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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024Despite fractures of Isolated Weber B being prevalent, there is a lack of clarity regarding the relative effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment. This... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Despite fractures of Isolated Weber B being prevalent, there is a lack of clarity regarding the relative effectiveness of surgical versus conservative treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the clinical effects and complications of surgical versus conservative treatment of the Isolated Weber B ankle fractures.
METHODS
This study involved thorough searches across multiple electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science, to identify all relevant publications on Isolated Weber B ankle fractures repaired through surgical versus conservative treatment. Through a comprehensive meta-analysis, several outcomes were evaluated, including post-operative function, complications and reoperation rate.
RESULT
Six articles involving 818 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Among these participants, 350 were male and 636 were female. 651 patients received conservative treatment, while 396 underwent surgical intervention. The findings indicate no significant differences in OMAS, FAOQ, PCS, MCS scores, and return to work between surgical and non-surgical treatments for isolated Weber B ankle fractures. However, compared with surgical treatment, non-surgical treatment has a higher AOFAS score(MD = -5.31, 95% CI = [-9.06, -1.55], P = 0.20, I = 39%), lower VAS score(MD = 0.72, 95% CI = [0.33, 1.10], P = 0.69, I = 0%), lower complication rate (RR = 3.06, 95% CI = [1.58, 6.01], P = 0.05, I = 54%), and lower reoperation rate(RR = 8.40, 95% CI = [1.57, 45.06], P = 0.05, I = 67%).
Topics: Humans; Ankle Fractures; Treatment Outcome; Conservative Treatment; Female; Male; Reoperation; Postoperative Complications; Adult
PubMed: 38858737
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04835-4 -
PloS One 2024Weber Type B fractures often arise from external rotation with the foot supinated or pronated. Altered tibiofibular joint kinematics in Weber B fractures are responsible...
Weber Type B fractures often arise from external rotation with the foot supinated or pronated. Altered tibiofibular joint kinematics in Weber B fractures are responsible for syndesmotic damage seen in Weber B fractures. Weber B fractures are managed using open reduction and internal fixation if displaced. The syndesmosis is injured in up to 40% of cases resulting in an unstable injury with a syndesmotic diastasis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current literature on syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures, assess the outcomes and complications of syndesmotic fixation and assess the necessity of syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures. A search was carried out on the EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL databases and eight studies assessing the outcomes of syndesmotic fixations versus no syndesmotic fixation with 292 Weber B ankle fractures were included in this systematic review. Results showed significant heterogeneity so a narrative review was conducted. Results of these studies showed that functional, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes and incidences of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with syndesmotic screws were similar to those of patients not managed with syndesmotic screws. Only one favoured syndesmotic fixation in all cases of diastasis. As such, syndesmotic fixation with screws may not be necessary in the management of Weber B fractures. Screws are also associated with breakage, loosening, local irritation and infections. Suture button devices and antiglide fixation techniques appear to be valid alternatives to syndesmotic screws. It was found that there was no need for routine hardware removal unless the hardware was causing significant side effects for the patient.
Topics: Humans; Ankle Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Ankle Injuries; Ankle Joint; Bone Screws; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38857233
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304148 -
Annals of Joint 2024Arthroscopic-assisted treatment of ankle fractures has proven useful in the adult population, but little evidence exists for the utilization of arthroscopic-assisted... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Arthroscopic-assisted treatment of ankle fractures has proven useful in the adult population, but little evidence exists for the utilization of arthroscopic-assisted ankle fracture fixation in the pediatric population. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the management of pediatric ankle fractures using arthroscopy.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and MEDLINE from database inception to February 22, 2023. Inclusion criteria for this systematic review was pediatric population less than age 18, arthroscopic surgery management, and ankle fracture.
RESULTS
A total of 19 articles (n=30 patients) out of 176 articles met final inclusion criteria with all articles consisting of case reports or case series. The average patient age was 13.8±1.6 years. Sixteen of the patients (53%) had arthroscopic surgery along with an adjunct surgery as indicated, whereas 14 patients (47%) had arthroscopic surgery with or without percutaneous fixation. A high majority of patients demonstrated full range-of-motion and large improvements in function.
CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopy is used with percutaneous fixation or in adjunct to open approaches for pediatric ankle fracture management with good results. More research is needed to determine the utility of arthroscopy in the management of pediatric ankle fractures.
PubMed: 38690074
DOI: 10.21037/aoj-23-51 -
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research Jun 2024This systematic review aimed to analyse the effect of early weight bearing versus late weight bearing on rehabilitation outcomes after ankle fractures, which primarily... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effect of early weight-bearing and later weight-bearing rehabilitation interventions on outcomes after ankle fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review aimed to analyse the effect of early weight bearing versus late weight bearing on rehabilitation outcomes after ankle fractures, which primarily include ankle function scores, time to return to work/daily life and complication rates.
METHODS
The China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China Science and Technology Journal, Web of Science, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched. The focus was on identifying randomised controlled trials centred on early weight-bearing interventions for post-operative ankle fracture rehabilitation. All databases were searched for eligible studies published within the period from database inception to 20 June 2023. The eligible studies were screened according to the inclusion criteria. Study quality was evaluated using the methodology recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for the Systematic Evaluation of Interventions. Two authors independently performed the literature search and data extraction. Eligible studies were subjected to meta-analyses using Review Manager 5.3. Based on the time points at which post-operative ankle function was reported in the studies included in this paper, we decided to perform a meta-analysis of ankle function scores at 6 weeks post-operatively, 12 weeks post-operatively, 24-26 weeks post-operatively and 1 year post-operatively.
RESULTS
A total of 11 papers, comprising 862 patients, were included. Meta-analysis indicated that patients receiving early weight-bearing interventions, which referred to weight-bearing for 6 weeks post-operatively, experienced enhancements in ankle function scores (Olerud-Molander score, AOFAS score or Baird-Jackson score) at various post-operative milestones: 6 weeks (SMD = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.49-0.88 and p < 0.01), 12 weeks (SMD = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.22-0.92 and p < 0.01) and the 24-26 weeks range (SMD = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.20-0.85 and p < 0.01). The results of subgroup analyses revealed that the effects of early weight-bearing interventions were influenced by ankle range-of-motion exercises. Additionally, early weight bearing allows patients to return to daily life and work earlier, which was evaluated by time when they resumed their preinjury activities (MD = -2.74, 95% CI: -3.46 to -2.02 and p < 0.01), with no distinct elevation in the incidence of complications (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 0.85-2.61 and p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The results showed that early weight bearing is effective in improving ankle function among post-operative ankle fracture patients and allows patients to return to daily life earlier. Significantly, the safety profile of early weight bearing remains favourable, with no higher risk of complications than late weight bearing.
Topics: Humans; Ankle Fractures; Treatment Outcome; China; Weight-Bearing; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38635458
DOI: 10.1002/jfa2.12011 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Feb 2024: Evaluating the predictors of unfavorable outcomes in patients with ankle fractures is crucial for identifying high-risk patients and implementing personalized... (Review)
Review
: Evaluating the predictors of unfavorable outcomes in patients with ankle fractures is crucial for identifying high-risk patients and implementing personalized treatment strategies. This study aimed to analyze factors that influence quality of life in patients with ankle fractures. : Four databases were consulted. The main outcomes were functionality and quality of life scales combined using the standard mean difference (SMD) (Review Manager 5.4). : Eight studies with 2486 patients were included. A significant correlation was found between female sex and worse functionality scores (beta 4.15, 95% CI 1.84-6.46). Additionally, older age was correlated with worse functionality scores (beta -0.24, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.19). Patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome also had worse outcomes (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.36). High BMI and obesity were also associated with worse quality of life scores (beta 2.62, 95% CI 0.77-4.48). Smokers had greater disability in the analyzed scales (SMD 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.39). No significant differences were observed with respect to syndesmotic involvement. : Age, sex, diabetes, high BMI, and smoking negatively impact functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with ankle fractures.
PubMed: 38592026
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13051188 -
Medicine Apr 2024Blocking screw technique has been widely applied in the treatment of long shaft fractures. However, the evidence with regard to whether intramedullary nail combined with... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Blocking screw technique has been widely applied in the treatment of long shaft fractures. However, the evidence with regard to whether intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique has better clinical efficacy over other is not clear. The aim of the study was to explore the clinical efficacy and complications of intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique in the treatment of femoral or tibial shaft fractures.
