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

Author(s):  
Conner J. Paez ◽  
Benjamin M. Lurie ◽  
Vidyadhar V. Upasani ◽  
Andrew T. Pennock

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 496-501 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel M. Dean ◽  
Bryant S. Ho ◽  
Albert Lin ◽  
Daniel Fuchs ◽  
George Ochenjele ◽  
...  

Background: Risk factors associated with short-term functional outcomes in patients with operative ankle fractures have been established. However, no previous studies have reported the association between these risk factors and functional outcomes outside of the first postoperative year. We identified predictors of functional and pain outcomes in patients with operative ankle fractures using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and pain interference (PI) measures. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a multicenter cohort of patients ≥18 years old who underwent operative management of closed ankle fractures from 2001 to 2013 with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up. Patients with pilon variants, Maisonneuve fractures, Charcot arthropathy, prior ankle surgery, and chronic ankle fractures were excluded. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were contacted and evaluated using the PROMIS PF and PI computerized adaptive tests. Patient demographic and injury characteristics were obtained through a retrospective chart review. Univariate and multivariate regression models were developed to determine independent predictors of physical function and pain at follow-up. Included in this study were 142 patients (64 women, 78 men) with a mean age of 52.7 years (SD = 14.7) averaging 6.3 years of follow-up (range 2-14). Results: Patients had a mean PF of 51.9 (SD = 10.0) and a mean PI of 47.8 (SD = 8.45). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that independent predictors of decreased PF included higher age (B = 0.16, P = .03), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class (B = 10.3, P < .01), and higher body mass index (BMI; B = 0.44, P < .01). Predictors of increased PI included higher ASA class (B = 11.5, P < .01) and lower BMI (B = 0.41, P < .01). Conclusion: At follow-up, increased ASA class, increased BMI, and higher age at time of surgery were independently predictive of decreased physical function. Factors that were associated with increased pain at follow-up include lower BMI and higher ASA class. ASA class had the strongest effect on both physical function and pain. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110060
Author(s):  
Michael F. Githens ◽  
Malcolm R. DeBaun ◽  
Kimberly A Jacobsen ◽  
Hunter Ross ◽  
Reza Firoozabadi ◽  
...  

Background: Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented. Results: A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series. Conclusion: Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


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


2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaj T. A. Lambers ◽  
Aimane Saarig ◽  
Hayley Turner ◽  
Sjoerd A. S. Stufkens ◽  
Job N. Doornberg ◽  
...  

Background: The aim of this study was to report the incidence of associated osteochondral lesions (OCLs) on postop CTs, which may benefit from arthroscopic treatment, in patients with rotational type ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury. The diagnosis and treatment of associated OCLs may be an additional benefit of the use of arthroscopy in the management of rotational type ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of a prospective cohort study of patients who underwent open reduction and surgical fixation of an ankle fracture with syndesmotic injury. These patients underwent routine bilateral postoperative CT assessment. Two independent observers classified ankle fractures according to Weber and OCLs according to the classification system by Berndt and Harty. Fifty-nine patients were included. There were 19 (32%) Weber B type ankle fractures and 39 (66%) Weber C type fractures. One patient (2%) had fixation for a medial malleolus fracture and syndesmotic rupture without fibula fracture. Results: Talar OCLs were present in 8 patients (14%). In one patient, 2 OCLs were found, which resulted in a total of 9 lesions. Two lesions were found on the medial side, both anterior. The other 7 were located laterally, of which 1 was anterior, 3 central, and 3 posterior on the talus. According to the Berndt and Harty classification, 1 was classified as stage I, 4 as stage III, and 4 as stage IV. Conclusion: The prevalence of OCLs in ankle fractures with syndesmotic instability was 14%. We believe that lesions were arthroscopically accessible in 6 patients (10%). Moreover, most lesions were located on the lateral dome, and thus also potentially approachable through an anterolateral arthrotomy during open reduction and internal fixation. The majority of OCLs found in this series were Berndt and Harty type III or IV, and so likely would preferably have been addressed during the index procedure. Level of Evidence: Level III, diagnostic cohort study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110030
Author(s):  
Han Hong Chong ◽  
Melinda Y.T. Hau ◽  
Pranav Mishra ◽  
Paul Rai ◽  
Jitendra Mangwani

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


2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 2466-2471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin-Young Park ◽  
Jae-Hyung Lee ◽  
Seok Won Chung ◽  
Kyung-Soo Oh ◽  
Young Min Noh ◽  
...  

