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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 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Jun 2024To compare radiographic union and clinical outcomes between parallel and angulated screw configurations (SCs) for patients undergoing subtalar arthrodesis due to... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
To compare radiographic union and clinical outcomes between parallel and angulated screw configurations (SCs) for patients undergoing subtalar arthrodesis due to posttraumatic subtalar arthritis (PSA) after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures.
METHODS
This study retrospectively reviewed 140 consecutive PSA cases from March 2011 to November 2021 (parallel SC: group 1, n = 80; angulated SC: group 2, n = 60). Radiographic union, Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were among the outcome assessments. Six months after surgery, nonunion was confirmed based on plain radiographs, clinical evaluation, and computed tomography.
RESULTS
Groups 1 and 2 included 14 (17.5%) and 3 (5.0%) nonunion cases, respectively (p = 0.035). There was no significant difference in preoperative FAOS and VAS scores between the groups. However, group 2 had significantly better clinical outcomes in 2 of the 5 FAOS domains (sports and quality of life), as well as VAS scores at 3 and 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up ( < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Using the angulated SC for PSA had a lower nonunion rate and superior clinical outcomes than the parallel SC. Obtaining better radiological and clinical outcomes when using the angulated SC, rather than the parallel SC, would be advantageous.
Topics: Humans; Arthrodesis; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Female; Bone Screws; Subtalar Joint; Adult; Arthritis; Aged; Calcaneus
PubMed: 38827769
DOI: 10.4055/cios23342 -
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery Jun 2024This study aims to report the midterm outcomes after surgical treatment of Hawkins Classification III Talar neck fractures.
BACKGROUND
This study aims to report the midterm outcomes after surgical treatment of Hawkins Classification III Talar neck fractures.
METHODS
From March 2010 to April 2022, among a total of 155 patients who visited our hospital with talus fractures, 31 patients underwent surgical treatment for Hawkins classification III talar neck fractures. The inclusion criteria comprised patients with a symptom duration of over 1 year who were available for outpatient follow-up and underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) follow-up 2 months after surgery. Exclusion criteria included patients without preoperative ankle periarticular arthritis, and a total of 27 patients were enrolled. Traffic accidents and falls accounted for 86% of 23 cases, open fractures were 8 cases, and the mean follow-up period was 34.10 months (range, 12-80 months). Clinical outcomes were measured by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and Foot function index (FFI), and radiological results were obtained using simple radiographs before and after surgery and MRI at 2 months postoperatively to confirm bone union and complications.
RESULTS
Complete bone union was achieved in all cases, and the mean duration of union was 4.9 months (range, 4-6 months) and there were no nonunion and varus malunion. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 80.18 points (range, 36-90 points) and the mean FFI score was 31.43 points (range, 10-68 points), showing relatively good clinical outcomes. There were 15 cases of avascular necrosis, 6 cases of traumatic arthritis of the ankle joint, 6 cases of irritation of the posterior tibial nerve, and 4 cases of wound problems.
CONCLUSIONS
Hawkins classification III talar neck fractures are mostly caused by high-energy injuries and have a relatively poor prognosis due to the high incidence of complications such as avascular necrosis or posttraumatic arthritis. However, if correct anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation are performed within a short time after the injury, good results can be expected.
Topics: Humans; Talus; Male; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Fractures, Bone; Young Adult; Aged; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Adolescent; Magnetic Resonance Imaging
PubMed: 38827753
DOI: 10.4055/cios23391 -
Cureus May 2024Background The repair of trimalleolar fractures can be challenging for surgeons and may be managed as an inpatient or an outpatient. However, it is often unclear whether...
