Surgical Treatment of Lateral Malleolar Fractures Using the Compression Cerclage System

2016 ◽  
Vol 106 (5) ◽  
pp. 313-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eren Cansü ◽  
Mehmet B. Unal ◽  
Serkan Gurcan ◽  
Fatih Parmaksizoglu
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Lateral Side ◽  
Cerclage Wire ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Trimalleolar Fractures ◽  
Weber Type

Background Lateral malleolar fractures (Weber type B or OTA 44-B) account for 60% of all ankle fractures. To achieve anatomic restoration, surgical stabilization provides better results than conservative treatment. Various fixation methods are available to treat these fractures; however, the best method is still unknown. Our objectives were to present a new, useful, and efficient surgical technique for stabilizing lateral malleolar fractures and to analyze the outcomes of patients treated with the compression cerclage system. Methods The surgical technique consists of a Kirschner wire that is passed percutaneously and perpendicular to the fracture line, and a cerclage wire that is passed in a semi-circular fashion over the ends of the Kirschner wire on the lateral side of the bone, leaving loops on each side to allow bilateral compression while twisting both wires. We retrospectively evaluated patients treated with this technique, with or without additional fractures. Follow-up of <24 months and bilateral ankle fractures were the exclusion criteria. Fractures were examined clinically and radiologically in comparison to the uninjured side and were rated according to the criteria reported by McLennon and Ungersma. Olerud and Molander ankle score was used to evaluate functional outcome. Results At the final follow-up, 15 out of 21 patients (9 women and 6 men; mean age, 48.2 years [range, 19–78 years]) were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 5.16 years (28–129 months). Five patients had an isolated lateral malleolar fracture; eight had lateral and medial malleolar fractures; and two had trimalleolar fractures. At the final follow-up, 11 patients were rated good functionally and four were fair, and all patients were rated good radiographically according to the criteria by McLennon and Ungersma. Mean Olerud and Molander ankle score was 93.3 (range, 80–100). Conclusions The compression cerclage system provides good functional and radiological outcomes in patients with lateral malleolus fractures. This method is useful, safe, and efficient with minimum hardware. It can be applied through limited soft-tissue stripping, which is especially important in patients with a high risk for wound complications.

Midterm Outcomes of Unstable Ankle Fractures in Young Patients Treated by Closed Reduction and Fixation With an Intramedullary Fibular Nail vs Open Reduction Internal Fixation Using a Lateral Locking Plate

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110174
Author(s):  
Duk-hwan Kho ◽  
Byung-Ki Cho ◽  
Seung-Myung Choi
Keyword(s):  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Plain Radiography ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Trimalleolar Fractures ◽  
Weber Type ◽  
Type C

Background: We aimed to compare midterm radiological and clinical outcomes between closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) using the fibular intramedullary nail (IMN) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using the locking plate for the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in active young patients. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 204 patients treated with CRIF using the fibular IMN (94 patients) or ORIF using the locking plate (110 patients) were included after at least 3 years of follow-up. The mean patient age was 41.4 years. Radiographic evaluation included the quality of reduction assessed by plain radiography and 3-dimensional (3D)–reconstructed computed tomography as well as the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) of the ankle assessed by weightbearing plain radiography. Clinical evaluation included the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot score, Olerud and Molander Score, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, and visual analog scale pain score as well as complications. Results: At median follow-up greater than 4 years, we found no significant differences in measured clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. There were significantly fewer postoperative complications in the IMN group than in the ORIF group (9.5% vs 39%, P < .001). However, we did find a greater proportion of radiographically fair or poor reductions in the IMN group than in the ORIF group ( P < .001). The poor reductions in the IMN group were primarily related to Weber type C, pronation-type injury, and comminuted fibular and trimalleolar fractures ( P < .001). PTOA was also more frequently observed in the IMN group than in the ORIF group (21.3% vs 9.1%, P = .024). Conclusion: Given the current prevailing technologies for fracture fixation, this study suggests that surgeons should consider ORIF for unstable ankle fractures in active young patients with Weber type C, pronation-type injury, and comminuted fibular and trimalleolar fractures. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Staged Management of Severely Displaced Calcaneal Fractures With Transarticular Pinning: A Damage Control Strategy