Background: In arthroscopic Bankart repair, anchor positions can affect glenoid labral height and functional outcomes. Purpose: To evaluate anchor placement on the glenoid during Bankart lesion repair and determine which placement would lead to better functional outcomes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Method: This study included 90 patients (74 males, 16 females; average age, 23.7 years; range, 18-47 years) who underwent surgery for Bankart lesions between December 2009 and March 2014. The mean follow-up duration was 32.7 months (range, 26-48 months). We divided anchor positions into 2 groups: on the glenoid face and at the glenoid edge. The anchor position on the glenoid and the labral height were examined with computed tomography (CT) arthrography at 4.5-month follow-up, and Rowe scores were calculated at 2-year follow-up. Results: The group with the anchor placed on the glenoid face contained 63 patients, and the group with the anchor placed at the glenoid edge or rim contained 27 patients. Mean labral heights at 4.5 months postoperatively in the 2 groups were 5.4 ± 0.22 mm and 3.2 ± 0.16 mm, respectively ( P < .01), and mean Rowe scores at 2 years were 94.7 and 79.5, respectively ( P < .01). Rowe scores calculated at 2-year follow-up were significantly related to anchor position ( P < .01). Conclusion: Anchors positioned on the glenoid face resulted in the greatest restored labral height and better functional outcome (Rowe score). Thus, anchor placement on the glenoid face should be considered, as it may yield better functional outcome in arthroscopic Bankart repair.


2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 247301141989222
Author(s):  
Ashlee Dobbe ◽  
Lauren A. Beaupre ◽  
Khaled Ali Almansoori ◽  
Tak-Shing Fung ◽  
Angela V. Scharfenberger

Background: Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries encountered by orthopedic surgeons, with an incidence ranging from 71 to 187 per 100 000 people. Few studies have reliably investigated injuries involving isolated fractures of the distal fibula below the level of the ankle syndesmosis. Therefore, this study details on the patient-reported outcomes of nonoperatively managed isolated infrasyndesmotic fibula (ISF) fractures with a minimum 3-year follow-up. Methods: A retrospective population-based cohort study was undertaken across all emergency departments serving a major urban population. Among 159 consecutive patients meeting inclusion criteria, 108 agreed to participate. Clinical information, functional outcomes, and radiographic measurements were collected from electronic medical records and 3 validated outcome measures: the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Foot & Ankle Scale (FAS), the AAOS Shoe-Comfort Scale (SCS), and a general questionnaire. Results: An incidence of 22 ISF fractures per 100 000 people/year was found with FAS (91.2 ± 12.9) and SCS scores (76.8 ± 27.7), similar to reported population norms. Approximately 40% of patients (n = 43) reported continuing symptoms including pain (81.8%), stiffness (68.1%), and/or instability (39.0%). Less than 13% (n = 14) reported “severe” disabilities, and no patients required operative intervention within the follow-up period. Less-favorable outcomes were reported among work-related injuries, female patients, and “avulsion-type” fractures less than 10 mm in height ( P < .01). No relationships were identified between age, degree of articular-incongruity, fracture-displacement, and self-reported outcomes. Conclusions: The majority of patients with nonoperatively managed ISF fractures reported good-to-excellent early functional outcomes. Less-favorable outcomes were reported among work-related injuries, female patients, and “avulsion-type” fractures. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.


2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (12) ◽  
pp. 1807-1814
Author(s):  
Sarah Bitar ◽  
Abdou Y. Omorou ◽  
Aurélie Van Hoye ◽  
Francis Guillemin ◽  
Anne-Christine Rat

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to identify trajectories of physical activity (PA) components (frequency, duration, intensity, and type) and screen-based sedentary behavior (SB) as well as baseline predictors of each trajectory in patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsWe included 878 patients with a 5-year follow-up from the KHOALA cohort. PA and SB were measured by the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire. We used group-based trajectory analysis to identify the trajectories of PA components and screen-based SB, and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of the identified trajectories.ResultsTwo groups of trajectories were identified for each PA component and 3 for SB. High and decreasing PA duration was associated with female sex (OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.1–0.5) as was low and stable, more so than high and decreasing prevalence of weight-bearing activities (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.4–0.9). Patients with impaired patient-reported outcome measures and obese patients often featured low versus high and decreasing prevalence of weight-bearing activities. Predictors of moderate and high versus low and slightly increasing screen-based SB trajectories were male sex, age < 60 years, single status (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1), obesity (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.1), smoking (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.7), and less physical jobs. Predictors of moderate and high versus low screen-based SB trajectories were all sociodemographic: male sex, age < 60 years, single status, obesity, smoking, and less physical jobs.ConclusionSociodemographic and clinical predictors of trajectories vary between PA components; they are associated mainly with PA frequency and type. No clinical characteristics were associated with screen-based SB.


