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Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Sep 2023Venous thromboembolism (VTE) are rare but serious complications after foot and ankle fracture surgery. A consensus definition of a high-risk patient has not been...
BACKGROUND
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) are rare but serious complications after foot and ankle fracture surgery. A consensus definition of a high-risk patient has not been reached, leading to significant variability in the use of pharmacologic agents for VTE prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to develop a model for predicting VTE risk in patients undergoing surgery for foot and ankle fractures that is usable and scalable in clinical practice.
METHODS
A retrospective review of 15,342 patients, within the ACS-NSQIP database, who had undergone surgical repair of foot and ankle fractures from 2015 to 2019 was performed. Univariate analysis evaluated differences in demographics and comorbidities. Stepwise multivariate logistic regression was generated based on a 60 % development cohort to evaluate risk factors for VTE. A receiver operator curve based on the 40 % test cohort calculated area under the curve (AUC) to measure the accuracy of the model in predicting VTE within the 30-day postoperative period.
RESULTS
Of the 15,342 patients, 1.2 % patients experienced VTE, and 98.8 % patients did not. Patients who experienced VTE were significantly older and had an overall higher comorbidity burden. Those who had VTE spent on average 10.5 more minutes in the operating room. In the final model, age over 65, diabetes, dyspnea, CHF, dialysis, wound infection and bleeding disorders were all found to be significant predictors of VTE after controlling for all other factors. The model generated an AUC of 0.731, indicating good predictive accuracy. The predictive model is publicly available at https://shinyapps.io/VTE_Prediction/.
CONCLUSIONS
In alignment with previous studies, we identified increased age and bleeding disorders as independent risk factors for VTE after foot and ankle fracture surgery. This is one of the first studies to generate and test a model for identifying patients at risk for VTE in this population. This evidence-based model may help surgeons prospectively identify high-risk patients who may benefit from pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Ankle Fractures; Lower Extremity; Risk Factors; Ankle; Retrospective Studies; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 36966559
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.102017 -
The Bone & Joint Journal Nov 2023Triplane ankle fractures are complex injuries typically occurring in children aged between 12 and 15 years. Classic teaching that closure of the physis dictates the...
AIMS
Triplane ankle fractures are complex injuries typically occurring in children aged between 12 and 15 years. Classic teaching that closure of the physis dictates the overall fracture pattern, based on studies in the 1960s, has not been challenged. The aim of this paper is to analyze whether these injuries correlate with the advancing closure of the physis with age.
METHODS
A fracture mapping study was performed in 83 paediatric patients with a triplane ankle fracture treated in three trauma centres between January 2010 and June 2020. Patients aged younger than 18 years who had CT scans available were included. An independent Paediatric Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon assessed all CT scans and classified the injuries as n-part triplane fractures. Qualitative analysis of the fracture pattern was performed using the modified Cole fracture mapping technique. The maps were assessed for both patterns and correlation with the closing of the physis until consensus was reached by a panel of six surgeons.
RESULTS
Fracture map grouped by age demonstrates that, regardless of age (even at the extremes of the spectrum), the fracture lines consolidate in a characteristic Y-pattern, and no shift with closure of the physis was observed. A second fracture map with two years added to female age also did not show a shift. The fracture map, grouped by both age and sex, shows a Y-pattern in all different groups. The fracture lines appear to occur between the anterior and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligaments, and the medially fused physis or deltoid ligament.
CONCLUSION
This fracture mapping study reveals that triplane ankle fractures have a characteristic Y-pattern, and acknowledges the weakness created by the physis, however it also challenges classic teaching that the specific fracture pattern at the level of the joint of these injuries relies on advancing closure of the physis with age. Instead, this study observes the importance of ligament attachment in the fracture patterns of these injuries.
Topics: Humans; Child; Female; Adolescent; Ankle Fractures; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Growth Plate; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Ankle Injuries
PubMed: 37909160
DOI: 10.1302/0301-620X.105B11.BJJ-2023-0204.R1 -
Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland) Dec 2023Literature has shown implicit bias in the treatment between non-operative and surgical treatment in patients with certain types of ankle fractures, which comprise 7.6%...
