Use of a cast compared with a functional ankle brace after operative treatment of an ankle fracture. A prospective, randomized study

Early Weightbearing and Range of Motion Versus Non-Weightbearing and Immobilization After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare early weightbearing and range of motion (ROM) to nonweightbearing and immobilization in a cast after surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures.

DESIGN

Multicentre randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Two-level one trauma centers.

PATIENTS

One hundred ten patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable ankle fracture were recruited and randomized.

INTERVENTION

One of 2 rehabilitation protocols: (1) Early weightbearing (weightbearing and ROM at 2 weeks, Early WB) or (2) Late weightbearing (nonweightbearing and cast immobilization for 6 weeks, Late WB).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The primary outcome measure was time to return to work (RTW). Secondary outcome measures included: ankle ROM, SF-36 heath outcome scores, Olerud/Molander ankle function score, and rates of complications.

RESULTS

There was no difference in RTW. At 6 weeks postoperatively, patients in the Early WB group had significantly improved ankle ROM (41 vs. 29, P < 0.0001); Olerud/Molander ankle function scores (45 vs. 32, P = 0.0007), and SF-36 scores on both the physical (51 vs. 42, P = 0.008) and mental (66 vs. 54, P = 0.0008) components. There were no differences with regard to wound complications or infections and no cases of fixation failure or loss of reduction. Patients in the Late WB group had higher rates of planned/performed hardware removal due to plate irritation (19% vs. 2%, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the convenience for the patient, early improved functional outcome, and the lack of an increased complication rate, we recommend early postoperative weightbearing and ROM in patients with surgically treated ankle fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Interventions for treating ankle fractures in children

BACKGROUND

Ankle fractures, which usually occur after a twisting incident, are a diverse collection of injuries with different levels of complexity and severity. They have an incidence of 1 in 1000 a year in children. Treatment generally involves splints and casts for minor fractures and surgical fixation with screws, plates and pins followed by immobilisation for more serious fractures.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of different interventions for treating ankle fractures in children.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (22 September 2015), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 8), MEDLINE (1946 to September Week 2 2015), MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations (21 September 2015), EMBASE (1980 to 2015 Week 38), CINAHL (1937 to 22 September 2015), trial registers (17 February 2015), conference proceedings and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating interventions for treating ankle fractures in children.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts and full articles for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and collected data. We undertook no meta-analysis.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three randomised controlled trials reporting results for 189 children, all of whom had a clinical diagnosis of a "low risk" ankle fracture. These were predominantly classified as undisplaced Salter-Harris type I fractures of the distal fibula. All three trials compared non-surgical management options. The three trials were at high risk of bias, primarily relating to the impracticality of blinding participants and treating clinicians to the allocated interventions.Two trials compared the Aircast Air-Stirrup ankle brace versus a rigid cast, which was a removable fibreglass posterior splint in one trial (trial A) and a below-knee fibreglass walking cast in the other trial (trial B). In trial A, both devices were removed at around two weeks. In trial B, removal of the brace was optional after five days, while the walking cast was removed after three weeks. There was low-quality evidence of clinically important differences in function scores at four weeks in favour of the brace groups of both trials. Function was measured using the Activities Scale for Kids-performance (ASKp; score range 0 to 100, higher scores mean better function) in trial A and using a modified version of the ASKp score (range 0 to 100%, higher percentages mean better function) in trial B. The results for trial A (40 participants) were median 91.9 in the brace group versus 84.2 in the splint group. The results for trial B (104 participants) were 91.3% versus 85.3%; mean difference (MD) 6.00% favouring brace (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38% to 10.62%). Trial B indicated that 5% amounted to a clinically relevant difference in the modified ASKp score. Neither trial reported on unacceptable anatomy or related outcomes or long-term follow-up. There was very low-quality evidence relating to adverse events, none of which were serious. Trial A found twice as many children with pressure-related complications in the brace group (10 of 20 versus 5 of 20). In contrast, trial B found four times as many children in the cast group had adverse outcomes assessed in terms of an unscheduled visit to a healthcare provider (4 of 54 versus 16 of 50). Both trials linked some of the adverse events in the brace group with the failure to wear a protective sock. There was very low-quality evidence indicating an earlier return to pre-injury activity in the brace groups in both trials. Trial B provided low-quality evidence that children much prefer five days or more wearing an ankle brace than three weeks immobilised in a walking ankle cast. There was moderate-quality evidence of a lack of difference between the two groups in pain at four weeks.The third trial compared the Tubigrip bandage plus crutches and advice versus a plaster of Paris walking cast for two weeks and reported results at four weeks' follow-up for 45 children with an inversion injury of the ankle. The trial found very low-quality evidence of little difference in pain and function between the two groups, measured using a non-validated pain and function score at four weeks. The trial did not report on adverse effects. There was very low-quality evidence of an earlier return to normal activities, averaging six days, in children treated with Tubigrip (mean 14.17 days for Tubigrip versus 20.19 days for cast; MD -6.02 days, 95% CI -8.92 to -3.12 days).Recent evidence from magnetic resonance imaging studies of the main category of injury evaluated in these three trials suggests that most of the injuries in these trials were sprains or bone bruises rather than fractures of the distal fibular growth plate.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low-quality evidence of a quicker recovery of self reported function at four weeks in children with clinically diagnosed low-risk ankle fractures who are treated with an ankle brace compared with those treated with a rigid cast, especially a non-removable walking cast. There is otherwise a lack of evidence from randomised controlled trials to inform clinical practice for children with ankle fractures. Research to identify and address priority questions on the treatment of these common fractures is needed.

Association Between Diabetes, Obesity, and Short-Term Outcomes Among Patients Surgically Treated for Ankle Fracture

BACKGROUND

Although obesity is widely accepted as a risk factor for surgical complications following orthopaedic surgery, the literature is unclear with regard to the effect of obesity on outcomes of ankle fracture surgery, particularly in the setting of competing risks from diabetes. We hypothesized that obesity would be independently associated with more frequent complications, longer hospital length of stay, and higher costs of care among patients with and without diabetes.

METHODS

With use of data from 2001 to 2010 from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified all adult patients who underwent surgical treatment for a primary diagnosis of an isolated ankle fracture or dislocation. We then divided patients into four groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes or obesity: Group A included patients with neither diagnosis; Group B, obesity alone; Group C, diabetes alone; and Group D, both diagnoses. Multivariable regression models were constructed to determine the association between diagnostic group and in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay, and imputed costs of care, while controlling for other conditions.

