Ankle Fractures, Short Term Operative Outcome: A Retrospective Case Series

Introduction and Background: Ankle injury is one of the most frequent presenting injuries to the emergency room and ankle fractures are common fracture in the lower limbs injuries that may require operative treatment with variable outcomes. Materials and Methods: Sixty-three patients were included in my retrospective study, and all with a displaced fracture of the ankle caused by high energy trauma were treated by open reduction and rigid internal fixation. Results: After follow-up at six weeks and twelve weeks, the results were satisfactory in fifty-five percent out of all the sixty-three patients. Conclusions and Recommendations: Ankle fractures occur mainly in young males of the age group between 26 and 35 years, mostly caused by fall down and motor vehicle accident.

Application of computer aided 3D simulation technique for complicated foot and ankle fractures

Objective To investigate the effect of computer aided 3D simulation technique for treating complicated foot and ankle fractures precisely.Methods From November 2007 to August 2009,255 patients with complicated foot and ankle fractures

Ankle Arthroscopy: A Complimentary Adjunct in the Diagnosis and Management of Ankle Fractures

Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. A minority of patients with ankle fractures go on to develop persistent pain following anatomical reduction. These sequelae may arise as a result of untreated ligamentous or chondral injuries. This study aims to correlate acute arthroscopic ankle findings with the Lauge-Hansen fracture pattern classification. We further aim to compare subjective functional outcomes at least one year following surgery between patients who have received Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) alone, versus ORIF plus arthroscopy. This is a retrospective case series of patients who have undergone ankle fracture ORIF +/- arthroscopy from July 2014 to July 2017 inclusive. Each patient’s presenting radiograph was classified according to the Lauge-Hansen ankle fracture classification with subsequent correlation to intra-operative arthroscopic findings. Functional outcome at a minimum of one year was evaluated with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) metric. Twenty two patients underwent ankle ORIF plus arthroscopy (Group A) with a further 26 patients receiving ORIF alone (Group B). 1 in 3 supination-external-rotation type II (SER II) injuries possessed a concomitant syndesmosis injury or osteochondral lesion (OCL) on arthroscopy. 1 in 3 patients with an SER IV injury had an osteochondral lesion. The mean AAOS score achieved for Group A was 89.6 (±7.9) with the mean score for Group B being 82.0 (±13.7). In conclusion, ankle arthroscopy aids the diagnosis and treatment of ligamentous and osteochondral injuries not evident on plain film with subsequent superior short-term outcomes.

Functional Outcome of Pronation-External Rotation-Weber C Ankle Fractures with Supracollicular Medial Malleolar Fracture Treated with or without Syndesmotic Screws： A Retrospective Comparative Cohort Study

Background： In treatment of ankle fracture, intraoperative stress tests are used to assess the syndesmotic injury and instability. However, the optimized timing of the strees test should be applied whether in pre- or post-bony fixation during operation is seldom be reported in previous studies. The different strategies on stress test timing would exhibit opposite results within a type ofpronation-external rotation （PER） fractures with supracollicular medial malleolar （SMM） fractures. This study was designed to assess the 3-year ffmctional outcomes of the special PER fractures with or without a syndesmotic transfixation based on the results of two different intraoperative stress test strategies. Methods： This retrospective cohort study included 61 PER injury-Weber C ankle fractures combined with SMM fractures who were treated in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between 2013 and 2014 and followed up for 3 years. Stress test was performed twice intraoperatively. A positive intraoperative stress test before bony fixation and a negative intraoperative stress test after bony fixation were found in these included patients. Twenty-nine patients （Group 1 ） were treated without a supplemental syndesmotie screw fixation, according to the negative intraoperative stress test alter bony fixation, while 32 patients （Group 2） were treated with an additional syndesmotic screw fixation based on the positive intraoperative stress test before bony fixation. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society （AOFAS）Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and Visual Analog Scale （VAS） for pain scores were the main measurements of outcome. The statistical index of demographic data, fracture morphologic data, time interval of follow-up, AOFAS and VAS were recorded and assessed by SPSS 21.0 software through Fisher exact tests and oneway analysis of variance. The associations between the main outcomes and influential factors were evaluated by linear regression models. Results： We observed no difference in the distribution of age, sex, presence of associated posterior malleolus （PM）, fracture dislocation, and fixation of associated PM between two treatment groups. With the numbers available, no statistically significant association could be detected with regard to the AOFAS （Group 1 vs. Group 2, 96.72 ± 6.20 vs. 94.63 ± 8.26, F = 1.24, P = 0.27） and VAS （Group I vs. Group 2, 1.47 ± 2.14 vs. 0.72 ± 1.49, F = 2.44, P - 0.12） in association with two strategies. Conclusions： The present study indicates no difference to the use of the syndesmotic screw in terms of the ffinctional outcome between syndesmosis transfixation and no-fixation patients among PER-Weber C ankle fi＇acture patients with SMM fracture after 3-year ibllow-up. More attention should be paid to pre- and post-bony-fixation intraoperative stress tests and the morphology of medial malleoli fractures in ankle fractures.

