic change was significantly affected by BMI (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-19.76; adjusted odds ratio [OR] ≥ 30, 6.56), fracture-dislocation injury (CI 1.66-11.57; adjusted OR, 4.06), posterior malleolus (PM) fracture (CI 1.92-12.73, adjusted OR > 25% of the articular surface, 5.72), and postoperative articular incongruence (CI 1.52-18.10; adjusted OR, 7.21). The mean scores of the arthritis group were lower than those in the nonarthritis group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Obesity, fracture-dislocation injury, concomitant large PM fracture, and articular incongruence were risk factors of posttraumatic OA after surgery for ankle fractures. Surgeons should be aware that accurate reduction is critical in patients with ankle fractures with associated large PM fractures, especially those with obesity or severe initial injuries such as fracture-dislocation. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.


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

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


2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011419S0026
Author(s):  
Gisoo Lee ◽  
Chan Kang ◽  
Yougun Won ◽  
Jae Hwang Song ◽  
Byungki Cho

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Previously, a posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) covering 25–30% of the articular surface was a known indication for surgical fixation for ankle fractures. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of screw fixation for PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface and to evaluate the results of cadaver experiments. Methods: The clinical study enrolled ankle fracture patients with PMFs who planned to undergo surgery between March 2014 and February 2017. Among them, 62 with type 1 PMF comprising <25% of the articular surface were included: 32 patients underwent cannulated screw fixation for PMF after fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture (A group), whereas the other 30 patients underwent internal fixation for lateral and/or medial malleolar fracture but no screw fixation (B group). Clinical outcomes were determined at the 3-, 6-, 12-, and 18-month visits. Additionally, cadaver studies were conducted to evaluate cannulated screw fixation or no fixation in cases of PMFs comprising <25% of the articular surface and >1 mm displacement. Ankle joint stability was measured under external torque on the ankle in the neutral position. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: Clinical outcomes at 6 and 12 months after surgery were significantly higher in group A than in group B. However, there was no significant intergroup difference in clinical outcomes at 18 months of follow-up. In the cadaver study, PMF screw fixations were significantly more stable under external rotation force. Conclusion: Screw fixation was significantly useful during early recovery and in short-term clinical outcomes owing to stabilization of ankle fractures with PMF involving <25% of the articular surface.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 732-742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaojun Duan ◽  
Anish R. Kadakia

Fractures of the posterior malleolus can occur in conjunction with fibular and medial malleolar fractures or in isolation. The indications for fixation of the posterior malleolus remain controversial except for the fragment sizes. A number of different surgical approaches and techniques for internal fixation of posterior malleolar fractures have been reported. Newer techniques such as direct exposure and plating of the posterior malleolus are chosen more frequently than traditional techniques of indirect reduction and percutaneous screw fixation. These attributes help to minimize the occurrence of postoperative complications.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0021
Author(s):  
Brianna R. Fram ◽  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
Daniel Corr ◽  
Gerard Chang ◽  
James Krieg ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle; Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are the third most common adult fractures. Further, they are the second most common fracture type to require inpatient admission, behind only hip fractures, despite occurring in a population on average nearly 30 years younger. There is evidence that early or immediate weight bearing and range of motion may be safe following ankle fracture fixation, but existing studies are small and largely exclude patients with syndesmotic or posterior malleolar fixation. We therefore studied the safety of immediate weight bearing as tolerated (IWBAT) and immediate range of motion (IROM) following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures in a diverse cohort and attempted to identify risk factors for complications. Methods: We performed a retrospective case-control study. Out of 268 patients who underwent primary ORIF of an unstable ankle fracture from 2013-18, we identified 133 (49.6%) who were IWBAT and IROM. The treating surgeon excluded patients from IWBAT if they had an ipsilateral leg injury requiring non-weight bearing, a large displaced posterior malleolus fragment, or Maisonneuve injury with fracture of the proximal fibula. We used propensity-score matching to identify 172 controls who were non-weight bearing (NWB) and no range of motion for 6 weeks post-op. We reviewed medical records and radiographs for demographic, injury and treatment characteristics. Our primary outcome was complications. We compared demographics, injury characteristics, treatment episode, and complications between the IWBAT and NWB groups and performed within group analysis to identify risk factors for complications. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The groups did not differ significantly in age, BMI, Charleston Comorbidity Index (CCI), smoking status, diabetes status, malleoli involved, percentages undergoing medial malleolus (60.9% IWBAT vs. 51.7% NWB, p=0.11), posterior malleolus (24.1% IWBAT, 26.7% NWB, p=0.59), or syndesmosis fixation (41.4% IWBAT, 42.4% NWB, p=0.85). There was no significant difference in total complications (9.8% IWBAT vs. 12.8% NWB, p=0.41), nonoperative complications (6.8% IWBAT vs. 8.7% NWB, p=0.53), or operative complications (3.8% IWBAT vs. 4.1% NWB, p=0.89). We did not identify any factors associated with increased complication risk, including posterior malleolus or syndesmosis fixation, diabetes, age, CCI or pre-injury assisted ambulation. Conclusion: IWBAT and IROM may be safe following ankle fracture ORIF in a broader patient population than previously believed. We did not identify specific risk factors for post-operative complications. Further study on patient selection may allow for more extensive use of this protocol to reduce the morbidity associated with unstable ankle fractures. [Table: see text]


Author(s):  
Chetan Laljibhai Rathod

Background: Ankle injuries may result from high energy as well as low energy rotational forces sustained during sports or a misstep during routine daily activities.3 Young and middle aged are more prone for this type of injury. Population-based studies suggest that the incidence of the ankle fractures has increased dramatically since the early 1960s. Objective: To evaluate the functional outcome and complications following open reduction and internal fixation of malleolar fractures of ankle in adults. Methodology: The study was a descriptive observational study conducted involving all the adult patients of malleolar fractures. Total of 35 subjects of malleolar fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation and fulfilling the eligibility criteria were selected for the study. Results: 31.4% subjects each were from 31-40 and 41-50 years age group with mean age of 39.32 +/- 4.16 years. 37.1% patients had Supination External Rotation and 34.3% patients had Pronation External Rotation type of injury. 82.9% patients had Bi-malleolar fracture. 11(31.4%) patients had excellent outcome. Post-operative complications included superficial skin infections in 17.1% and Ankle stiffness in 5.7% cases. Conclusion: At the end of 6 months, 11(31.4%) patients had excellent outcome, 19(54.3%) had good results, 3 (8.6%) patients had fair outcome while 2 (5.7%) had poor results according to Baird and Jackson score. Weber type B was the commonest type of fracture while supination external rotation injury was the most common mechanism of injury. Keywords: Malleolar fractures, ankle, adults, functional outcome, complications, open reduction and internal fixation.


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