RESULTS

The final sample included 148,483 patients (78.4% in Group A, 5.0% in Group B, 13.6% in Group C, and 3.0% in Group D). The median age was 53.0 years, and most patients (62.2%) were female and had a closed bimalleolar or trimalleolar fracture (62.2%). In the unadjusted analysis, the frequency of in-hospital complications (2.6%, 4.2%, 5.3%, and 6.5% in Groups A, B, C, and D, respectively; p < 0.001), length of stay (3.0, 3.6, 4.4, and 4.8 days, respectively; p < 0.001), and costs of care ($9686, $10,555, $11,616, and $12,804, respectively, in 2010 U.S. dollars; p < 0.001) increased across groups. Patients with obesity alone (Group B) (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3 to 1.6), diabetes alone (Group C) (OR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0 to 1.2), and both diagnoses (Group D) (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.2 to 1.5) had more frequent in-hospital complications than those with neither diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients with concurrent diagnoses of diabetes and obesity had higher health-care utilization and costs than those with neither diagnosis or with obesity alone or diabetes alone. The delay in the diagnosis of diabetes may somewhat obscure the true effect.

Functional Comparison of Immediate and Late Weight Bearing after Ankle Bimalleolar Fracture Surgery

AIM

The aim of the study is to compare immediate weight bearing with below-knee cast or immobilization with plaster splint in 6 weeks in patients after operative treatment for ankle bimalleolar fractures.

METHODS

Fifty-three patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures were treated operatively in 2005 to 2010 and then were randomly allocated to two groups. Immediately weight bearing in a below-knee cast (26 patients) and immobilization in a plaster splint for the first six postoperative weeks (27 patients). A mean age 37.9 (min 17; max 72). An average follow-up 26.1 months. (min 14; max 55). All fractures were classified with Lauge-Hansen classification. Functional results of both groups were evaluated with AOFAS for the postoperative one year after surgical treatment.

RESULTS

According to the AOFAS scoring system, results were excellent and good in 17 patients in group 1. On the other hand, results were excellent and good in 14 patients in group 2.

CONCLUSION

As a result we think that weight bearing protocol should be advantaged for patients with ankle bimalleolar fractures after surgical treatment immediately.

Weight bearing or non-weight bearing after surgically fixed ankle fractures, the WOW! Study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The optimal post-operative care regimen after surgically fixed Lauge Hansen supination exorotation injuries remains to be established. This study compares whether unprotected weight bearing as tolerated is superior to protected weight bearing and unprotected non-weight bearing in terms of functional outcome and safety.

Methods/Design

The WOW! Study is a prospective multicenter clinical trial. Patients between 18 and 65 years of age with a Lauge Hansen supination exorotation type 2, 3 or 4 ankle fractures requiring surgical treatment are eligible for inclusion. An expert panel validates the classification and inclusion eligibility. After surgery, patients are randomized to either the 1) unprotected non-weight-bearing, 2) protected weight-bearing, or 3) unprotected weight-bearing group.

The primary outcome measure is ankle-specific disability measured by the Olerud-Molander ankle score. Secondary outcomes are 1) quality of life (e.g., return to work and resumption of sport), 2) complications, 3) range of motion, 4) calf wasting, and 5) maximum pressure load after 3 months and 1 year.

Discussion

This trial is designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of unprotected weight bearing with two commonly used post-operative treatment regimens after internal fixation of specified, intrinsically stable but displaced ankle fractures. An expert panel has been established to evaluate every potential subject, which ensures that every patient is strictly screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and that there is a clear indication for surgical fixation.

Trial registration

The WOW! Study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR3727). Date of registration: 28-11-2012.

Weight-bearing and mobilization in the postoperative care of ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness and safety of interventions used for rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using both randomized trials and cohort studies. The effect of mobilization, weight-bearing, and unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated on postoperative recovery was compared using the Olerud Molander score, return to work/daily activities, and the rate of complications.

Results

A total of 25 articles were included. Ankle exercises resulted in earlier return to work and/or daily activities compared to immobilization (mean difference (MD) -20.76 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) -40.02 to -1.50). There was no difference in the rate of complications between exercises and immobilization (risk ratio (RR) 1.22; 95% CI 0.60 to 2.45) or between early and late weight-bearing (RR 1.26; 95%CI 0.56 to 2.85).

Interpretation

Results of this meta-analysis show that following ankle surgery, 1) active exercises accelerate return to work and daily activities compared to immobilization, 2) early weight-bearing tends to accelerate return to work and daily activities compared to late weight-bearing. Active exercises in combination with immediate weight-bearing may be a safe option.

Removal of the syndesmotic screw after the surgical treatment of a fracture of the ankle in adult patients does not affect one-year outcomes

Our aim was to compare the one-year post-operative outcomes following retention or removal of syndesmotic screws in adult patients with a fracture of the ankle that was treated surgically. A total of 51 patients (35 males, 16 females), with a mean age of 33.5 years (16 to 62), undergoing fibular osteosynthesis and syndesmotic screw fixation, were randomly allocated to retention of the syndesmotic screw or removal at three months post-operatively. The two groups were comparable at baseline.

One year post-operatively, there was no significant difference in the mean Olerud–Molander ankle score (82.4 retention vs 86.7 removal, p = 0.367), the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (88.6 vs 90.1, p = 0.688), the mean American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons foot and ankle score (96.3 vs 94.0, p = 0.250), the mean visual analogue pain score (1.0 vs 0.7, p = 0.237), the mean active dorsiflexion (10.2° vs 13.0°, p = 0.194) and plantar flexion (33.6° vs 31.3°, p = 0.503) of the ankle, or the mean radiological tibiofibular clear space (5.0 mm vs 5.3 mm, p = 0.276) between the two groups. A total of 19 patients (76%) in the retention group had a loose and/or broken screw one year post-operatively.

We conclude that removal of a syndesmotic screw produces no significant functional, clinical or radiological benefit in adult patients who are treated surgically for a fracture of the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1699–1705.

Bracing versus casting in ankle fractures

Casting and splinting techniques for treating patients with fractures have been used for centuries. Functional bracing after ankle fracture has recently been utilized in an effort to avoid the atrophy and stiffness sometimes associated with casting; functional bracing allows for early mobilization of the ankle joint during recovery. Our review investigated the published literature comparing bracing with casting after ankle fracture. Studies examining both operatively and nonoperatively treated ankle fractures were included. There is minimal evidence supporting the use of functional bracing over cast immobilization to improve functional outcome, range of motion, swelling, or post-traumatic arthrosis after ankle fracture in the long term. The primary benefits of functional bracing are the potential to return to work earlier and bracing may facilitate activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. In addition, there may be a decreased patient risk of developing deep vein thrombosis due to immobilization. However, there is an increased risk of wound infection when using a brace after open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable ankle fracture. Functional bracing can be used for treating stable and postoperative ankle fractures in compliant patients to potentially expedite and facilitate the recovery process.

Prognosis of physical function following ankle fracture: a systematic review with meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the prognosis of physical function following ankle fracture.

BACKGROUND

Information about the course of recovery of physical function after ankle fracture is essential for patient care and health care policy. The existing data have not previously been included in a meta-analysis.