Predicting factors for better outcomes of stable supination external rotation type 2 ankle fractures

Purpose:Stable Weber B ankle fractures are treated by a walking boot for 6 weeks and bearing full weight through the boot as tolerated.The aim of the present study was to assess the outcome parameters of this treatment protocol,evaluate the efficacy of using the walking boot,and investigate any possible predicting factors that could affect the outcomes.Methods:All the patients with stable Weber B ankle fractures,treated in our hospital between January 2018 and December 2018,were prospectively included to the study.The patients were evaluated clinically,and the patient-reported outcome measures data were collected at the 2 and 6 weeks post-injury.Chi square,Spearman’’s rho test,independent samples and paired samplet-tests were used for the monovariant analysis.Results:A total of 128 consecutive patients(aged 52.2±19.1 years)with supination external rotation type 2 fracture were finally included to the study.At the 2 weeks follow-up,the reported outcome measures scores were in moderate levels,but improved significantly at the 6 weeks follow-up(p<0.0001).Multivariant analysis revealed that the ability to bear full weight without the boot at the 2 weeks after diagnosis was the only variable,which made statistically unique contribution to the foot and ankle disability index score at the 6 weeks(p=0.005).Conclusion:Conservative treatment using a walking boot with advice to bear full weight of stable ankle Weber B fractures can bring to good functional outcomes.The ability to bear full weight without the aid of the walking boot at 2 weeks after diagnosis was the only significant predicting factor for better outcomes at 6 weeks after diagnosis.

Locking plates for distal fibula fractures in young and elderly patients:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common injuries in the young and elderly populations.To prevent post-traumatic arthritis,an anatomic reconstruction of the ankle structure is mandatory.Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice among orthopaedics.Conventional plates allow stability of the fracture if bone quality is present.Locking plates might offer an advantage for the treatment of lateral malleolar fracture in patients with comminution,severe instability,distal fractures,or osteoporotic bone.Our hospital introduced a new locking plate for fracture of the distal fibula.AIM To evaluate locking plates in terms of outcomes and complications in young and elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a total of 67 patients treated for displaced distal fibula fractures.Demographic data,number of comorbidities,use of inter fragmentary screw,complication,time of fracture healing,partial or full weight bearing,and reoperation were recorded for all patients.Clinical outcome was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scoring system.Radiographs were obtained at 4,8,12,16,20,and 24 wk until radiographic union was obtained.RESULTS All patients displayed complete bony union on radiographic assessment,and no patients developed any serious complications.We observed two superficial infections,one delayed wound healing,and two plate intolerances.Significant differences were observed between the two age groups in terms of radiographic healing(11.9 wk in younger patients vs 13.7 wk in older patients;P=0.011)and in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 6 mo after surgery(88.2 in younger patients vs 86.0 in older patients;P=0.001)and at 12 mo after surgery(92.6 in younger patients vs 90.0 in older patients;P=0.000).CONCLUSION Locking plates provide a stable and rigid fixation in multifragmentary and comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality.

