Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of posterior malleolus fixation on the function of ankle in patients with ankle fracture. Methods Between June 2007 and June 2009, 110 patients with ankle fracture were treated with posteriormalleolus fixation in 59 patients (fixation group) or without fixation in 51 patients (non-fixation group). In fixation group, there were 31 males and 28 females with an average age of 62.6 years (range, 19-75 years); the causes of injury included traffic accident (20 cases), falling (18 cases), and sprain (21 cases) with a disease duration of 1-3 days (2.2 days on average); and the locations were left ankle in 32 cases and right ankle in 27 cases, including 6 cases of type I, 23 of type II, 19 of type III, and 11 of type IV according to the ankle fracture clssification. In non-fixation group, there were 38 males and 13 females with an average age of 64.5 years (range, 16-70 years); the causes of injury included traffic accident (15 cases), falling (12 cases), and sprain (24 cases) with a disease duration of 1-3 days (2.5 days on average); and the locations were left ankle in 22 cases and right ankle in 29 cases, including 8 cases of type I, 16 of type II, 19 of type III, and 8 of type IV according to the ankle fracture clssification. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All patients of 2 groups achieved wound heal ing by first intention. The patients were followed up 12-18 months (16 months on average). X-ray films showed that fractures healed at 8-12 weeks (10 weeks on average) in fixation group and at 10-14 weeks (12 weeks on average) in non-fixation group. There were significant differences in the cl inical score (89.28 ± 8.62 vs. 86.88 ± 9.47, P lt; 0.05), postoperative reposition score (33.34 ± 2.15 vs. 31.24 ± 2.89, P lt; 0.05), and osteoarthritis score (13.22 ± 1.66 vs. 12.46 ± 2.03, P lt; 0.05) according to Phill i ps ankle scoring system between 2 groups at last follow-up. There was no significant difference in cl inical score of type I and II patients between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were found in cl inical score and osteoarthritis score of type III and IV patients between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). There were significant differences in the postoperative reposition score between 2 groups in all types of fractures (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The posterior malleolus fixation may provide satisfactory cl inical functional outcomes for ankle fracture. Proper fracture classification and correct method of internal fixation are important for achieving good reduction and improving the long-term results.
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical value of computer-assisted surgical planning in the treatment of ankle fractures.
MethodsBetween January 2012 and January 2014, open reduction and internal fixation were performed on 42 patients with ankle fractures. There were 22 males and 20 females with an average age of 52 years (range, 19-72 years). The causes were spraining injury (20 cases), traffic accident injury (14 cases), and falling from height injury (8 cases). The time from injury to operation was 5 hours to 12 days (mean, 2.5 days). All fractures were closed trimalleolar fractures. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, 25 cases were rated as supination extorsion type IV, 13 as pronation extorsion type IV, and 4 as pronation abduction type Ⅲ. The preoperative planning was made by virtual reduction and internal fixation using Superimage software.
ResultsThe mean operation time was 93.7 minutes (range, 76-120 minutes). Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 case, and secondary healing was obtained after treatment; primary healing of incision was achieved in the other patients. Postoperative X-ray films and CT images showed anatomic reduction of fracture and good position of internal fixation. All patients were followed up 14.6 months on average (range, 9-27 months). The range of motion of the affected ankle was close to the normal side at 6-8 weeks. The mean fracture healing time was 13.1 weeks (range, 11-17 weeks). Degenerative change of the ankle joint was observed in 3 cases (7.1%) with manifestation of mild narrowing of joint space on the X-ray films at last follow-up. According to Baird-Jackson score system, the results were excellent in 24 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 88%.