METHODS

Studies were identified using searches of electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, AMED, SPORTDiscus) and gray literature to September 2012. Studies of people with traumatic ankle fracture were included. Two reviewers independently screened references for inclusion, then extracted data and evaluated risk of bias. The outcome of interest was physical function (physical activity and activity limitation). Outcomes were converted to a common 100-point scale, on which higher scores indicated better outcomes. Meta-regression was conducted using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

Thirty-one studies (37 articles) were included. Adults with ankle fracture, present with significant activity limitation in the short term (mean at 1 month, 31.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.8, 45.1), recovered markedly but incompletely in the short to medium term (mean at 6 months, 78.3; 95% CI: 70.1, 85.1), and showed little further improvement in the long term (mean at 24 months, 86.6; 95% CI: 78.2, 95.0). Studies with older participants and predominantly male participants tended to report worse functional outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Adults typically experience a rapid initial recovery of physical function after ankle fracture (approximately 80% function at 6 months), but, on average, recovery remains incomplete 24 months after injury. PROSPERO registration number: 42012002979.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognosis, level 2a.

Compression stockings in the management of fractures of the ankle: a randomised controlled trial

In this randomised controlled trial, we evaluated the role of elastic compression using ankle injury stockings (AIS) in the management of fractures of the ankle. A total of 90 patients with a mean age of 47 years (16 to 79) were treated within 72 hours of presentation with a fracture of the ankle, 31 of whom were treated operatively and 59 conservatively, were randomised to be treated either with compression by AIS plus an Aircast boot or Tubigrip plus an Aircast boot. Male to female ratio was 36:54. The primary outcome measure was the functional Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS). The secondary outcome measures were; the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS); the Short Form (SF)-12v2 Quality of Life score; and the frequency of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Compression using AIS reduced swelling of the ankle at all time points and improved the mean OMAS score at six months to 98 (95% confidence interval (CI) 96 to 99) compared with a mean of 67 (95% CI 62 to 73) for the Tubigrip group (p < 0.001). The mean AOFAS and SF-12v2 scores at six months were also significantly improved by compression. Of 86 patients with duplex imaging at four weeks, five (12%) of 43 in the AIS group and ten (23%) of 43 in the Tubigrip group developed a DVT (p = 0.26). Compression improved functional outcome and quality of life following fracture of the ankle. DVTs were frequent, but a larger study would be needed to confirm that compression with AISs reduces the incidence of DVT.

Early ankle movement versus immobilization in the postoperative management of ankle fracture in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES

To compare early ankle movement versus ankle immobilization after surgery for ankle fracture on clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients undergoing surgery for ankle fracture experience postoperative complications and delayed return to function. The risks and benefits of movement of the ankle in the first 6 weeks after surgery are not known, and clinical practice varies widely.

METHODS

We searched bibliographic databases and reference lists to identify eligible trials. Two independent reviewers conducted data extraction and risk-of-bias assessments.

RESULTS

Fourteen trials (705 participants) were included in the review, 11 of which were included in the meta-analysis. The quality of the trials was universally poor. The pooled effect of early ankle movement on function at 9 to 12 weeks after surgery compared to immobilization was inconclusive (standardized mean difference, 0.46; 95% confidence interval: -0.02, 0.93; P = .06; I(2) = 72%), and no differences were observed between groups at 1 year. The odds of venous thromboembolism were significantly lower with early ankle movement compared to immobilization (Peto odds ratio = 0.12; 95% confidence interval: 0.02, 0.71; P = .02; I(2) = 0%). Deep surgical site infection (Peto odds ratio = 7.08; 95% confidence interval: 1.39, 35.99; P = .02; I(2) = 0%), superficial surgical site infection, fixation failure, and reoperation to remove metalwork were more common after early ankle movement compared to immobilization.

CONCLUSION

The quality of evidence is poor. The effects of early movement after ankle surgery on short-term functional outcomes are unclear, but there is no observable difference in the longer term. There is a small reduction in risk of postoperative thromboembolism with early ankle movement. Current evidence suggests that deep and superficial surgical site infections, fixation failure, and the need to remove metalwork are more common after early ankle movement. Level of Evidence Therapy, level 1a-.

Weight bearing after a periarticular fracture: what is the evidence?

Orthopedic surgeons frequently provide weight-bearing recommendations to guide patient recovery following lower extremity fractures. This article discusses the available literature regarding the effects of early weight bearing on fracture healing, patient compliance with weight bearing restrictions, and the effect of different weight bearing protocols following acetabular, tibial plateau, tibial plafond, ankle, and calcaneus fractures.

The effect of obesity on early failure after operative syndesmosis injuries

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this investigation was to determine if obese patients with syndesmotic injuries have a higher incidence of early postoperative failure compared with nonobese patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Level 1 urban trauma center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred thirteen patients with operative syndesmotic injuries were divided into 2 cohorts: obese and nonobese. All syndesmotic injuries were confirmed by intraoperative stress testing, reduced, and stabilized with internal fixation.

INTERVENTION

Fixation of displaced syndesmosis injuries with solid 3.5- and 4.5-mm screws.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was early failure of fixation, defined as revision surgery within 3 months for ankle mortise and/or syndesmosis displacement.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirteen patients were identified with operative syndesmosis injuries, of which 102 (48%) were obese and 111 (52%) were nonobese. Fifteen percent (n = 15) of patients in the obese cohort sustained a failure of fixation compared with 1.8% (n = 2) of patients in the nonobese cohort (P = 0.0005). Diabetes mellitus, smoking status, and the type of construct used (eg, screw caliber, number of screws, and number of cortices) were not predictive of loss of reduction. Adjusting for injury severity, obese patients were 12 times more likely to suffer a loss of reduction compared with nonobese patients (odds ratio = 12.0, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong association between obesity and loss of reduction after operative treatment of the syndesmosis. Further research is warranted to determine if a stronger mechanical construct or more conservative postoperative protocol can reduce the risk of loss of reduction in obese patients who sustain a syndesmotic injury.

The Swedish version of OMAS is a reliable and valid outcome measure for patients with ankle fractures

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the test-retest reliability and the validity of the self-reported questionnaire Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) in subjects after an ankle fracture.

Methods

When evaluating the test-retest reliability of the OMAS, 42 subjects surgically treated due to an ankle fracture participated 12 months after injury. OMAS was completed by the patients on two occasions at one to two weeks’ interval. Concurrent criterion validity was evaluated using the five subscales of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and global self-rating function (GSRF), which is a five-grade Likert scale with the alternatives: “very good”, “good”, “fair”, “poor”, “very poor”. Forty-six patients participated in the validation against FAOS, and for GSRF 105 patients participated at 6 months and 99 at 12 months. Uni-, bi- and trimalleolar fractures were all included and both non-rigid and rigid surgical techniques were used. All fractures healed without complications. Before analysis of the results the five groups according to GSRF were reduced to three: “good”, “fair” and “poor”. Test-retest reliability was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of measurement (SEM and SEM%) and the smallest real difference (SRD and SRD%). The Cronbach’s alpha score and validity versus FAOS was assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation and validity versus GSRF using the Kruskal-Wallis Test and the Mann–Whitney U-Test as ad hoc analyses.