BACKGROUND
Literature has shown implicit bias in the treatment between non-operative and surgical treatment in patients with certain types of ankle fractures, which comprise 7.6% of all adult fractures. An understanding of any bias across all ankle fracture management may prove to be critical for the understanding of potential correlations between treatment methods and outcomes of patients with ankle fractures. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there is a sex-based bias in the operative and non-operative treatment of all ankle fractures.
METHODS
A retrospective study of 1175 adult patients with ankle fractures was conducted. Data extracted included sex, race, age, type of treatment (non-operative/operative), fracture type (displaced/non-displaced), fracture class, BMI, and length of hospital stay. Odds ratio (OR), Chi-squared, t-test, and Pearson's correlation tests were used with p < 0.05 considered significant.
RESULTS
The study population consisted of 750 females (63.8%) and 425 males (36.2%). The study demonstrated a sex-based disparity in operative and non-operative treatment revealing that women are less likely than men to receive operative treatment for displaced ankle fractures (OR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.9, p = 0.01). Of the 750 females, 417 (55.6%) underwent non-operative treatment, while 333 (44.4%) females had an operation. Of the 425 males, 204 (48%) had non-operative treatment, while 221 (52%) underwent operative treatment. The distribution of ankle fracture classes between both sexes was similar, suggesting fracture class did not influence the observed disparity.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest sex correlates with the treatment type for ankle fractures, with women more likely to receive non-operative treatment for displaced fractures. As post-treatment outcomes often reflect the chosen form of treatment, it is imperative to determine if a disparity in sex explicates differences in clinical outcomes.
Topics: Male; Adult; Humans; Female; Ankle Fractures; Retrospective Studies; Ankle Joint; Fracture Fixation; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37757504
DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.102057 -
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.... Jul 2023➤ Pilon fractures in the younger patient population are frequently high-energy, intra-articular injuries and are associated with devastating, long-term impacts on...
➤ Pilon fractures in the younger patient population are frequently high-energy, intra-articular injuries and are associated with devastating, long-term impacts on patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life, as well as high rates of persistent disability.➤ Judicious management of associated soft-tissue injury, including open fractures, is essential to minimizing complications. Optimizing medical comorbidities and negative social behaviors (e.g., smoking) should be addressed perioperatively.➤ Delayed internal fixation with interval temporizing external fixation represents the preferred technique for managing most high-energy pilon fractures presenting with characteristically substantial soft-tissue trauma. In some cases, surgeons elect to utilize circular fixation for these scenarios.➤ Although there have been treatment advances, the results have been generally poor, with high rates of posttraumatic arthritis, despite expert care.➤ Primary arthrodesis may be indicated in cases with severe articular cartilage injury that, in the opinion of the treating surgeon, is likely unsalvageable at the time of the index management.➤ The addition of intrawound vancomycin powder at the time of definitive fixation represents a low-cost prophylactic measure that appears to be effective in reducing gram-positive deep surgical site infections.
Topics: Humans; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Retrospective Studies; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Tibial Fractures; Ankle Fractures; Fractures, Open
PubMed: 37235679
DOI: 10.2106/JBJS.21.01377 -
Time-to-Surgery and Short-Term Outcomes of Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture During the COVID-19 Pandemic.Cureus Aug 2023Introduction During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a rapid and significant transformation in patient management occurred across the healthcare system...