Background The repair of trimalleolar fractures can be challenging for surgeons and may be managed as an inpatient or an outpatient. However, it is often unclear whether these patients should be admitted immediately or sent home from the emergency department (ED). This study aims to evaluate trimalleolar fractures treated surgically in the inpatient or outpatient settings to evaluate differences in outcomes for these patients. Methods A retrospective chart review of 223 patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation of a trimalleolar ankle fracture was performed from January 2015 to August 2022. Patients were classified by whether the fixation was performed as an inpatient or outpatient. Outcomes of interest included time from injury to surgery, complications, ED returns, and readmissions within 90 days. Results Inpatients had significantly higher ASA scores, BMI, and rates of comorbidities. Inpatient treatment was associated with faster time to surgery (median 2.0 vs. 9.0 days) and fewer delayed surgeries more than seven days from injury (18.4 vs. 67.9%). There were no differences in complications, 90-day ED returns, readmissions, or reoperation between groups. Conclusions Inpatient admission of patients presenting with trimalleolar ankle fractures resulted in faster time to surgery and fewer surgical delays than outpatient surgery. Despite having more preoperative risk factors, inpatients experienced similar postoperative outcomes as patients discharged home to return for outpatient surgery. Less restrictive admission criteria may improve the patient experience by providing more patients with support and pain control in the hospital setting while decreasing the time to surgery.
PubMed: 38826959
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59586 -
Contemporary Clinical Trials... Jun 2024Uncertainty regarding the timing of weight bearing following ankle open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with different ankle fracture patterns remains....
INTRODUCTION
Uncertainty regarding the timing of weight bearing following ankle open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with different ankle fracture patterns remains. Traditional rehabilitation methods, including six weeks of non-weight bearing (NWB), is still a common approach in many hospitals, while some previous evidence has shown immediate weight bearing (IWB) to be beneficial.
METHOD
32 adult participants with unimalleolar, bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures and stable fixation following ankle ORIF will be randomly allocated to either Immediate Weight Bearing (IWB) or Delayed Weight Bearing (DWB) groups. Stability of fixation is a subjective assessment made by the operating surgeon at the completion of fixation and is independent of fracture pattern. Participants in the IWB group will be allowed to weight bear as tolerated within 24 h, while participants in the DWB group will remain non-weight bearing for six weeks. Participants' data including Olerud and Molander Ankle Score, Self-Reported Foot and Ankle Score, SF-36 health survey, time to return to work will be collected. X-rays will be assessed by orthopaedic team members for fixation-related complications including reduction loss, malreduction/malunion, implant failure and non-union. Participants data will be collected at six weeks, three and six-months post-surgery. We will determine the feasibility of a full RCT through assessing the recruitment rate, adherence rate, and drop-out rate.
RESULTS
Not applicable.This pilot RCT will endeavour to optimise standard rehabilitation protocols post ankle ORIF.
PubMed: 38826866
DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2024.101304 -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Jun 2024Ankle fractures are frequent, and despite numerous publications on their treatment and outcome, there is a lack of precise data on the functional results in young,...
BACKGROUND
Ankle fractures are frequent, and despite numerous publications on their treatment and outcome, there is a lack of precise data on the functional results in young, healthy and physically active patients. We hypothesized that patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for simple ankle fractures would have similar function compared to a healthy control group, whereas patients with complex fractures will have significant functional deficits. Furthermore, we postulate that there is a discrepancy between the radiological and the functional outcomes.
METHODS
A set of specific provocation tests was developed to evaluate the postoperative possibility of weight bearing, stop-and-go activities and range of motion. In combination with three questionnaires and a radiographic evaluation, the true functional outcome and the possibility of participating in sporting activities were investigated and compared with those of an age- and sex-matched control group.
RESULTS
A significant impairment was found in unilateral and simple ankle fractures. This impairment increased in tests including stop-and-go activities in combination with load bearing and with the complexity of the fractures. Concerning the subjective outcome, there was a significant adverse effect for daily activities without any difference in preoperative or postoperative sporting activity between the groups. No difference was found in the radiological assessment.
CONCLUSIONS
Both simple and complex ankle fractures treated with ORIF have a significant and long-lasting impact on functional outcome in young and active patients. The radiological result is not associated with a good functional outcome.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
BASEC-Nr. 2018 - 01124.
Topics: Humans; Female; Ankle Fractures; Male; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Adult; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Radiography; Weight-Bearing; Young Adult; Range of Motion, Articular; Recovery of Function; Aged
PubMed: 38825673
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04820-x -
Journal of Surgical Case Reports May 2024Osteochondral or, even more rarely, purely chondral fractures of the lateral femoral condyle following patella dislocation in adolescents are relatively infrequent....