Results

The test-retest reliability correlation coefficient obtained was rho = 0.95 and ICC = 0.94. The SEM was 4.4 points and SEM% 5.8% and should be interpreted as the smallest change that indicates a real change of clinical interest for a group of subjects. The SRD was 12 points and SRD% 15.8% and should be interpreted as the smallest change that indicates a real change of clinical interest for a single subject. The correlation coefficients versus the five subscales of FAOS ranged from rho = 0.80 to 0.86. There were significant differences between GSRF groups “good”, “fair” and “poor” (p < 0.001) at both the six-month and the 12-month follow-up. The internal consistency for the OMAS was 0.76. The effect size between results from 6-month and 12-month follow-up turned out be 0.44 and should be considered as medium.

Conclusion

The results showed that the test-retest reliability of the Swedish version of OMAS was very high in subjects after an ankle fracture and the standard error of measurement was low. Furthermore the OMAS was found to be valid using both the five subscales of FAOS and the GSRF. The OMAS can thus be used as an outcome measure after an ankle fracture.

Biomechanical comparison of three 2.7-mm screws and two 3.5-mm screws for fixation of simple oblique fractures in human distal fibulae

BACKGROUND

Fixation of simple oblique fractures of short tubular bones with only inter-fragmentary screws is simple and clinically useful. This study compared the biomechanical properties of fixation using three 2.7-mm mini-screw and two conventional 3.5-mm lag screw constructs for simple oblique fractures of the distal fibula in human osteoporotic bone.

METHODS

Simple oblique fractures of the distal fibula at the level of the syndesmosis were simulated in 15 paired fresh frozen ankles, and the calcaneal bone mineral density was measured in each. Fixation with either three 2.7-mm mini-screws (new system) or two 3.5-mm cortical screws (conventional system) was performed in each pair of ankles. The sample size for each type of stress (cantilever bending stress, five pairs; external rotational load to failure, 10 pairs) was calculated before the test. The biomechanical variables (maximal failure load and construct stiffness) of the two fixation groups were compared using a non-inferiority test method with a pre-specified non-inferiority margin.

FINDINGS

The bone mineral density of the calcaneus was assessed as osteoporotic based on reference values for 20- to 29-year-old healthy Koreans. The new system was not inferior to the conventional system in terms of the tested biomechanical properties. The construct failure was initiated from the distal-most screw hole in the anterior cortex.

INTERPRETATION

Fixation with only three 2.7-mm mini-screws provided biomechanical stability comparable to two 3.5-mm cortical screws for simple oblique osteoporotic fractures in the distal fibula under one-shot stress. Mini-screw application for this common fracture might extend the scope of surgical indications for the screws-only fixation method.

Role of patient information handouts following operative treatment of ankle fractures: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

Widespread evidence exists for directed patient information interventions (eg, pamphlets) in the setting of several orthopaedic conditions and interventions. Up until now, no study had assessed the role of these interventions in the management of patients following ankle fractures.

METHODS

Between 2005 and 2007, 40 patients who suffered an operative ankle fracture were randomized to either a standard treatment group for an ankle fracture or an enhanced information group who received an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ankle fracture information pamphlet that explained postoperative routine at our institution and a physiotherapy handout depicting a standard protocol. Study participants were followed for 3 months clinically and radiographically. At the 6-week and 3-month intervals, study participants completed the Olerud-Molander Questionnaire and 2 questions regarding their level of satisfaction. The primary outcome measure was the Likert-scale-based survey question determining the level of satisfaction with the treating staff.

RESULTS

Participants in the enhanced information group were more satisfied with treatment at 3 months (9.2 vs 6.3; P < .001). There were significant improvements in work/activity ability at 6 weeks (P = .01), but this advantage disappeared at 3 months (P = .24). No differences in postoperative complication rates were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Information enhancement in the form of pamphlets can be helpful in providing patients with accessible information in the postoperative period. While they do not seem to have a sustained impact on postoperative outcomes, handouts may enhance the interaction between staff and patient at postoperative visits, improving patient satisfaction.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, appropriately powered randomized prospective cohort study.

Rehabilitation for ankle fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation after ankle fracture can begin soon after the fracture has been treated, either surgically or non-surgically, by the use of different types of immobilisation that allow early commencement of weight-bearing or exercise. Alternatively, rehabilitation, including the use of physical or manual therapies, may start following the period of immobilisation. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2008.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of rehabilitation interventions following conservative or surgical treatment of ankle fractures in adults.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Specialised Registers of the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group and the Cochrane Rehabilitation and Related Therapies Field, CENTRAL via The Cochrane Library (2011 Issue 7), MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, AMED, SPORTDiscus and clinical trials registers up to July 2011. In addition, we searched reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials with adults undergoing any interventions for rehabilitation after ankle fracture were considered. The primary outcome was activity limitation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, patient satisfaction, impairments and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened search results, assessed risk of bias and extracted data. Risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for dichotomous variables, and mean differences or standardised mean differences and 95% CIs were calculated for continuous variables. End of treatment and end of follow-up data were presented separately. For end of follow-up data, short term follow-up was defined as up to three months after randomisation, and long-term follow-up as greater than six months after randomisation. Meta-analysis was performed where appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies with a total of 1896 participants were included. Only one study was judged at low risk of bias. Eight studies were judged at high risk of selection bias because of lack of allocation concealment and over half the of the studies were at high risk of selective reporting bias.Three small studies investigated rehabilitation interventions during the immobilisation period after conservative orthopaedic management. There was limited evidence from two studies (106 participants in total) of short-term benefit of using an air-stirrup versus an orthosis or a walking cast. One study (12 participants) found 12 weeks of hypnosis did not reduce activity or improve other outcomes.Thirty studies investigated rehabilitation interventions during the immobilisation period after surgical fixation. In 10 studies, the use of a removable type of immobilisation combined with exercise was compared with cast immobilisation alone. Using a removable type of immobilisation to enable controlled exercise significantly reduced activity limitation in five of the eight studies reporting this outcome, reduced pain (number of participants with pain at the long term follow-up: 10/35 versus 25/34; risk ratio (RR) 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 0.68; 2 studies) and improved ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. However, it also led to a higher rate of mainly minor adverse events (49/201 versus 20/197; RR 2.30, 95% CI 1.49 to 3.56; 7 studies).During the immobilisation period after surgical fixation, commencing weight-bearing made a small improvement in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion (mean difference in the difference in range of motion compared with the non-fractured side at the long term follow-up 6.17%, 95% CI 0.14 to 12.20; 2 studies). Evidence from one small but potentially biased study (60 participants) showed that neurostimulation, an electrotherapy modality, may be beneficial in the short-term. There was little and inconclusive evidence on what type of support or immobilisation was the best. One study found no immobilisation improved ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion range of motion compared with cast immobilisation, but another showed using a backslab improved ankle dorsiflexion range of motion compared with using a bandage.Five studies investigated different rehabilitation interventions following the immobilisation period after either conservative or surgical orthopaedic management. There was no evidence of effect for stretching or manual therapy in addition to exercise, or exercise compared with usual care. One small study (14 participants) at a high risk of bias found reduced ankle swelling after non-thermal compared with thermal pulsed shortwave diathermy.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence supporting early commencement of weight-bearing and the use of a removable type of immobilisation to allow exercise during the immobilisation period after surgical fixation. Because of the potential increased risk of adverse events, the patient's ability to comply with the use of a removable type of immobilisation to enable controlled exercise is essential. There is little evidence for rehabilitation interventions during the immobilisation period after conservative orthopaedic management and no evidence for stretching, manual therapy or exercise compared to usual care following the immobilisation period. Small, single studies showed that some electrotherapy modalities may be beneficial. More clinical trials that are well-designed and adequately-powered are required to strengthen current evidence.