METHODS
The PuMed, Embase, OVID, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI and Weipu data were searched for studies of intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw in treatment of femoral or tibial shaft fracture published up to Aug 31 2023. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed, relevant data were extracted, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to perform the meta-analysis of parameters related to the consequences.
RESULT
Twenty articles were included, including 1267 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the non-blocking screw group, the blocking screw group had longer operation time (WMD = 13.24; 95% CI = 5.68-20.79, P = .0006) and more intraoperative fluoroscopy times (WMD = 57.62; 95% CI = 25.82-89.42, P = .0002). However, the postoperative therapeutic response rate was higher (OR = 5.60; 95% CI = 2.10-14.93, P = .0006), postoperative ankle joint function was better (OR = 3.48; 95% CI = 1.20-10.13, P = .02), and fracture healing rate was higher (OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.43-8.89, P = .006), fracture healing time was shorter (WMD = -3.59; 95% CI = -4.96 to -2.22, P < .00001), intraoperative blood loss was less (WMD = -54.80; 95% CI = -88.77 to -20.83, P = .002), hospitalization time was shorter (WMD = -1.66; 95% CI = -2.08 to -1.24, P < .00001), and complications were less (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.16-0.89, P = .01). There was no statistical significance in the range of motion of knee joint between the 2 groups (WMD = 10.04; 95% CI = -1.51 to 21.59, P = .09).
CONCLUSIONS
Current evidence shows that intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique in the treatment of lower limb long bone fracture has the advantages of good clinical efficacy, high fracture healing rate, short fracture healing time, good joint function, less complications and so on, which is worthy of clinical recommendation.
Topics: Humans; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; Bone Screws; Treatment Outcome; Tibial Fractures; Lower Extremity; Bone Nails
PubMed: 38579094
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000037647 -
Bone & Joint Open Mar 2024Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle fractures, pilon fractures, and to a lesser extent tibial shaft fractures. The tibialis posterior...
AIMS
Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle fractures, pilon fractures, and to a lesser extent tibial shaft fractures. The tibialis posterior (TP) tendon entrapment is a rare complication associated with PM fractures. If undiagnosed, TP entrapment is associated with complications, ranging from reduced range of ankle movement to instability and pes planus deformities, which require further surgeries including radical treatments such as arthrodesis.
METHODS
The inclusion criteria applied in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline database searches were: all adult studies published between 2012 and 2022; and studies written in English. Outcome of TP entrapment in patients with ankle injuries was assessed by two reviewers independently.
RESULTS
Four retrospective studies and eight case reports were accepted in this systematic review. Collectively there were 489 Pilon fractures, 77 of which presented with TP entrapment (15.75%). There were 28 trimalleolar fractures, 12 of which presented with TP entrapment (42.86%). All the case report studies reported inability to reduce the fractures at initial presentation. The diagnosis of TP entrapment was made in the early period in two (25%) cases, and delayed diagnosis in six (75%) cases reported. Using modified Clavien-Dindo complication classification, 60 (67%) of the injuries reported grade IIIa complications and 29 (33%) grade IIIb complications.
CONCLUSION
TP tendon was the commonest tendon injury associated with pilon fracture and, to a lesser extent, trimalleolar ankle fracture. Early identification using a clinical suspicion and CT imaging could lead to early management of TP entrapment in these injuries, which could lead to better patient outcomes and reduced morbidity.
PubMed: 38545805
DOI: 10.1302/2633-1462.53.BJO-2023-0139 -
Foot and Ankle Surgery : Official... Apr 2024Osteochondral lesions of the talus are common in patients suffering even minor trauma; timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of early... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Osteochondral lesions of the talus are common in patients suffering even minor trauma; timely diagnosis and treatment can prevent the development of early osteoarthritis. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to evaluate the effects of additional procedures on arthroscopic ankle microperforations for osteochondral lesions.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed-Medline, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar to select clinical studies analyzing the efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), hyaluronic acid (HA), and bone marrow concentrate (BMC) procedures. Ten articles following PRISMA guidelines with a total of 464 patients were included in this review. Quality assessment using MINORS was performed, and all studies demonstrated high quality.