Implications of obesity in patients with foot and ankle pathology

Obesity is a growing problem defined as a body mass index of greater than 30 kg/m2.It is predicted that by 2030,48.9%of adults will be classified as obese which expands surgical risk factors to a broad population while increasing healthcare costs at the same time in different socioeconomic groups.This specific population has been widely studied in multiple surgical fields and published studies have shown the implications in each of these fields.The impact of obesity on orthopedic surgical outcomes has been previously reported in several total hip and knee arthroscopy studies,with evidence indicating that obesity is strongly associated with an increased risk of post operative complications together with higher revision rates.In line with increasing interest on the impact of obesity in orthopedics,there has been a similar output of publications in the foot and ankle literature.This review article evaluates several foot and ankle pathologies,their risk factors associated with obesity and subsequent management.It provides an updated,comprehensive analysis of the effects of obesity on foot and ankle surgical outcomes,with the ultimate aim of educating both surgeons and allied health professionals about the risks,benefits,and modifiable factors of operating on obese patients.

Importance of computed tomography in posterior malleolar fractures:Added information to preoperative X-ray studies

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common lesions of the lower limbs.Approximately 40%of ankle fractures affect the posterior malleolus(PM).Historically,PM osteosynthesis was recommended when PM size in X-ray images was greater than 25%of the joint.Currently,computed tomography(CT)has been gaining traction in the preoperative evaluation of ankle fractures.AIM To elucidate the similarity in dimensions and to correlate PM size in X-ray images with the articular surface of the affected tibial plafond in the axial view on CT(AXCT)of a PM fracture.METHODS Eighty-one patients(mean age:39.4±13.5 years)were evaluated(54.3%were male).Two independent examiners measured PM size in profile X-ray images(PMXR)and sagittal CT(SAGCT)slices.The correlation of the measurements between the examiners and the difference in the PM fragment sizes between the two images were compared.Next,the PM size in PMXR was compared with the surface of the tibial plafond involved in the fracture in AXCT according to the Haraguchi classification.RESULTS The correlation rates between the examiners were 0.93 and 0.94 for PMXR and SAGCT,respectively(P<0.001).Fragments were 2.12%larger in SAGCT than in PMXR(P=0.018).In PMXR,there were 56 cases<25%and 25 cases≥25%.When PMXR was<25%,AXCT corresponded to 10.13%of the tibial plafond.When PMXR was≥25%,AXCT was 24.52%(P<0.001).According to the Haraguchi classification,fracture types I and II had similar PMXR measurements that were greater than those of type III.When analyzing AXCT,a significant difference was found between the three types,with II>I>III(P<0.001).CONCLUSION PM fractures show different sizes using X-ray or CT images.CT showed a larger PM in the sagittal plane and allowed the visualization of the real dimensions of the tibial plafond surface.

Application Value of Evidence-Based Nursing in the Perioperative Care of Ankle Fracture Patients

Objective:To analyze the value of applying evidence-based nursing in the perioperative care of patients with ankle fractures and propose corresponding measures to improve the quality of patient care.Methods:The study started in May 2022 and was terminated in March 2023.During this period,50 patients with ankle fractures treated by our hospital were selected as research subjects.They were divided into a control group and a research group.The control group had 25 patients who received routine care,and the research group had 25 who received evidence-based care.The nursing effects of the two groups were observed and compared.Results:The pain scores,quality of life,incidence of adverse reactions,and nursing satisfaction of patients in the research group were all significantly better than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Evidence-based nursing can effectively improve the quality of care,reduce the risk of adverse reactions,and promote patient recovery,so it is suitable for clinical implementation.