Early protected weightbearing after open reduction internal fixation of ankle fractures

The present retrospective study assessed the complications and loss of reduction in 126 patients aged 16 years or older who bore weight in a short leg cast within 15 days after surgical repair of acute unilateral closed ankle fractures from January 1997 to December 2003. Fracture reduction was assessed on immediate postoperative and weightbearing digital radiographs at least 6 weeks after surgery. The medical records were reviewed for postoperative complications. Complete radiographs were available for 81 patients. The mean follow-up period was 171 (range 42 to 1275) days. The mean patient age was 50 years. Patients began walking an average of 8 days after surgery. From the medical record review, no cases of malunion or nonunion occurred. A total of 14 complications developed in 12 (9.5%) of 126 patients, including a delay in wound healing in 6, nerve paresthesia in 5, and hardware migration in 1. The patients aged 60 years or older had a slightly greater overall complication rate (6 of 38, p = .18). Patients who walked on postoperative day 1 had slightly more wound problems (2 of 19, p = .36). Of the 81 ankle fracture radiographs, 80 (98.8%) showed no displacement in fracture reduction on the final follow-up examination. One patient had a 2-mm loss of fracture reduction and was allowed to walk on postoperative day 1 (p = .09). These results support early protected weightbearing after operative treatment of closed isolated lateral malleolar and bimalleolar ankle fractures without syndesmotic involvement in patients of all ages.

Complications after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Open reduction with internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures is relatively predictable with excellent outcomes. However, the management of ankle fractures in the elderly remains less predictable secondary to the various co-morbidities associated with advanced age.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of 216 patients over the age of 60 that sustained an ankle fracture, was performed to determine the incidence of complications after ORIF of ankle fractures in an elderly population in the perioperative course. Secondly, the incidence of complications in patients that had locking plate fixation compared to those that had non-locking plate fixation was determined. Lastly, the effect of early weight bearing on the incidence of complications was analyzed.

RESULTS

There was not a statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the group with co-morbidities (19.01%) and those without (11.96%). The postoperative complication with the highest incidence was wound dehiscence (9.7%), and only diabetes significantly predicted wound dehiscence. The fixation construct and weight-bearing protocol failed to significantly predict any of the indexed complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results suggest that surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly is fairly predictable with an acceptable complication rate. The complication rates are higher with increased age and diabetes, but they failed to reach statistical significance. Conventional plating appears to provide adequate stability without increased risk of hardware failure. In addition patients that were allowed to walk within the first 2 weeks postoperatively did not experience a higher rate of hardware failure.

Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of ankle fractures: a case report and review of literature

Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism are major complications that can occur after ankle injuries. We present the case of a patient with an ankle fracture who developed deep vein thrombosis and massive pulmonary embolism after surgical treatment of the ankle fracture. A review of the published data on this topic is presented. The treating physician should assess patients with ankle fracture for their risk of developing a venous thromboembolic event on an individual basis and provide thromboprophylaxis for those with an increased risk of developing such complications.

[Early functional treatment and full weight-bearing of surgically treated isolated ankle fractures in the elderly]

QUESTION

Fractures of the ankle joint belong to the most often occurring injuries. The aftercare in plaster lasts several weeks and is problematic especially in elderly patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective study patients over the age of 50 years who underwent surgical treatment of ankle fractures and early functional mobilization were examined in a follow-up. The range of motion, the circumferential measurements and the radiological course were examined by comparing preoperative and postoperative X-ray images after 13-24 months. The subjective results were collected using the Olerud-Molander score (OMS).

RESULTS

A total of 30 out of 42 patients who qualified for the follow-up were included in the study. The distribution of the gender was equal as was the right/left distribution and the mean age was 68 years. The magnitude of movement and comparison between the two sides showed no significant differences. The average score for subjective satisfaction was 90 in the OMS. The radiological results showed few changes and no deviations from the axis. No redislocations or implant fractures could be observed. Early functional full weight-bearing showed satisfactory preliminary results.

CONCLUSION

This treatment concept can be recommended because patient comfort is increased and the risk of immobilization is excluded.

Use of noninvasive interactive neurostimulation to improve short-term recovery in patients with surgically repaired bimalleolar ankle fractures: a prospective, randomized clinical trial

We undertook a trial with 60 patients who had undergone operative reduction and internal fixation of bimalleolar, AO type B2 ankle fractures with comminution. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, one of which received postoperative treatment using a noninvasive interactive neurostimulation device (InterX) and the other with a sham device. The trial was designed to test the hypothesis that incorporation of noninvasive interactive neurostimulation into the rehabilitation protocol would result in reduced pain, increased range of motion, reduced edema, and reduced consumption of pain medication, in comparison with the sham therapy group. Outcome measurements included the patient's subjective assessment of level of pain, range of motion, and the extent of edema in the involved ankle, and the use of ketorolac for postoperative control of pain. The results showed significantly better results in the patients receiving treatment with active neurostimulation (repeated measures analysis of variance, P < .001).

A retrospective follow-up of ankle fracture patients treated with a biodegradable plate and screws

BACKGROUND

Biodegradable fixation implants have been developed to avoid secondary hardware removal. The aim of this study was to retrospectively follow-up ankle fracture patients treated with a biodegradable plate and screws, and to evaluate the clinical outcome and occurrence of complications.

METHODS

Fifty-seven ankle fracture patients treated with biodegradable implants were invited, and a total of 50 were available to participate in this study. The follow-up included a review of each patient's medical records, evaluation of radiographs, fracture reduction classification, and functional scoring.

RESULTS

There were 36 lateral malleolar and 14 bimalleolar fractures. No perioperative complications occurred. Average follow-up time was 17 months. All fractures healed. Fracture alignment was classified as anatomical in 49 patients and good in 1 case. The mean Olerud and Molander functional ankle score at final follow-up was 86. Eight patients had postoperative complications. These included delayed wound healing in 1 case, 3 cases of deep-vein thrombosis, and 4 soft tissue reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this retrospective study, the biodegradable implants used yielded fracture healing and functional results comparable to those previously reported after conventional metal fixation.