Introduction During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a rapid and significant transformation in patient management occurred across the healthcare system in order to mitigate the spread of the disease and address resource constraints. Numerous surgical cases were either postponed or canceled, permitting only the most critical and emergent cases to proceed. The impact of these modifications on patient outcomes remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to compare time-to-surgery and outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation for trimalleolar ankle fractures during the pandemic to a pre-pandemic group. We hypothesized that the pandemic group would have a prolonged time-to-surgery and worse outcomes compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. Materials and methods This retrospective cohort study was conducted within a single healthcare system, examining the treatment of trimalleolar ankle fractures during two distinct periods: April to July 2020 (COVID-19 group) and January to December 2018 (2018 group). Cases were identified using Current Procedural Terminology code 27822. Information on demographics, fracture characteristics, and outcomes was obtained through chart review. Outcomes analyzed included time-to-surgery, mean visual analog scale scores, ankle strength and range of motion, and complications. Results COVID-19 and 2018 groups consisted of 32 and 100 patients, respectively. No significant difference was observed in group demographics and comorbidities (p > 0.05). Fracture characteristics were similar between groups apart from tibiofibular syndesmosis injury, 62.5% (20/32) in COVID-19 vs 42.0% (42/100) in 2018 (p = 0.03). Time-to-surgery was not significantly different between the two groups (8.84 ± 6.78 days in COVID-19 vs 8.61 ± 6.02 days in 2018, p = 0.85). Mean visual analog scale scores, ankle strength, and ankle range of motion in plantarflexion were not significantly different between the two groups at three and six months postoperatively (p > 0.05). Dorsiflexion was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group at three months (p = 0.03), but not six months (p = 0.94) postoperatively. No significant difference in postoperative complication was seen between groups, 25.0% (8/32) COVID-19 group compared to 15.0% (15/100) 2018 group (p = 0.11). Conclusions Patients who underwent surgery during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic did not experience prolonged time-to-surgery and had similar outcomes compared to patients treated prior to the pandemic.
PubMed: 37791182
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44478 -
BMJ Open Jul 2023To explore patient and staff experience of best-practice rehabilitation advice (one session of face-to-face self-management advice with up to two additional optional... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Experience of patients and physiotherapists within the AFTER pilot randomised trial of two rehabilitation interventions for people aged 50 years and over post ankle fracture: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVES
To explore patient and staff experience of best-practice rehabilitation advice (one session of face-to-face self-management advice with up to two additional optional sessions) compared with progressive functional exercise (up to six sessions of face-to-face physiotherapy) after ankle fracture.
DESIGN
The study drew on phenomenology using interviews and a focus group.
SETTING
Participants were from three NHS Trusts in England, UK.
PARTICIPANTS
A purposive sample of 20 patients with ankle (malleolar) fractures from the Ankle Fracture Treatment: Enhancing Rehabilitation-pilot trial (now completed) were interviewed (median 50 min) from May 2019 to January 2020. They were 6 months post injury, over 50 years of age, (median 66, 12 females) and had received surgical or non-surgical treatment (seven internal fixation surgery, seven close contact casting, six walking boot). A focus group of five physiotherapists who had provided the study interventions (2.5 hours) was undertaken.
RESULTS
The findings show the acceptability of both interventions through the themes, 'being helped' (for patients) and 'developing expertise' (for staff) with subthemes of choosing and progressing. Progressive exercise added value with a perceived increase in strength, motion, ability to undertake activities and continued use of the workbook. Both staff and patients valued physiotherapy expertise demonstrated through interpersonal skills, advice, individualised exercise plans and active monitoring of progression. Best practice advice was particularly helpful in the early stages of recovery and with the use of mobility aids.
CONCLUSION
Both interventions were acceptable but progressive exercise was highly valued by patients. Developing expertise through experiential learning enabled staff to facilitate progression. Adjustments to the workbook and the addition of exercises for continued recovery in the best practice advice would enhance a future study. Research during treatment provision may provide further insights into the challenges of facilitating progression of exercise.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ISRCTN16612336; AFTER-pilot trial).