Three-dimensional computed tomography mapping of posterior malleolar fractures

BACKGROUND Posterior malleolar fractures have been reported to occur in<40%of ankle fractures.AIM To reveal the recurrent patterns and characteristics of posterior malleolar fractures by creating fracture maps of the posterior malleolar fractures through the use of computed tomography mapping.METHODS A consecutive series of posterior malleolar fractures was used to create threedimensional reconstruction images,which were oriented and superimposed to fit an ankle model template by both aligning specific biolandmarks and reducing reconstructed fracture fragments.Fracture lines were found and traced in order to generate an ankle fracture map.RESULTS This study involved 112 patients with a mean age of 49,comprising 32 pronationexternal rotation grade IV fractures and 80 supination-external rotation grade IV fractures according to the Lauge-Hansen classification system.Three-dimensional maps showed that the posterior ankle fracture fragments in the supinationexternal rotation grade IV group were relatively smaller than those in the pronation-external rotation grade IV group after posterior malleolus fracture.In addition,the distribution analyses on posterior malleolus fracture lines indicated that the supination-external rotation grade IV group tended to have higher linear density but more concentrated and orderly distribution fractures compared to the pronation-external rotation grade IV group.CONCLUSION Fracture maps revealed the fracture characteristics and recurrent patterns of posterior malleolar fractures,which might help to improve the understanding of ankle fracture as well as increase opportunities for follow-up research and aid clinical decision-making.

Fibula pro-tibia vs standard locking plate fixation in an ankle fracture saw bone model

BACKGROUND Locking plate fixation in osteoporotic ankle fractures may fail due to cut-out or metalwork failure.Fibula pro-tibia fixation was a technique prior to the advent of locking plates that was used to enhance stability in ankle fractures by achieving tri or tetra-cortical fixation.With locking plates,the strength of this fixation construct can be further enhanced.There is lack of evidence currently on the merits of tibiapro-fibula augmented locking plate fixation of unstable ankle fractures.AIM To assess if there is increased strength to failure,in an ankle fracture saw bone model,with a fibula pro-tibia construct when compared with standard locking plate fixation.METHODS Ten osteoporotic saw bones with simulated supination external rotation injuries were used.Five saw bones were fixed with standard locking plates whilst the other 5 saw bones were fixed with locking plates in a fibula pro-tibia construct.The fibula pro-tibia construct involved fixation with 3 consecutive locking screws applied across 3 cortices proximally from the level of the syndesmosis.All fixations were tested in axial external rotation to failure on an electromagnetic test frame(MTS 858 Mini-Bionix test machine,MTS Corp,Eden Praire,MN,United States).Torque at 30 degrees external rotation,failure torque,and external rotation angle at failure were compared between both groups and statistically analyzed.RESULTS The fibula pro-tibia construct demonstrated a statistically higher torque at 30 degrees external rotation(4.421±0.796 N/m vs 1.451±0.467 N/m;t-test P=0.000),as well as maximum torque at failure(5.079±0.694N/m vs 2.299±0.931 N/m;t-test P=0.001)compared to the standard locking plate construct.The fibula pro-tibia construct also had a lower external rotation angle at failure(54.7±14.5 vs 67.7±22.9).CONCLUSION The fibula pro-tibia locking plate construct demonstrates biomechanical superiority to standard locking plates in fixation of unstable ankle fractures in this saw bone model.There is merit in the use of this construct in patients with unstable osteoporotic ankle fractures as it may aid improved clinical outcomes.

Neutralization versus Compression Plate on Lateral Malleolus Fracture:Is Lag Screw Necessary?

Introduction: Our aim was to compare clinical and radiological results of lateral malleolus fracture treated with neutralization and compression plate. Material and Methods: 54 patients with isolated lateral malleolus fractures treated between March 2012 and April 2015 at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital were evaluated with the Ankle-Hindfoot Scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score (excellent, ≥90;good, 75 - 89;acceptable, 50 - 74;poor, Results: There was no significant change in AOFAS, VAS, PSS and the union rates between two plating techniques. Conclusion: Similar results have shown both of two plating techniques were successful treating isolated lateral malleolus fracture.