Effects of a training program after surgically treated ankle fracture: a prospective randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite conflicting results after surgically treated ankle fractures few studies have evaluated the effects of different types of training programs performed after plaster removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 12-week standardised but individually suited training program (training group) versus usual care (control group) after plaster removal in adults with surgically treated ankle fractures.

METHODS

In total, 110 men and women, 18-64 years of age, with surgically treated ankle fracture were included and randomised to either a 12-week training program or to a control group. Six and twelve months after the injury the subjects were examined by the same physiotherapist who was blinded to the treatment group. The main outcome measure was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) which rates symptoms and subjectively scored function. Secondary outcome measures were: quality of life (SF-36), timed walking tests, ankle mobility tests, muscle strength tests and radiological status.

RESULTS

52 patients were randomised to the training group and 58 to the control group. Five patients dropped out before the six-month follow-up resulting in 50 patients in the training group and 55 in the control group. Nine patients dropped out between the six- and twelve-month follow-up resulting in 48 patients in both groups. When analysing the results in a mixed model analysis on repeated measures including interaction between age-group and treatment effect the training group demonstrated significantly improved results compared to the control group in subjects younger than 40 years of age regarding OMAS (p = 0.028), muscle strength in the plantar flexors (p = 0.029) and dorsiflexors (p = 0.030).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggest that when adjusting for interaction between age-group and treatment effect the training model employed in this study was superior to usual care in patients under the age of 40. However, as only three out of nine outcome measures showed a difference, the beneficial effect from an additional standardised individually suited training program can be expected to be limited. There is need for further studies to elucidate how a training program should be designed to increase and optimise function in patients middle-aged or older.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ACTRN12609000327280.

Early mobilization of operatively fixed ankle fractures: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

It is commonly believed that early motion after joint fixation is advantageous, especially in the upper limb. In the ankle joint this is much less clear. No previous systematic review of the evidence for this could be found in the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nine randomized control trials were identified which met the inclusion criteria and compared early motion of the ankle joint to immobilization in a cast for 6 weeks. These varied in quality and numbers. All treated patients equally in all other respects including weight bearing. Where outcome measures were similar, some data pooling was possible.

RESULTS

There is good evidence that early motion is associated with a quicker return to work on average (p = 0.008) and also with an improved range of motion at 12 weeks (dorsiflexion p = 0.001; plantarflexion p < 0.00001) compared to cast immobilization. However it is also associated with an increased risk of wound infection (p = 0.002). There is a suggestion that early motion results in a lower rate of deep vein thrombosis (p = 0.12). There is no evidence that it results in improved joint specific outcome scores or range of motion at 1 year.

CONCLUSION

It is difficult to conclude whether early motion is overall better or worse than cast immobilization. The evidence suggests however that a young fit patient who needs to return to work may benefit from early motion of the ankle joint whereas a patient with poor skin or at risk of infection may be better treated in a cast after surgery.

Management of unstable ankle fractures and syndesmosis injuries in athletes

Athletes with unstable ankle injuries treated with rigid and anatomic internal fixation with concomitant repair of indicated ligaments followed by an accelerated rehabilitation program consisting of early weight bearing and near-immediate range of motion (ROM) can obtain excellent outcomes. Early ROM and weight bearing, if indicated depending on the specific injury pattern, can be effective with low morbidity. Return to sports can be expected as early as 4 weeks after rigid fixation of an isolated fibula fracture and up to 8 to 10 weeks after stabilization of a bimalleolar equivalent fracture with deltoid repair. Syndesmosis fixation can take up to 4 to 6 months before successful return to sport.

Immediate continuous passive motion after internal fixation of an ankle fracture

Background

Surgical treatment is usually mandatory in displaced bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. Some authors have recommended early mobilization of the ankle joint after surgical treatment of these lesions. In this study, we evaluate the effect of immediate postoperative continuous passive motion in the management of displaced bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures treated surgically.

Materials and methods

Two series of 22 patients each, who had had a Weber type A, B or C ankle fracture treated surgically, were followed up at least 10 years after the injury. In the first series, immediately after surgery, a continuous passive motion machine was applied to the operated ankle for 3 weeks, whereas in the second series, after surgery a plaster splint or a plaster cast was applied for 3 weeks.

Results

At follow-up, all patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically using the AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot Score System (Kitaoka, Foot Ankle 15:349–353, 1994). The average final score for the first series of patients was 95.7 points (range 87–100 points, standard deviation 3.42 points). Of this series, at radiographic examination, in two patients we observed minor signs of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. The average final score for the second series was 88 points (range 68–100 points, standard deviation 10.60 points). At radiographic examination, in six patients we observed minor signs of osteoarthritis of the ankle joint, whereas in another one the osteoarthritis was severe.

Conclusions

Continuous passive motion started immediately after surgery seems to be an effective method both for allowing complete and quick recovery of the range of motion of the ankle and for reducing the risk of early degenerative joint disease. Immediate passive ankle motion can be applied only after adequate reduction and stable internal fixation.

Functional outcome after operative treatment for ankle fractures in young athletes: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND

No reports describe the outcome for distal fibula and tibia fractures in athletes, although 10 to 15% of all athletic injuries occur around the ankle joint.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven competitive or recreational athletes with ankle fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Thirty-six met the inclusion criteria, of which 27 returned for clinical and radiographic exams and also completed validated surveys and a subjective questionnaire.

RESULTS

Nineteen of the 27 were male. The average age of all patients was 18.1 +/- 5.9 years. The final evaluations occurred 12 months to 3.7 years after surgery. Injuries occurred in 13 different sports, of which football had the most (n = 10). Bimalleolar fractures were the most prevalent (n = 10) followed by isolated lateral malleolar fractures (n = 6), syndesmosis injury (n = 4), Salter-Harris (n = 4), medial malleolar fracture (n = 2) and pilon fracture (n = 1). The patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures returned to competition soonest (6.8 +/- 2.4 weeks) while patients with isolated medial malleolus fractures took the longest to return at a mean of 17.0 +/- 9.9 weeks. Scores for function and pain on the Lower Limb Core Module and for pain on the Foot and Ankle module were all greater than 90.

CONCLUSION

Athletes who undergo ORIF followed by early motion and early weightbearing are able to return to their pre-injury level of competition within 2 to 4 months with minimal functional morbidity or pain.