ConclusionComputer-assisted surgical planning for ankle fractures can help surgeons identify type of ankle fractures and improve surgical scheme for guiding fracture reduction and selecting and placing implants, so good effectiveness can be obtained.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of full repair strategy under small incision in the treatment of closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 57 patients with closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture treated by full repair strategy (fracture, ligament, and cartilage repair) under small incision between January 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 26 females, with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 21-65 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 33 cases and falling injury in 24 cases. All of them were closed fractures, including 20 cases of medial malleolus fracture, 37 cases of complete medial malleolus but deep and shallow rupture of deltoid ligament. The average time from injury to admission was 9.6 hours (range, 3-34 hours). The quality of reduction of distal tibial articular surface (based on Ketz-Sanders standard), the reduction of tibiofibular syndesmosis (the anterior and posterior distances of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the lateral ankle twist angle measured by CT scan at 10 mm above the ankle joint line), and the fracture healing were evaluated. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL) were measured on the X-ray films of ankle points. Before and after operation, the pain and functional improvement of ankle joint were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score, and the activities of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured.ResultsThree cases with osteochondral lesions of the talus were found during operation and all were treated with microfracture techniques. Tournament paralysis occurred in 2 cases after anesthesia. The surgical incisions healed by first intention in all patients. All the 57 patients were followed up 24-84 months, with an average of 38.6 months. All patients achieved bone healing without bone nonunion and malunion at 12 months after operation. The reduction quality of distal tibial articular surface was excellent in 56 cases and good in 1 case at 3 months after operation, the excellent and good rate was 100%. There was no significant difference in the MCS, TFCS, DFTL, anterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, posterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and lateral ankle twist angle between the affected and healthy sides at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities of the affected side were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy side, there was no significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities (P>0.05).ConclusionFull-repair strategy under small incisions for the treatment of Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture is effective and safe. It can not only reduce wound complications, but also improve the quality of joint reduction of the ankle joint and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Full repair of ligaments and cartilage can improve the internal fixation strength and joint stability of the ankle joint.
To evaluate the biomechanical action of lateral malleolar’s anatomical hook-plate in treatingWeber A-type ankle fracture. Methods Forty-eight cadaveric specimens of adult’s inferior extremities from June 2005to October 2006 were observed, consisting of 26 males and 22 females and aged 18-55 years. The external malleolus of the specimens were transected by using a wire saw at the ankle joint level, and then were divided into 4 groups randomly (groups A, B, C and D). Four distinct internal fixation instruments were used: lateral malleolar’s anatomical hook-plate in group A, general screws in group B , 1/3 tubular plate in group C and standard tension band in group D. Each group was further divided into 2 subgroups, A1-D1 and A2-D2. A1-D1 groups underwent anti-pressure and A2-D2 groups underwent anti-torsion biomechanically comparative analysis. Results The peak values of anti-pressure experiments in groups A1-D1 were (799.83 ± 105.47), (699.17 ± 63.81), (598.83 ± 123.14) and (453.00 ± 111.67) N respectively, group A1 was significantly higher than groups B1, C1 and D1 (P lt; 0.01); meanwhile, the peak values of anti-torsion experiments in groups A2-D2 were (37.17 ± 1.81), (30.33 ± 2.22), (20.50 ± 2.92), (24.83 ± 3.47) Nm respectively, group A2 was significantly higher than groups B2, C2 and D2 (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion The lateral malleolar’s anatomical hook-plate represents a definite biomechanical superiority, when compared with other 3 internal fixation instruments in treating fracture of external mlleolus.
Objective
To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of absorbable screws for the treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions by comparing with metallic screws.
Methods
Between July 2007 and May 2012, 69 patients with tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions associated with ankle fractures were treated; absorbable screw fixation was used in 38 cases (group A) and metallic screw fixation was used in 31 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury causes, the type of fracture, the side of fracture, and disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The fracture healing time, weight bearing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups. According to Baird-Jackson scoring system, the function of the ankle was assessed after 6 months.
Results
Infection of incision occurred in 3 cases (7.9%) of group A and 2 cases (6.5%) of group B, and skin necrosis of incision in 1 case (2.6%) of group A and 5 cases (16.1%) of group B, showing no significant difference in the incidences of infection and necrosis of incisions between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05); primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. The 69 cases were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18.6 months). The weight bearing time was (2.97 ± 0.59) months in group A and was (3.16 ± 0.74 ) months in group B, showing no significant difference (t=1.175, P=0.244). X-ray films showed that fractures and tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions healed in 2 groups; the healing time was (5.71 ± 1.01) months in group A and was (5.81 ± 1.08) months in group B, showing no significant difference (t=0.381, P=0.705). No fixation failure, breakage, or loosening occurred in 2 groups. According to Baird-Jackson scoring system, the results were excellent in 29 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% in group A at 6 months after operation; the results were excellent in 20 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 4 cases with an excellent and good rate of 87.1% in group B; no significant difference was found in the excellent and good rate between 2 groups (Z=
—
0.991, P=0.321).
