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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 -
Clinical Interventions in Aging 2024The risk of falls among the elderly significantly increases, which has become a serious public health concern. Falls can not only lead to serious complications such as...
INTRODUCTION
The risk of falls among the elderly significantly increases, which has become a serious public health concern. Falls can not only lead to serious complications such as fractures and brain injuries but also limit their mobility function, reducing quality of life. Foot intrinsic muscles (FIMs) are an essential part of foot core stability even overall postural stability. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aging on the function of FIMs and to explore the influence of FIMs on postural control in the elderly.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
56 healthy old participants (60-75 years) and 57 healthy young participants (18-29 years) joined this study. An ergoFet dynamometer was used to determine foot muscle strength (Doming, T, T and T), and ankle muscle strength (plantarflexion and dorsiflexion). The morphology of FIMs and extrinsic foot muscle was determined using a Doppler ultrasound system, whereas the postural stability was assessed through Limits of Stability test. Independent samples -test was used to determine the differences in strength and morphological parameters and Spearman correlation analysis was used to determine whether an association existed between muscle strength and postural stability parameters in the elderly.
RESULTS
Compared with young adults, foot muscle strength and ankle muscle strength (Doming, T, T, T, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion, all p <0.05) and the morphology of foot muscles (all p <0.05) were significantly reduced in the elderly. The strength of FIMs and the limit of stability (r = 0.302-0.424, all p <0.05) were significantly correlated in the elderly.
CONCLUSION
Compared with young adults, the weakness of strength as well as the morphological decline of the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles were found in the elderly. In addition, a correlation was observed between FIM's strength and postural stability in the elderly, suggesting their potential role in posture stability.
Topics: Humans; Postural Balance; Middle Aged; Female; Male; Aged; Muscle Strength; Adult; Foot; Muscle, Skeletal; Young Adult; Aging; Muscle Strength Dynamometer; Adolescent; Accidental Falls
PubMed: 38855030
DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S454068 -
Annals of Saudi Medicine 2024Femoral and tibial fractures may result in delayed union and nonunion, posing significant challenges in orthopedic practice. The Ilizarov technique has emerged as a...
BACKGROUND
Femoral and tibial fractures may result in delayed union and nonunion, posing significant challenges in orthopedic practice. The Ilizarov technique has emerged as a promising solution for managing these complex cases.
OBJECTIVES
Evaluate the radiographic and functional results of Ilizarov fixation in the treatment of nonunion of tibia and femur fractures.
DESIGN
Retrospective.
SETTINGS
Hospitals affiliated with a university hospital.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and treatment details were analyzed for the period from October 2015 to September 2022 in patients who were treated for nonunion of the tibia and femur using the Ilizarov fixator. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed using the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. The study focused on assessing the average duration for union and frame removal, bone results, successful union rates, and functional results using the ASAMI criteria, obtaining data from the existing medical records, spanning various medical facilities treating nonunion fractures.
SAMPLE SIZE
126 patients.
RESULTS
The average duration for union and frame removal was 8 months, with excellent bone results observed in 60.32% of cases. Out of 126 patients, 118 achieved successful union, while there were 2 failure cases necessitating amputation (1.52%). Functional results revealed excellent outcomes in 39.68% of cases. Complications included pin tract infections, ankle and knee stiffness, and limb shortening. External fixation duration and infection eradication were consistent with previous research, emphasizing the technique's effectiveness.
CONCLUSIONS
The Ilizarov technique proved highly effective in managing nonunion tibia and femur fractures, offering favorable outcomes in terms of union, infection control, pain relief, and functional recovery. While excellent bone outcomes do not guarantee optimal function, this method remains a reliable approach for complex cases.
LIMITATIONS
Potential biases inherent in retrospective analyses and the need for further randomized controlled trials to comprehensively compare treatment modalities.
Topics: Humans; Ilizarov Technique; Retrospective Studies; Tibial Fractures; Male; Female; Adult; Femoral Fractures; Fractures, Ununited; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Treatment Outcome; Radiography; Fracture Healing; Adolescent; Aged
PubMed: 38853476
DOI: 10.5144/0256-4947.2024.146 -
Lancet (London, England) Jun 2024After surgery for a broken ankle, patients are usually instructed to avoid walking for 6 weeks (delayed weight-bearing). Walking 2 weeks after surgery (early...
BACKGROUND
After surgery for a broken ankle, patients are usually instructed to avoid walking for 6 weeks (delayed weight-bearing). Walking 2 weeks after surgery (early weight-bearing) might be a safe and preferable rehabilitation strategy. This study aimed to determine the clinical and cost effectiveness of an early weight-bearing strategy compared with a delayed weight-bearing strategy.
METHODS
This was a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial including 561 participants (aged ≥18 years) who received acute surgery for an unstable ankle fracture in 23 UK National Health Service (NHS) hospitals who were assigned to either a delayed weight-bearing (n=280) or an early weight-bearing rehabilitation strategy (n=281). Patients treated with a hindfoot nail, those who did not have protective ankle sensation (eg, peripheral neuropathy), did not have the capacity to consent, or did not have the ability to adhere to trial procedures were excluded. Neither participants nor clinicians were masked to the treatment. The primary outcome was ankle function measured using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at 4 months after randomisation, in the per-protocol population. The pre-specified non-inferiority OMAS margin was -6 points and superiority testing was included in the intention-to-treat population in the event of non-inferiority. The trial was prospectively registered with ISRCTN Registry, ISRCTN12883981, and the trial is closed to new participants.