Rehabilitation for ankle fractures in adults

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation after ankle fracture can begin soon after the fracture has been treated by the use of different types of immobilisation which allow early commencement of weight-bearing or exercise. Alternatively, rehabilitation may start following the period of immobilisation, with physical or manual therapies.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions following ankle fracture in adults.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched two Specialised Registers of The Cochrane Collaboration, electronic databases (including MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL), reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews, and clinical trials registers to September 2007.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials with adults undergoing any interventions for rehabilitation after ankle fracture were considered. The primary outcome was activity limitation. Secondary outcomes included impairments and adverse events.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers independently screened search results, assessed methodological quality, and extracted data. Relative risk and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated for dichotomous variables, and weighted or standardised mean difference and 95% CI were calculated for continuous variables. A meta-analysis was performed where appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

Thirty-one studies were included. Clinical and statistical heterogeneity prevented meta-analyses in most instances. After surgical fixation, commencing exercise in a removable brace or splint significantly improved activity limitation, pain and ankle range of motion, but also led to a higher rate of adverse events. Early commencement of weight-bearing during the immobilisation period improved ankle range of motion after surgical fixation. Where it was possible to avoid ankle range of motion after surgical fixation, the use of no immobilisation compared to cast immobilisation also improved ankle range of motion. After the immobilisation period, manual therapy was beneficial in increasing ankle range of motion. There was no evidence of effect for electrotherapy, hypnosis, or stretching.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is limited evidence supporting the use of a removable type of immobilisation and exercise during the immobilisation period, early commencement of weight-bearing during the immobilisation period, and no immobilisation after surgical fixation of ankle fracture. There is also limited evidence for manual therapy after the immobilisation period. Because of the potential increased risk, the patient's ability to comply with the use of a removable type of immobilisation and exercise is essential. More clinical trials that are well-designed and adequately-powered are required to strengthen current evidence.

Outcome and quality of life after surgically treated ankle fractures in patients 65 years or older

Background

Despite high incidence of ankle fractures in the elderly, studies evaluating outcome and impact of quality of life in this age group specifically are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome and quality of life 6 and 12 months after injury in patients 65 years or older who had been operated on due to an ankle fracture.

Methods

Sixty patients 65 years or older were invited to participate in the study. 6 and 12 months after the injury a questionnaire including inquiry to participate, the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), Short-Form 36 (SF-36), Linear Analogue Scale (LAS), Self-rated Ankle Function and some supplementary questions was sent home to the patients. The supplementary questions concerned subjective experience of ankle instability, sporting and physical activity level before injury and recaptured activity level at follow-ups, need of walking aid before injury, state of living before injury and at follow-ups and co-morbidities. After the 12-month follow-up the patients were also called for a radiological examination.

Results

Fifty patients (83%) answered the questionnaire at 6-month and 46 (77%) at the 12-month follow-up. Although, 45 (90%) fractures were low-energy trauma 44 (88%) were bi- or trimalleolar and post-operative reduction results were complete in 23 (46%) ankles. The median OMAS improved from 60 (Interquartile range (IQR) 36) at 6-month to 70 (IQR 35) at 12-month (p = 0.002), but at 12-month still sixty percent or more of the patients reported pain, swelling, problems when stair-climbing and reduced activities of daily life. Twenty (40%) rated their ankle function as 'good' or 'very good' at 6-month and 30 (60%) at 12-month. Forty-one (82%) were physically active before injury but still one year after only 18/41 had returned to their pre-injury physical activity level. According to SF-36 four dimensions differed from the age- and gender matched normative data of the Swedish population, 'physical function', 'role physical' and 'role emotional' were below norms at 6-month for women (p = 0.010, p = 0.024 and 0.031) and 'general health' was above norms at 12-month for men (p = 0.044).

Conclusion

One year after surgically treated ankle fractures a majority of patients continue to have symptoms and reported functional limitations. However, SF-36 scores indicate that only females had functional status below the age- and gender matched normative data of the Swedish population.

Asymmetry of the active nonweightbearing foot and ankle range of motion for dorsiflexion-plantar flexion and its coupled movements in adults

Asymmetries in ankle range of motion (ROM) have been reported, but often the uninvolved limb is used as a reference in clinical practice. The study wanted to quantify the intraindividual asymmetries in dorsi-plantar flexion foot and ankle ROM and its coupled foot movements. Active triplanar nonweightbearing ROM of the foot and ankle was recorded in young healthy adults (30 male volunteers, mean age 22.8 years; 35 female volunteers, mean age 23.8 years) using an optoelectronic set-up. The sagittal plane movement (mean ROM female subjects right side 71.3 degrees, left side 71.4 degrees, P > 0.05; mean ROM male subjects right side 69 degrees , left side 68.9 degrees, P > 0.05; sex difference, P < 0.001) was coupled with frontal (mean ROM female subjects right side 16.6 degrees, left side 14.8 degrees, P > 0.05; male subjects right side 17 degrees, left side 15.3 degrees; P > 0.05; no sex difference) and horizontal (mean ROM female subjects right side 19.6 degrees, left side 18.8 degrees, P < 0.001; male subjects right side 17.6 degrees, left side 16.2 degrees, P < 0.001; sex < 0.001) plane motions. Individual fluctuating asymmetries up to 15 degrees (principal movement), and up to 29 degrees (associated movements) were measured. Overall, 20% of female and 34% of male subjects had principal plane asymmetries >5 degrees, and 50% of the subjects had asymmetries >5 degrees in the associated movements. In young adults, individual asymmetries in ankle joint complex dorsi-plantar flexion should be taken into account when using the uninvolved, contralateral limb as a reference for clinical examination.

When Should Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Ankle Fractures Begin Weight Bearing? A Systematic Review

The objective of this paper was to review the literature to assess when open reduction and internal fixation ankle fractures should commence weight bearing for the best outcome. An electronic search was undertaken of the databases AMED, Cinahl, Embase, Medline (via Ovid), Pedro and Pubmed, from their inception to November 2005. References lists were scrutinised and a hand search was also performed. We included all English language, human subject, controlled clinical trials, comparing the effects of early against later weight bearing following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the literature using the PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database) scoring system. Five papers comprising of 366 ankle fractures were reviewed. Overall, there was no significant difference between commencing early, compared to later weight bearing in subjects following open reduction and internal fixation, when evaluated against function, pain, range of movement, radiological assessment, complications, and return to work. The evidence reviewed was generally poor, with numerous methodological design limitations. The literature suggested that were was little difference between encouraging early or delayed weight bearing after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Neither early nor later weight bearing significantly improves or jeopardises outcomes. However, due to the plethora of methodological limitations and limited evidence, it is not possible to reference this conclusion with conviction. Further large, well-designed randomized controlled trials are required to evaluate this area.