2021 ◽  
pp. 107110072110130
Author(s):  
Kyeong-Hyeon Park ◽  
Chang-Wug Oh ◽  
Joon-Woo Kim ◽  
Hee-June Kim ◽  
Dong-Hyun Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Internal Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Calcaneal Fractures ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Radiographic Union

Background: Severely displaced calcaneal fractures can result in considerable morphology derangement and may be accompanied by soft tissue compromise. Delayed operative restoration of the calcaneal morphology may result in acute retensioning of the damaged soft tissue with associated wound-related complications. In this study, we describe a staged treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that uses temporary transarticular Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation and staged conversion to definite fixation. Methods: We identified all of the patients who were treated at our institution for calcaneal fractures between 2015 and 2019. A total of 17 patients with 20 calcaneal fractures were selectively treated with 2-stage management. Temporary transarticular K-wire fixation was performed 24 hours after the injury to restore calcaneal morphology and the surrounding soft tissue. After the soft tissue was considered safe, delayed open reduction and internal fixation was performed. The time to definite surgery, radiographic alignment, wound complications, time to radiographic union, and hindfoot American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were recorded. Results: The average follow-up period was 17 months (range, 12-43). The average Böhler angle increased from a mean of −22 degrees (range, −109 to 25) to 25 degrees (range, 0 to 47) after temporary transarticular K-wire fixation. The mean time from temporary pinning to conversion to definite internal fixation was 20 (range, 10-32) days. There were no immediate postoperative complications. The average time to radiographic union was 13.7 (range, 10-16) weeks. The mean AOFAS score was 87 (range, 55-100). No infections or wound complications were reported during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Temporary transarticular pinning for staged calcaneal fracture treatment is safe and effective in restoring the calcaneal morphology. This novel and relatively simple method may facilitate delayed operation and decrease wound-related complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

scholarly journals Profile vs Tubular Plate in Unimalleolar or Bimalleolar Fractures: is There a Real Difference in Wound complications?

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0015
Author(s):  
Paolo Ceccarini ◽  
Rosario Petruccelli ◽  
Michele Bisaccia ◽  
Giuseppe Rinonapoli ◽  
Auro Caraffa
Keyword(s):  
Wound Dehiscence ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Bone Union ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Superficial Infection ◽  
Operative Care ◽  
Group B

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.

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

Hybrid Fixation for Danis-Weber Type C Fractures With Syndesmosis Injury

2020 ◽  
pp. 107110072096479
Author(s):  
Gi Beom Kim ◽  
Chul Hyun Park
Keyword(s):  
External Rotation ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Syndesmotic Injury ◽  
Hybrid Fixation ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option ◽  
Syndesmosis Injury ◽  
Weber Type ◽  
Type C

Background: This study aimed to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of hybrid fixation for Danis-Weber type C ankle fractures with a syndesmotic injury. Methods: From January 2016 to April 2018, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients who underwent hybrid fixation for Danis-Weber type C ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. We excluded patients who achieved syndesmosis stability after fracture fixation. In all patients, we allowed partial weightbearing at 4 weeks postoperatively. We evaluated the visual analog scale for ankle pain, the Olerud-Molander ankle score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score. Malreduction of the syndesmosis was defined based on 2 previously reported methods. Fourteen patients (11 men and 3 women) were included in this study. There were 11 patients with pronation external rotation-type fractures and 3 patients with Maisonneuve fractures. The average age at operation was 37.2 years (range, 18-70 years). Results: Clinical scores were significantly improved at the last follow-up. Postoperative malreduction was observed only in 1 patient (7.1%). Conclusion: Hybrid fixation using a suture-button device combined with a syndesmotic screw in Danis-Weber type C fractures with syndesmosis injury showed a high accuracy of reduction, a low rate of diastasis, and favorable clinical outcomes. This combined method could be a good alternative treatment option for Danis-Weber type C ankle fractures with a syndesmosis injury. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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 Functional Outcomes and MRI Results Following Knotless Repair of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 2473011420S0045
Author(s):  
Brian D. Steginsky ◽  
Mallory Suhling ◽  
Eric Giza ◽  
Christopher D. Kreulen ◽  
B. Dale Sharpe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Technique ◽  
Achilles Tendon ◽  
Functional Outcomes ◽  
Tendon Repair ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Distal Stump ◽  
Achilles Tendon Repair ◽  
Tendon Ruptures