FINDINGS
Primary outcome data were collected from 480 (86%) of 561 participants. Recruitment was conducted between Jan 13, 2020, and Oct 29, 2021. At 4 months after randomisation, the mean OMAS score was 65·9 in the early weight-bearing and 61·2 in the delayed weight-bearing group and adjusted mean difference was 4·47 (95% CI 0·58 to 8·37, p=0·024; superiority testing adjusted difference 4·42, 95% CI 0·53 to 8·32, p=0·026) in favour of early weight-bearing. 46 (16%) participants in the early weight-bearing group and 39 (14%) in the delayed weight-bearing group had one or more complications (adjusted odds ratio 1·18, 95% CI 0·80 to 1·75, p=0·40). The mean costs from the perspective of the NHS and personal social services in the early and delayed weight-bearing groups were £725 and £785, respectively (mean difference -£60 [95% CI -342 to 232]). The probability that early weight-bearing is cost-effective exceeded 80%.
INTERPRETATION
An early weight-bearing strategy was found to be clinically non-inferior and highly likely to be cost-effective compared with the current standard of care (delayed weight-bearing).
FUNDING
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Oxford and Thames Valley.
PubMed: 38848738
DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00710-4 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Apr 2024
Reduction of the Posterior Malleolar Component of Trimalleolar Fractures Using Dry Arthroscopic Visualization and Manipulation by Working Through the Medial Malleolus Fracture.
PubMed: 38840787
DOI: 10.1177/24730114241258098 -
Foot & Ankle Orthopaedics Apr 2024
Review
PubMed: 38840784
DOI: 10.1177/24730114241256371 -
Journal of Children's Orthopaedics Jun 2024To investigate the application of modified elastic intramedullary nail and the outcomes between modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing and traditional elastic...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the application of modified elastic intramedullary nail and the outcomes between modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing and traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children with distal tibial metaphyseal junction fracture.
METHODS
A retrospective study was conducted. From January 2018 to January 2021, a total of 36 children with distal tibial metaphyseal junction fracture were treated in our hospital. All of them were treated with closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nailing internal fixation. A total of 18 children were treated by modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing and 18 children were treated by traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Postoperative imaging, clinical efficacy, and complications were analyzed.
RESULTS
The mean follow-up time was 20 (15-36) months in modified group and 22 (16-33) months in traditional group. There were no complications such as infection, loss of reduction, and unequal length of lower limbs in modified group while loss of reduction occurred in two cases in traditional group. In these two cases of loss of reduction, we preformed manual reduction and replacement of long leg casts, and there was no loss of reduction, and the patient achieved a good prognosis. In the last follow-up, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was used. In modified group, excellent outcome achieved in 17 cases, good outcome achieved in 1 case, and satisfactory therapeutic effect was achieved. In traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing group, excellent outcome achieved in 14 cases, and good outcome achieved in 4 cases. There was no statistical difference in the scores between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
It was concluded that modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing fixation is a safe and effective treatment.
PubMed: 38831854
DOI: 10.1177/18632521241242251 -
Journal of Children's Orthopaedics Jun 2024Ankle injuries involving the tibiofibular syndesmosis often necessitate operative fixation to restore stability to the ankle. Recent literature in the adult population...
PURPOSE
Ankle injuries involving the tibiofibular syndesmosis often necessitate operative fixation to restore stability to the ankle. Recent literature in the adult population has suggested that suture button fixation may be superior to screw fixation. There is little evidence as to which construct is preferable in the pediatric and adolescent population. This study investigates outcomes of suture button and screw fixation in adolescent ankle syndesmotic injuries.
METHODS
A retrospective matched cohort study over 10 years of pediatric patients who underwent ankle syndesmotic fixation at a large Level 1 Trauma Center was conducted. Both isolated syndesmotic injuries and ankle fractures with syndesmotic disruption were included. Preoperative variables collected include basic patient demographics, body mass index, and fracture type. Suture button and screw cohorts were matched based on age, race, sex, and open fracture utilizing propensity scores. Outcomes assessed include reoperation and implant failure.
RESULTS
A total of 44 cases of operative fixation of the ankle syndesmosis were identified with a mean age of 16 years. After matching cohorts based on age, sex, race, and open fracture status, there were 17 patients in the suture button and screw cohorts, respectively. Patients undergoing screw fixation had a six times greater risk of reoperation (p = 0.043) and 13 times greater risk of implant failure (p < 0.001). Out of six cases of reoperation in the screw cohort, five were unplanned.
CONCLUSION
Our findings favor suture button fixation in operative management of adolescent tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries. Compared with screws, suture buttons are associated with lower risk of both reoperation and implant failure.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
level III therapeutic.
PubMed: 38831850
DOI: 10.1177/18632521241238889 -
EFORT Open Reviews Jun 2024Bosworth fracture (BF) is a special type of locked ankle fracture-dislocation, characterized by displacement of a fragment of the fractured fibula from the fibular notch... (Review)
Review
Bosworth fracture (BF) is a special type of locked ankle fracture-dislocation, characterized by displacement of a fragment of the fractured fibula from the fibular notch behind the posterior surface of the distal tibia. BF is a complex injury affecting multiple structures of the ankle joint, which is still frequently misjudged even today, potentially leading to severe complications. CT examination, including 3D reconstructions, should be the diagnostic standard in BF, as it provides a complete picture of the fracture pathoanatomy, most prominently the morphology of the frequently associated posterior malleolar fracture. BF requires early reduction of the displaced fibular fragment without repeated attempts on closed reduction. Non-operative treatment of BF almost always fails. The standard treatment procedure is early open reduction internal fixation. Due to the relative severity and paucity of the injury, BF seems to be particularly prone to soft tissue complications, including compartment syndrome. The results of operative treatment are mixed. Many studies report persistent pain even after a short time interval, with limitations of the range of motion or even stiffness of the ankle joint, and development of degenerative changes. Larger studies with long-term results are still missing.
PubMed: 38828971
DOI: 10.1530/EOR-23-0050