2017 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011417S0003
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
J. Turner Vosseller ◽  
Justin Greisberg ◽  
Benjamin Ascherman ◽  
Christina Freibott ◽  
...  

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Unstable ankle fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for stabilization in an effort to ultimately prevent post-traumatic arthritis. It is not uncommon for operative treatment to be performed as an outpatient in the ambulatory surgery setting several days to a couple weeks after the injury to facilitate things from a scheduling perspective. It is unclear what effect this delay has on functional outcome. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of delayed operative treatment by comparing the functional outcomes for groups of patients based on the amount of time between the injury and surgery. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 122 ankle fracture patients who were surgically treated by ORIF over a three year period was performed. All ankle fracture patients older than 18 years with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up were included. A total of 61 patients were included for this study. Three patients were excluded; 2 patients had an open injury and 1 patient presented with a delayed union. Demographic data, comorbidities, injury characteristics, duration from injury to surgery, operative time, length of postoperative stay, complications and functional outcomes were recorded. Functional outcome was determined by Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at the latest follow-up visit. Comparison of demographic variables and the subcategory of FAOS including symptoms, pain, activities of daily living (ADL), sport activity and quality of life (QOL) was performed between patient underwent ORIF less than 14 days after injury and 14 days or greater. Results: A total of 58 patients were included in this study. Thirty-six patients (62.1%) were female. The mean age of patients was 48.14 ± 16.84 years (19-84 years). The mean follow-up time was 41.48 ± 12.25 months (24-76 months). The duration between injury and operative fixation in the two groups was 7 ± 3 days (<14 days) and 18 ± 3 days (>14 days), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in demographic variables, comorbidities, injury characteristics, or length of operation. Each subcategory of FAOS demonstrated no statistically significant difference between these two groups. (Table 1) Additionally, further analysis for the delayed fixation more than 7 days and 10 days also revealed no significant difference of FAOS. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture more than 14 days does not significantly diminish functional outcome according to FAOS. Delay of ORIF for ankle fractures does not play a significant role in the long-term functional outcome.


2021 ◽  
pp. 193864002110019
Author(s):  
Wonyong Lee ◽  
Carol Wang ◽  
Dan Prat ◽  
Keith L. Wapner ◽  
Wen Chao ◽  
...  

Background There remains no clear consensus on patient satisfaction and functional outcomes following synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) implantation for hallux rigidus. The purpose of this study was to review our experience at a single academic institution using an SCI for treatment of hallux rigidus. Methods A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent the SCI procedure for treatment of hallux rigidus between January 2017 and May 2019. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Informational System (PROMIS)-10 scores as well as a survey investigating patient satisfaction, self-reported clinical improvement, and changes in sporting ability. Patients were divided into satisfied versus unsatisfied subgroups, and between-group differences in preoperative variables and complications were reviewed. A total of 90 patients (96 implants) were included in this study. The mean follow-up time was 26.4 months. Results In all, 81.2% of patients reported that their foot was “much improved” (55.2%) or “improved” (26.0%) since undergoing the SCI procedure, whereas a slightly lower percentage, 74.0%, stated that they were “extremely satisfied” (41.7%) or “satisfied” (32.3%) at final follow-up. Patients were able to tolerate higher impact sporting activities after the procedure, and 75.0% of patients stated they would have the same surgery again. PROMIS-10 T-scores averaged 54.2 points for physical health and 57.4 points for mental health. Only 2.1% of patients required conversion to arthrodesis. Significant differences between the satisfied versus unsatisfied subgroups were found in preoperative corticosteroid injection use (21.1% vs 41.1%, respectively; P = .029) and preoperative VAS pain score (8.2 vs 7.1, respectively; P = .036). Conclusion The SCI procedure can be a viable option for treating hallux rigidus with high satisfaction overall, increased sport activity levels, and a very low revision rate. However, maximizing patient satisfaction may require more careful consideration of preoperative prognosticators and extensive patient counseling to ensure realistic expectations for recovery time and individual outcome. Level of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective case series


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