Category: Ankle; Sports Introduction/Purpose: The surgical techniques for primary repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures have evolved from large open incisions to mini-open and percutaneous techniques. Studies have demonstrated that lesser invasive surgical techniques may reduce the risk of post-operative wound complications. Knotless surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures can be performed through a mini-incision, but still permits a robust re-approximation of the tendon stumps and decreases suture burden through distal anchor fixation in the calcaneus. However, stress shielding and subsequent tendinosis of the distal tendon stump is a theoretical concern with this surgical technique. We hypothesize that our surgical technique allows for a durable repair through a minimally invasive approach, permitting a safe and accelerated rehabilitation protocol, excellent functional outcomes, and absence of distal stump tendinosis. Methods: A multicenter retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients that underwent primary Achilles tendon repair using a knotless surgical technique with a minimum of one-year follow-up from three orthopedic foot and ankle surgeons’ practices. Exclusion criteria included: age <18, chronic Achilles tendon ruptures (>4 weeks), insertional Achilles tendon ruptures, revision Achilles surgery, peripheral neuropathy, and systemic inflammatory disease. All patients were contacted by phone and asked to return to the office for an MRI, clinical examination, and completion of functional outcome questionnaires. The primary outcome measure was the validated Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS). Secondary outcomes included the Visual Analog Score (VAS), postoperative complications, ankle range of motion, calf circumference, and single-heel rise. MRI was used to assess tendon continuity and healing, tendinosis, muscle atrophy, and bone marrow edema/stress fracture associated with anchor fixation in the calcaneus. MRI interpretation was performed by a single, blinded musculoskeletal radiologist. Results: Forty-three patients were identified with acute Achilles tendon ruptures. There were 36 patients (36/43, 84%) who underwent knotless Achilles tendon repair and agreed to participate in the study. The average time to clinical follow-up was 23.5 months (SD±16.3). The mean postoperative ATRS was 84.6 (SD±19.7). There was no significant difference in calf circumference (p=0.22), dorsiflexion (p=0.07), and plantarflexion (p=0.11) between the unaffected and surgical extremity at latest follow-up. One patient (1/36, 2.8%) experienced a re-rupture. There were no wound complications or neuritis. MRI was obtained in 26 patients (26/36, 72.2%) at an average of 17.5 months (SD±10.1). There were no MRI findings of distal stump tendinosis or calcaneal stress fractures. Thirty-two patients (32/36, 88.8%) returned to the same athletic activities one-year after surgery. Conclusion: There is paucity in the literature on functional outcomes following knotless Achilles tendon repair. In this multicenter study, we found that validated functional outcome scores and return to activity were similar to historical controls, with a low rate of surgical complications. MRI obtained in twenty-six patients (72.2%) at 17.5 months demonstrated an intact tendon without distal tendon stump stress shielding or calcaneal stress fracture. The knotless Achilles tendon repair is a unique surgical technique, minimizing suture burden and postoperative complications, while offering excellent functional outcomes and return to activity at two-year follow-up. The excellent clinical outcomes are corroborated by MRI.

scholarly journals Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis: syndesmosis-only fixation

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 67-70 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serkan Sipahioglu ◽  
Sinan Zehir ◽  
Erdem Isikan
Keyword(s):  
Case Series ◽  
Clinical Score ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Lateral Incision ◽  
Weber Type ◽  
Type C ◽  
Syndesmosis Screw ◽  
Fibular Fixation