Topics: Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Aged; Ankle Fractures; Pilot Projects; Physical Therapists; Medicine; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37487681
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-071678 -
Annals of Translational Medicine Oct 2023Ankle fractures occur frequently in patients throughout all ages. Due to the many pitfalls associated with their treatment, complex ankle and especially tibial pilon... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Ankle fractures occur frequently in patients throughout all ages. Due to the many pitfalls associated with their treatment, complex ankle and especially tibial pilon fractures remain a challenge for surgeons. As there is still need for improvement in treating complex ankle fractures and treatment options are steadily increasing this review aims to summarize current practice and aims to highlight current developments by reviewing the literature.
METHODS
We conducted a thorough search of PubMed database in December 2022 to identify relevant articles on complex ankle and tibial pilon fractures. Articles in English and German were included in this study.
KEY CONTENTS AND FINDINGS
Complication rates, especially wound infection are still high, emphasizing the need for careful preoperative planning. Soft tissue management is crucial to reduce complication rates and will often dictate the treatment plan utilized. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) remains the treatment of choice. Nevertheless, in select cases alternative methods such as external fixation, tibiotalocalcaneal nailing or conservative treatment need to be considered as well. Furthermore, additional treatment options such as arthroscopically assisted surgery might help to improve functional outcome after complex ankle fractures. The incidence of complex ankle fractures in geriatric patients keeps rising with our aging population. This group of patients demands particular care and further high-quality studies are needed to warrant best results.
CONCLUSIONS
However, more randomized controlled trials are need in order to enhance evidence of newly developed treatment options.
PubMed: 37970612
DOI: 10.21037/atm-23-1173 -
PloS One 2023Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) allows for the assessment of joint congruity following anatomic reduction, identification of occult... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) allows for the assessment of joint congruity following anatomic reduction, identification of occult intra-articular lesions, and treatment of traumatic intra-articular pathologies. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide evidence on whether ARIF is an alternative treatment protocol for ankle fractures.
METHODS
The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched independently by two investigators from the inception dates to October 9, 2022, for comparative studies. The risk-of-bias tool of the Cochrane Collaboration for Randomized Controlled Trials and the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) were used for assessing the methodological quality. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, post-operative complications, arthroscopic findings, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and operation time. Cochrane Review Manager Software 5.4 was used to perform the statistical analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 10 trials involving 755 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that ARIF for ankle fractures was superior regarding functional outcomes and VAS scores when compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). No significant difference was noted in the post-operative complication rate and the operation time between the ARIF and ORIF groups. A high incidence of chondral or osteochondral lesions (OCLs), ligamentous injuries, and loose bodies with ankle fractures was found by ankle arthroscopy.
CONCLUSIONS
ARIF for ankle fractures might be beneficial to offer superior functional outcomes and VAS score than ORIF. Orthopedic surgeons should take a high incidence of OCLs and ligamentous injuries into consideration for the treatment of acute ankle fractures. We believe that with the increase in surgical experience, the occurrence of post-operative complications and the extension of operation time will no longer be a potential concern for surgeons.
Topics: Humans; Ankle Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Ankle Joint; Arthroscopy; Foot; Postoperative Complications; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37540648
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289554 -
Musculoskeletal Surgery Dec 2023
PubMed: 38032524
DOI: 10.1007/s12306-023-00802-0 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Jul 2023Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are common injuries in athletes. Management differs considerably based on fracture location and predisposing factors. Repetitive... (Review)
Review
Stress fractures of the foot and ankle are common injuries in athletes. Management differs considerably based on fracture location and predisposing factors. Repetitive loading of the foot and ankle in athletes should result in physiologic bone remodeling in accordance with Wolff's law. However, when there is not sufficient time for complete healing to occur before additional loads are incurred, this process can instead lead to stress fracture. Assessment of the athlete's training regimen and overall bone health is paramount to both the discovery and treatment of these injuries, although diagnosis is often delayed in the setting of normal-appearing initial radiographs. While most stress fractures of the foot or ankle can usually be treated nonoperatively with a period of activity modification, fractures in certain locations are considered "high risk" due to poor intrinsic healing and may warrant more proactive operative management.
PubMed: 37590306
DOI: 10.1177/24730114231195045