Conclusion
Treatment of tibiofibular syndesmotic disruptions with absorbable screws can get good effectiveness and replace metallic screws because of avoiding additional operation for removing the screw.
Objectives To systematically review the economic burden of surgical treatment for ankle fracture in China. Methods PubMed, EMbase, CNKI, WanFang Data and VIP databases were electronically searched to collect studies on economic burden of surgical treatment for ankle fracture in China from inception to December 1st, 2017. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed risk of bias of included studies. Description analysis were then performed by Excel software. Results A total of 67 studies were included. The analysis showed that: the average cost of hospitalization generally tend to rise during 2004 to 2013. The highest was 17 700 yuan in 2013. After 2013, the expense gradually stabilized. The average annual growth rate of hospitalization costs was 12.3% during 2004 to 2016. The percentage of hospitalization costs accounted for the per capita disposable income of households in region was stable during 2004 to 2016 (around 60%). Conclusions Although the average hospitalization costs in China generally show an upward trend, the percentage of hospitalization costs accounted for the per capita disposable income of household is relatively stable. The study on the indirect economic burden is required to be further carried out. Due to limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more high quality studies are required to verify above conclusions.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of early internal fixation combined with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) transplantation in the treatment of open ankle fracture-dislocation. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 patients with open ankle fracture-dislocation who were admitted and met the inclusion criteria between January 2021 and May 2024. Among them, there were 9 males and 4 females, with the ages ranging from 23 to 61 years (mean, 45.3 years). Fracture types included 5 cases of simple medial or lateral malleolar fracture-dislocation, 7 cases of bimalleolar (medial and lateral) fracture-dislocation, and 1 case of trimalleolar fracture-dislocation. Additionally, 3 cases were complicated with bone defects (1 medial malleolus defect and 2 lateral malleolus defects). All injuries were classified as type ⅢB according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures. The size of wound defects ranged from 7 cm×5 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The time from injury to surgery was 2-20 hours (mean, 4 hours). All patients underwent emergency thorough debridement upon admission. The fracture-dislocation was temporarily stabilized with an external fixator, and the wound was covered with antibiotic-impregnated bone cement sheets or vacuum sealing drainage. Definitive internal fixation of the fracture and free ALTPF transplantation were performed 5-7 days after the initial emergency procedure. Postoperatively, wound healing, flap survival, and fracture union were monitored. At last follow-up, clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Results All 13 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 8.2 months). All flaps survived completely, and all fractures achieved union, with an union time of 3-11 months (mean, 5.5 months). One patient developed a superficial infection at the wound margin, which healed after regular dressing changes and drainage. No internal fixation-related complication (e.g., deep infection, implant loosening, or secondary ankle instability) were observed. At last follow-up, the total AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 78.6±13.5, with 3 excellent, 7 good, 2 fair, and 1 poor cases, yielding an excellent and good rate of 76.9%. ConclusionEarly internal fixation combined with ALTPF transplantation for open ankle fracture-dislocation can shorten the treatment course and maximize the recovery of ankle joint function.
ObjectiveTo explore the necessity of repairing the deep layer of deltoid ligament in the treatment of mixed medial injury associated with ankle fractures.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2018, 12 patients with mixed medial injury associated with ankle fractures were treated with the fixation of the lateral malleolus by bone plates, the fixation of the anterior colliculus of medial malleolus by cannulated screws, and the repair of the deltoid ligament by suture anchors. There were 8 males and 4 females, with an average age of 42 years (range, 18-56 years). According to the Lauge-Hansen classification criteria, there were 11 cases of supination-external rotation type and 1 case of pronation-external rotation type. According to the Weber classification criteria, all cases were type B. The time from injury to operation was 3-6 days, with an average of 4.7 days. In each patient, X-ray films of anteroposterior and lateral views and mortise view of ankle were taken postoperatively. The motion range of ankle joints was observed. The function of the ankle and the outcome of the treatment were evaluated according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system, Olerud-Molander scoring system, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score.ResultsAll cases were followed up 12-42 months (mean, 28 months). The 12 patients returned to their pre-injury jobs. Five patients with sports injury completely recovered to their pre-injury motor function. No patient experienced persistent medial ankle pain or ankle instability. At last follow-up, the ankle range of motion in dorsiflexion was 9°-25° (mean, 17.96°), which was 0°-11° (mean, 4.02°) less than that in normal side; the range of motion in plantar flexion was 38°-50° (mean, 43.90°), which was 0°-7° (mean, 2.53°) less than that in normal side. The AOFAS score was 88-100 (mean, 96.7); the Olerud-Molander score was 90-100 (mean, 96.5); the VAS score was 0-3 (mean, 1.1).ConclusionIt is necessary to repair the deep layer of deltoid ligament in the mixed medial injuries associated with ankle fracture, which include anterior colliculus fracture and deep deltoid ligament injury. A better outcome can be achieved by employing the suture anchor repair method.
ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical features of ankle fractures involving Tillaux-Chaput in adults, and to observe the surgical effectiveness.
MethodsBetween May 2009 and May 2013, 15 adult patients with ankle fractures involving Tillaux-Chaput were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. There were 12 males and 3 females, with an average age of 32 years (range, 19-45 years). The causes included sport injury (8 cases), traffic accident injury (5 cases), and falling injury from height (2 cases). The left ankle was involved in 5 cases and the right side in 10 cases. There were 2 open fractures (Gustilo type I) and 13 close fractures. Five patients had single Tillaux-Chaput fractures. The mean time between injury and surgery was 8.5 days (range, 3 hours to 15 days). According to the Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 9 cases of supination-external rotation, 5 cases of pronation-external rotation, and 1 case of pronation-abduction.
ResultsPrimary healing of incisions was obtained in 13 patients without infection and neurovascular injury; 2 patients had superficial infection which was cured after oral antibiotics and dressing change. All cases were followed up for 23 months on average (range, 13-36 months). X-ray films showed complete fracture healing at 10-16 weeks postoperatively (mean, 13 weeks) in all cases. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 87 (range, 78-99), with an excellent and good rate of 80% (excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 3 cases).
ConclusionOpen reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures involving Tillaux-Chaput in adults can achieve excellent effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety and effectiveness of anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique in treatment of pronation ankle fractures.MethodsThe clinical data of 53 patients with pronation ankle fractures between April 2015 and October 2016, who were treated with anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique applied for fracture reduction and internal fixation, were analysed retrospectively. There were 35 males and 18 females with an average age of 33.1 years (range, 18-60 years). The cause of injury included traffic accidents in 27 cases, tumbling in 5 cases, fall from height in 4 cases, twisted injury in 6 cases, sports injuries in 4 cases, and bruises in 7 cases. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 44 cases of pronation external rotation stage Ⅳ and 9 cases of pronation abduction stage Ⅲ. The interval between injury and operation was 4-10 days (mean, 7 days). Postoperative pain and function of ankles were assessed by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and visual analogue pain scale (VAS) score. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL), the anterior and posterior tibiofibular syndesmosis distance, and the lateral malleolus twist angle were measured by X-ray films and CT of bilateral ankle joints.ResultsThe tourniquet application time was 55-90 minutes (mean, 72.5 minutes); the frequency of fluoroscopy was 5-13 times (mean, 8.9 times). All incisions healed by first intention and no infection, deep vein thrombosis occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 28-48 months (mean, 36 months). There was no significant difference in postoperative MCS, TFCS, DFTL, the anterior and posterior tibiofibular syndesmosis distance, and the lateral malleolus twist angle between bilateral ankle joints (P>0.05). At last follow-up, no ankle instability occurred and the degenerative changes of ankle joints (Kellgren-Lawrence grading Ⅱ) occurred in 5 cases. The average AOFAS score of the ankle joint was 90.84 (range, 85-95); mean VAS score was 1.23 (range, 0-5). The average dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of ankle joints was 20.24° (range, 15-25°) and 42.56° (range, 30-50°), respectively.ConclusionAnatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique in treatment of pronation ankle fractures can expose the talocrural joint and lower tibiofibular syndesmosis clearly, repair the osteoligaments injury directly, and assist the syndesmosis and talocrural joint reduction, and decline the incidence of ankle degeneration.