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES: To evaluate syndesmosis-only fixation in Weber C ankle fractures with tibiofibular diastasis and to assess the need for additional fibular fixation. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with Weber C ankle fractures and tibiofibular diastasis were followed for at least 24 months after treatment. In treatment of the Weber C fractures, only a syndesmosis screw was used through a mini open lateral incision if the syndesmosis could be anatomically reduced and fibular length and rotation could be restored. At follow-up, anteroposterior tibiofibular distance, lateral fibular distance, medial mortise distance and fracture healing were compared and patients were clinically evaluated using the Olerud and Molander ankle scale scoring system. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 49 months and the decreases in anteroposterior tibiofibular distance and lateral fibular distance were statistically significant. At the last follow-up the average clinical score was 86. Ankle mortise was reduced at follow-up in all cases except one, which resulted in a late diastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Syndesmosis-only fixation can be an effective method of treating Weber type-C lateral malleolar fractures with syndesmosis disruption in cases where intraoperative fibular length can be restored and anatomical syndesmosis reduction can be achieved. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Polyglycolide Bioabsorbable Screws in the Treatment of Ankle Fractures

1997 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 128-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. David Hovis ◽  
Robert W. Bucholz
Keyword(s):  
Functional Results ◽  
Sinus Tract ◽  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Medial Malleolus ◽  
Wound Infections ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Malleolar Fractures ◽  
Metallic Implants ◽  
Bioabsorbable Screws

Twenty-one patients with unstable medial malleolar, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the medial malleolus with 4.5-mm polyglycolide screws. All lateral malleolar fractures were internally fixed with standard metallic implants. Radiographic and clinical follow-up results were available on 16 of 21 patients. All fractures healed at an average of 3.4 months (range, 3–6 months), and there were no medial wound infections. Eight of 16 patients developed an inflammatory reaction to the biodegradable polyester at 3 to 4 months after implantation, including one who developed a sterile draining sinus tract. No surgical or nonsurgical treatment was required in those eight patients. We conclude that whereas polyester screws yield union rates and functional results similar to those of metallic screws in the treatment of medial malleolar fractures, the use of polyglycolide screws is associated with an unacceptable rate of inflammatory reactions.

scholarly journals Arthroscopically Assisted Treatment of Complex Ankle Fractures

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0038
Author(s):  
Hans Polzer ◽  
Sebastian Baumbach ◽  
Mareen Braunstein
Keyword(s):  
Ankle Fractures ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Chondral Lesions ◽  
Standardized Protocol ◽  
Trimalleolar Fractures ◽  
Arthroscopic Findings ◽  
Arthroscopically Assisted ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lost To Follow Up

Category: Arthroscopy Introduction/Purpose: Especially after complex ankle fractures, patients suffer from residual pain, swelling and stiffness. Evidence suggests that this poor outcome might be related to occult intraarticular injuries. Recent studies documented chondral lesions in up to 89%. Therefore, many authors emphasize the value of ankle arthroscopy in acute fracture treatment (AORIF). Only few studies reported on the findings of AORIF, even less documented the subjective and objective outcome thereafter. Aim of this study was to evaluate the intraarticular lesions and the results following AORIF for complex ankle fractures after 1-year of follow-up. Methods: Patients presenting with closed, complex ankle fractures were included. AORIF was performed following a standardized protocol. Primary outcome was the AOFAS Score. Secondary outcome parameters were the Olerud and Molander Score, Tegner activity scale, arthroscopic findings, functional assessment and complications. Statistical analysis was performed using SSPS 22.0 (IBM). Results: Between 05/13-12/14, 32 patients were enrolled (56% female, 45±16 years). Three patients were lost to follow-up. 16% suffered from uni-, 22% from bi- and 62% from trimalleolar fractures. Chondral lesions were observed in 91% (ICRS 2.9±0.9). In 34% micro fracturing was performed. Full thickness lesions were observed exclusively in in bi- and trimalleolar fractures. Three patients suffered from minor complications. After 1 year, the mean AOFAS was 93±6 and the mean OMAS was 88±8. Linear regression revealed no significant variables affecting the outcome. Conclusion: Intra-articular injuries are common in complex ankle fractures requiring chondral therapy in 34%. AORIF leads to good-excellent results in all but one patient, including those with bi- and trimalleolar fractures without increasing the risk for complications.

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