Rare pattern of Maisonneuve fracture:A case report

BACKGROUND Maisonneuve fracture is a special type of ankle fracture that consists of proximal fibular fracture,a lesion of the inferior tibiofibular syndesmotic complex(interosseous ligament,anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament),and injury of the medial structure of the ankle(deltoid ligament tear or medial malleolar fracture).The accepted mechanism of Maisonneuve fracture is pronation external rotation according to the Lauge-Hansen classification.In this paper,we report a rare pattern of Maisonneuve fracture,which has the characteristics of both pronation external rotation ankle fracture and supination adduction ankle fracture.CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old female patient accidentally sprained her right ankle while walking 5 d before hospitalization in our hospital.The patient was initially missed in other hospitals and later rediagnosed in our outpatient department.Full-length radiographs of the lower leg revealed proximal fibula fracture,inferior tibiofibular joint separation,and medial malleolar fracture involving the posterior malleolus,which was also revealed on computed tomography scans.Magnetic resonance imaging revealed rupture of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and anterior talofibular ligament.We diagnosed a rare pattern of Maisonneuve fracture with proximal fibular fracture,inferior tibiofibular joint separation,medial malleolar fracture and ruptures of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament and anterior talofibular ligament.The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation in our hospital.A 6-mo postoperative follow-up confirmed a good clinical outcome.CONCLUSION To our knowledge,this rare pattern of Maisonneuve fracture has not been previously described.The possible mechanism of injury is supination adduction combined with pronation external rotation.Careful analysis of the injury mechanism of Maisonneuve fracture is of great clinical significance and can better guide clinical treatment.

Arthroscopic Assessment of Intra-Articular Injury in Patients with Acute Unstable Malleolar Fracture

Introduction: Purpose to study prevalence of the intraarticular chondral lesion in the malleolar fracture by using ankle arthroscopy to fully understand the severity and complexity of the injury. Methods: Cross sectional study of 32 patients diagnosed with ankle fracture and undergone open reduction and internal fixation with arthroscopic assessment performed stimultaneously. The mechanism of injury, patterns of injury and intraarticular chondral injury were documented. Results: Mean age was 38 years (SD = 14.1, range 18 - 68 years). Eighteen were female and 14 were male. Fifteen involved syndesmostic distruption, 22 had Danis-Weber B injury and 16 had supination external rotation (SER). Ten (31.2%) had positive intraoperative cartilage injury. Significant correlation between the Lauge-Hansen classifications with positive findings with 6 had SER, 2 had pronation adduction and 2 had pronation external rotation. Conclusion: The prevalence of chondral injury in ankle fracture was quite high and may leads to poor outcome. Arthroscopy procedure allow surgeon to assess intraarticular surface and reduction of the ankle fracture which prompt further intervention that may improve the clinical outcomes and prognosis of the patients.