RESULTS
The results of the systematic review showed benefits in all patients undergoing infiltrative therapy with PRP, hyaluronic acid, and BMC. The best results in terms of AOFAS score and VAS scale were found in patients undergoing PRP injection. The meta-analysis showed improvements in pain relief and return to daily activities in patients undergoing arthroscopic microperforations and PRP, although not reporting statistically significant results (p = 0.42).
CONCLUSION
All treatment strategies reported better scores compared to the control groups. Among the various treatments analyzed, the addition of PRP appears to be the most valuable probably for the larger population receiving this treatment, showing excellent outcomes in pain reduction, clinical outcomes, and return to daily activities.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II.
Topics: Humans; Fractures, Stress; Hyaluronic Acid; Cartilage, Articular; Talus; Pain; Arthroscopy; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38309989
DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2023.12.005 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Feb 2024The sinus tarsi approach (STA) has gained popularity for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. No large studies comparing wound complications...
Geographical Differences in Wound Complication Rates Following the Sinus Tarsi Approach in Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Literature.
BACKGROUND
The sinus tarsi approach (STA) has gained popularity for the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. No large studies comparing wound complications worldwide after STA surgery are available. The aim of this systematic review was to compare postoperative wound complication (POWC) and postoperative wound infection (POWI) rates following STA surgery between continents and countries and their differences in climate.
METHODS
A literature search was performed using the databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Studies published before January 1, 2000, including < 10 patients and written in a language other than English were excluded.
RESULTS
In total, 86 studies containing 4,392 surgeries via STA from 20 different countries were included. The mean POWC was 5.9% and the mean POWI was 4.4%. The highest median POWC rate was in North America (8.5%) and the lowest in South America (2.0%). No significant differences were found in the POWC and POWI rates between countries ( = 0.178 and = 0.570, respectively), but significant differences were found between the POWC and POWI rates between continents ( = 0.011 and = 0.036, respectively). The number of surgeries per year and climate differences, as represented by mean local temperature, were not correlated with both the POWC/POWI rates and functional outcome scores.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant differences between the POWC and POWI rates were found between continents but not between individual countries. With a mean POWC of 5.9% and a mean POWI rate of 4.4%, STA has an intrinsic low risk for complications given the minimally invasive nature of the approach and is inevitably becoming the gold standard for calcaneal surgery.
Topics: Humans; Heel; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Calcaneus; Surgical Wound Infection; Ankle Injuries; Foot Injuries; Treatment Outcome; Intra-Articular Fractures; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 38304215
DOI: 10.4055/cios23241 -
International Wound Journal Apr 2024Surgical site infections (SSIs) following ankle fracture fixation pose significant challenges in patient recovery and healthcare management. Identifying risk factors... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Surgical site infections (SSIs) following ankle fracture fixation pose significant challenges in patient recovery and healthcare management. Identifying risk factors contributing to SSIs can aid in developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and the PICO framework. A comprehensive literature search across major databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library, was completed on September 26, 2023. The inclusion criteria encompassed peer-reviewed studies of various designs that investigated risk factors for SSIs post-ankle fracture fixation. Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Statistical analyses assessed heterogeneity and calculated combined effect sizes using fixed- or random-effects models, depending on the heterogeneity observed. The initial search yielded 1250 articles, with seven meeting the inclusion criteria after rigorous screening and full-text review. The included studies, conducted between 2006 and 2019, predominantly utilized case-control designs. The meta-analysis identified diabetes, open fractures, smoking, age, alcohol consumption, ASA score ≥3, high BMI, contaminated incisions, fracture dislocation and heart disease as significant risk factors for postoperative SSIs. Publication bias assessment showed no significant bias across studies. The identification of key risk factors such as diabetes, open fractures, smoking, advanced age, alcohol consumption, high ASA score, elevated BMI, contaminated incisions, fracture dislocation and heart disease is essential in managing SSIs post-ankle fracture fixation. Targeted interventions addressing these risk factors are crucial to reduce the incidence of SSIs and improve overall patient outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Surgical Wound Infection; Fractures, Open; Ankle; Ankle Fractures; Fracture Fixation; Surgical Wound; Risk Factors; Diabetes Mellitus; Fracture Dislocation; Heart Diseases
PubMed: 38153200
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14639