Osteochondral or, even more rarely, purely chondral fractures of the lateral femoral condyle following patella dislocation in adolescents are relatively infrequent. Various fixation methods are described in the literature, ranging from traditional screws to bioabsorbable constructs or the use of anchors. Each method possesses its own advantages and limitations. Here, we present a case involving a 13-year-old boy with a large purely chondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle after patella dislocation, initially overlooked. We introduce a cost-effective suture-bridge technique for the fixation of this fracture, which eliminates the need for a second operation and has yielded favorable outcomes. It is important to know that fractures of this type can be easily overlooked, necessitating a high index of suspicion and the utilization of advanced imaging techniques to prevent potential long-term catastrophic outcomes for the knee joint.
PubMed: 38817797
DOI: 10.1093/jscr/rjae367 -
The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery 2024Here we present a novel adaptation of the previously described fibula pro-tibial fixation in a case requiring salvage fixation of a bimalleolar ankle fracture in an...
Here we present a novel adaptation of the previously described fibula pro-tibial fixation in a case requiring salvage fixation of a bimalleolar ankle fracture in an osteoporotic patient. Unstable osteoporotic ankle fractures are a challenging injury to manage and typically occur in a frail and comorbid subgroup of patients. Various techniques have been described in the evolution of managing these injuries, e.g. hindfoot nailing and anatomical locking plates, however in this uniquely challenging case a novel strategy was required to mitigate bone loss in the distal fibular fracture fragment. There is some evidence to suggest fibular protibial fixation offers a lower complication profile to its alternatives. The novel use of distal fibula pro-tibial screws offers a new alternative to hindfoot nailing of bimalleolar ankle fracture in osteoporotic bone with compromised distal fibular fragment bone purchase. Further research is required to investigate the compatibility of this technique with early weightbearing.
PubMed: 38817417
DOI: 10.22038/ABJS.2024.76119.3515 -
Foot & Ankle International May 2024Syndesmotic malreduction is common and has been associated to an impaired outcome. Various risk factors for DTFJ malreduction have been postulated. The aims of this...
BACKGROUND
Syndesmotic malreduction is common and has been associated to an impaired outcome. Various risk factors for DTFJ malreduction have been postulated. The aims of this study were to assess the DTFJ malreduction rate based on (1) the severity of the syndesmotic injury, (2) the anatomy of the tibial incisura, and (3) the fixation device used in patients treated with suture-button systems.
METHODS
This retrospective, radiographic study included all adult patients who were treated for an acute, unilateral, and unstable syndesmotic injury with a suture-button system and postoperative bilateral CT imaging. Included were isolated syndesmotic injuries and fracture cases. The number of syndesmotic ligaments injured, that is, 2-ligament (AiTFL+IOL) and 3-ligament (AiTFL+IOL+PiTFL), was rated for each patient. The quality of DTFJ reduction, as well as the anatomy of the tibial incisura, was rated based on the postoperative, bilateral CT images and the intraoperative DTFJ reduction was recalculated based on the drilling-tunnel deviation. The possible influence on the DTFJ malreduction rate was assessed.
RESULTS
A total of 147 patients were included, and 94 and 53 patients had a 2- and 3-ligament syndesmotic injury, respectively. In addition, 113 patients were treated with a single-button system, 26 with a double suture-button system, and 8 with a hybrid fixation (suture-button + screw). Malreduction was significantly higher in 3-ligament compared with 2-ligament injuries, both intraoperatively (51% vs 27%; = .003) and postoperatively (28% vs 11%; = .006). The tibial anatomy had no significant influence on the malreduction rates. No significant differences were seen per the different fixation devices used independent of the number of ligaments injured.
CONCLUSION
This study did not find an influence of the incisura's anatomy on the DTFJ malreduction rate. However, we did find that 3-ligament syndesmotic injuries carried a higher risk of intra- and postoperative malreduction compared with 2-ligament injuries.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
Level III, retrospective radiologic study.
PubMed: 38817051
DOI: 10.1177/10711007241238227