Multicenter follow-up study of ankle fracture surgery

Background Few data on ankle fractures in China from large multicenter epidemiological and clinical studies are available.The aim of this research was to evaluate the epidemiological features and surgical outcomes of ankle fractures by reviewing 235 patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery at five hospitals in China.Methods This study included patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery at five Chinese hospitals from January 2000 to July 2009.Age,gender,mechanism of injury,Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen （AO） fracture type,fracture pattern,length of hospital stay and treatment outcome were recorded.Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software.The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society （AOFAS） ankle-hindfoot scale,visual analogue scale （VAS）,and arthritis scale were used to evaluate outcome.Results Of 235 patients with ankle fractures,105 were male with an average age of 37.8 years and 130 were female with an average age of 47.3 years.The average follow-up period was 55.7 months.There were significant differences in the ratios of patients in different age groups between males and females,and in mechanisms of injury among different age groups.There were also significant differences in the length of hospital stay among different fracture types and mechanisms of injury.In healed fractures,the average AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 95.5,with an excellence rate of 99.6%,the average VAS score was 0.17,and the average arthritis score was 0.18.Movement of the injured ankle was significantly different to that of the uninjured ankle.There were no significant differences between AO fracture types,fracture patterns or follow-up periods and AOFAS score,but there were some significant differences between these parameters and ankle joint movements,pain VAS score and arthritis score.Conclusions Ankle fractures occur most commonly in middle-aged and young males aged 20-39 years and in elderly females aged 50-69 years.The most common mechanisms of injury are twisting injuries and falls from a standing height or less.The results of surgical treatment are satisfactory.

Electric scooter injuries:Incidence and injury patterns at a level I trauma center

Purpose:Electric scooters(e-scooters)have become an increasingly popular mode of public transportation in recent years.As the incidence of related injuries rises,it is important to understand specific fracture patterns unique to e-scooters and electric bikes(e-bikes)to help guide management.The purpose of this study was to review the prevalence and describe specific fracture patterns of e-scooter and ebike related injuries at the busiest level 1 trauma center in the borough of Manhattan.Methods:Chart review to determine mechanism of injury was performed on all patients for whom an orthopedic consult was requested from 1/1/2021 to 12/31/2021.All patients whose injuries were sustained due to an e-scooter or e-bike were further reviewed for demographics,injury characteristics including fracture pattern,and definitive injury management.Any patients who had an orthopedic consult placed for a reason other than an acute injury were excluded.Descriptive statistics are reported as frequency(percentage)for categorical variables and means for continuous variables.Results:Of the 1815 orthopedic consults requested,1357(74.8%)were for acute injury management.Of those with acute injuries,119(8.8%)sustained 136 e-scooter or e-bike related injuries.There were 92(77.3%)males at an average age of(33.8±15.7)years.Approximately one-fifth of all patients presented in June 2021(26,21.8%).There was a 9.2%rate of open fractures.The 136 injuries were evenly split between the upper and lower extremities,with 57(47.9%)upper extremity,57(47.9%)lower extremity injuries,and 5(4.2%)concomitant upper and lower extremity injuries.The most common fracture patterns were ankle fractures(16,11.7%),followed by tibial shaft(14,10.2%),tibial plateau(13,9.5%),and radial head fractures(11,8.0%).There was a 33.3%incidence of associated posterior malleolar fractures in the spiral tibial shaft fractures,31.0%of posterior malleolar involvement and 18.8%of isolated vertical medial malleolar fractures in the ankle fractures,and 61.5%of posterior comminution in the tibial plateau fractures.Conclusion:E-scooter and e-bike related injuries have a high incidence of tibial shaft fractures,ankle fractures,tibial plateau fractures,and radial head fractures.There should be a high index of suspicion for posterior and medial involvement in lower extremity fractures sustained due to e-scooter or e-bikes.Identifying specific fracture patterns seen in e-scooter and e-bike related mechanisms will help guide management of these injuries.

Complicated Bosworth fracture-dislocation:A case report and review of the literature

Bosworth fracture and dislocation is relatively rare,accounting for about 1%of ankle fractures.It is characterized by the proximal fibula fracture embedded in the posterolateral distal tibia.Due to an insufficient understanding of this fracture,it is easy to cause missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis in clinical practice.Due to the insertion of the fracture,it is challenging to perform closed reduction,and improper treatment is easy to cause complications.Surgical treatment is recommended for this type of fracture.In order to improve the understanding of orthopedic surgeons about Bosworth fracture and dislocation,this paper reports the diagnosis and treatment of 2 cases of Bosworth fracture and dislocation,and reviews the literature on Bosworth fracture's mechanism,diagnosis,classification,complications,and treatment options in recent years.