Aftertreatment of malleolar fractures following ORIF -- functional compared to protected functional in a vacuum-stabilized orthesis: a randomized controlled trial

In a monocenter randomized controlled trial, 45 patients with isolated malleolar fracture type OTA/AO 44 A1-B2 undergoing ORIF were allocated randomly to a postoperative treatment either with a vacuum-stabilized orthesis with prescribed full weight bearing after the second week (23 patients) (orthesis group -- OG) or with functional aftertreatment with partial weight bearing of 15 kg for 6 weeks (22 patients) (control group -- CG). Outcomes were compared at 6- and 10-week follow-up examinations. The Olerud and Molander ankle (OMA) score, ankle swelling, usage of crutches, range of motion, Short Form 12, patient-reported visual analogue scales (VAS) (pain, comfort, walking confidence) and time to return to work were evaluated. All patients of OG showed reduced swelling at discharge. The median OMA scores after 6 weeks were 42 and 42.5 (p = 0.46) and after 10 weeks 69 and 72 (p = 0.55) in the OG and CG, respectively. The time to achieve secure walking capacity was reduced by 1 day (p = 0.03) in the OG. After ORIF of simple malleolar fractures, patients with a vacuum-stabilized orthesis can bear full weight 2 weeks postoperatively. This group experienced no adverse events. Postoperative swelling was significantly reduced and of the ability to walk on stairs confidently was shorter as compared to a functional aftertreatment without any external stabilization of the ankle.

The dynamic vacuum orthosis: a functional and economical benefit?

In a prospective, randomised study, 27 patients with internally fixed ankle fractures were treated post-operatively for a period of six weeks by application of either a new dynamic vacuum orthosis with permitted mobilisation to 10 degrees -0 degrees -10 degrees at the ankle joint or a synthetic cast. Full weight bearing was allowed in both groups after two weeks. The cast group was prescribed four weeks of physiotherapy following six weeks of immobilisation. After ten weeks, the Olerud and Molander score showed a significant difference in favour of the orthosis. Early functional outcomes were significantly better for this group after six weeks and ten weeks. Patients in the orthosis group who were in formal employment returned to work 24 days earlier than those in the control group. Treatment of the orthosis patients took up three to four times less working time for the medical personnel. A saving of 38 euros on directly ascertainable costs could be evaluated. Rehabilitation of ankle fractures with a dynamic vacuum orthosis leads to better early functional results and greater patient satisfaction. The orthosis fulfils the conditions for early return to work. Treatment with an orthosis not only reduces working time for medical personnel but economises on expenditure for treatment and rehabilitation.

Early mobilization in a removable cast compared with immobilization in a cast after operative treatment of ankle fractures: a prospective randomized study

BACKGROUND

The aim of operative treatment for ankle fractures is to allow early movement after internal fixation. The hypothesis of this study was that early mobilization would improve functional recovery in patients after surgery for ankle fractures.

METHODS

In a prospective randomized controlled study, 66 consecutive patients with ankle fractures that required open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were assigned to one of two postoperative regimens: immobilization in a nonweightbearing below-knee cast or early mobilization in a removable cast. Four patients were excluded from the study, leaving 62 for review.

RESULTS

Patients who had early mobilization in a removable cast had higher functional scores (Olerud-Molander and AOFAS) at 9 and 12 weeks postoperatively. They also returned to work earlier (67 days) compared with those treated in nonweightbearing below-knee cast (95 days), p<0.05. There was no statistical difference in Quality of Life (SF-36 Questionnaire) at 6 months between the two groups. We had an approximately 10% postoperative infection trend (one superficial and two deep) in the early mobilization group.

CONCLUSION

Despite the overall short-term benefit of early mobilization, we had three patients in the early mobilization group who had wound complications. Both the surgeon and patient should be aware of the higher risk of wound complications associated with this treatment, and thus the accelerated rehabilitation protocol should be individualized.

Less is more: lag screw only fixation of lateral malleolar fractures

Displaced fractures of the lateral malleolus are typically treated with plate osteosynthesis with or without the use of lag screws, and immobilisation in a plaster cast for up to 6 weeks. Fixation through a smaller incision with less metal, such as lag screw only fixation, would theoretically lead to decreased infection rates and less irritation caused by hardware. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefits and success of lag screw only fixation of the lateral malleolus in non-comminuted oblique fractures of the lateral malleolus. A total of 25 patients who had non-comminuted unstable oblique fractures of their lateral malleolus that had been surgically fixed with lag screws only were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were younger than 60 years of age. Evaluation of the success of fixation, complications, resultant mobility and patient satisfaction was based on information gathered from chart reviews, X-ray findings and a standardised questionnaire based on the AOFAS Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire. These results were compared to an age-matched group of 25 consecutive patients treated with plate osteosynthesis. Of the 25 patients fixed with lag screws, nine had an unstable fracture of the lateral malleolus only, ten were bimalleolar fractures and six were trimalleolar. Eighteen patients were treated with two lag screws, and seven were treated with three lag screws. The bi- and trimalleolar fractures were treated with standard partially threaded cancellous screws. None of the lag screw-only group lost reduction. There were no documented wound infections in the lag screw group as compared to three deep infections in the plate group. Lag screw-only patients reported no palpable hardware as compared to 50% of the plate group. AOFAS scores at a mean of 12 months post-operative were similar in both groups. Lag screw only fixation of the lateral malleolus is a safe and effective method that has a number of advantages over plate osteosynthesis, in particular less soft tissue dissection, less prominent, symptomatic and palpable hardware and a reduced requirement for secondary surgical removal.

Management of displaced ankle fractures

BACKGROUND

Ankle fractures excluding pilon fractures, account for approximately 9% of all fractures with the majority being OTA type B injuries. Although surgeons generally treat undisplaced or minimally displaced injuries nonoperatively and displaced fractures operatively, opinions diverge regarding the management of those displaced fractures with acceptable closed reduction. There is also debate about the use of biodegradable implants in operatively managed ankle fractures, the type and technique of fixation for operatively treated syndesmotic injuries as well as the approach to postoperative rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to review the highest level of available evidence on the operative management of ankle fractures. We focused specifically on studies comparing (1) nonoperative versus operative management of displaced ankle fractures, (2) biodegradable versus metal implants, (3) syndesmotic fixation, and (4) postoperative rehabilitation protocols.

Functional treatment and early weightbearing after an ankle fracture: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative care for ankle fractures is generally 1 of 2 regimens: 1) functional treatment combined with early weightbearing (EWB), or 2) immobilization in a cast/orthosis for 6 weeks without weightbearing (6WC). The objective of this study was 2-fold: 1) to follow a prospective group treated with EWB as to long-term subjective and objective outcomes, and 2) to compare a subset of this group with a matched group of historic controls treated with 6WC.

DESIGN

Prospective, clinical, cohort observation, and retrospective matched pair analysis.

SETTING

University hospital, level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Forty-three patients (20 males; mean age, 49 +/- 14 years) with operated Weber B/C fractures underwent EWB. For comparison, 23 patients of this group were matched to a same number of historic controls with respect to age, gender, body mass index, and fracture type.

INTERVENTION

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a 1/3-tubular-fibula-plate for the fibula, and malleolar screws for the medial malleolus fracture (in cases with a bimalleolar ankle fracture) followed by EWB or 6WC.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Olerud and Tegner scores at follow-up (at least 12 months after surgery), time to full weightbearing, return to work, pain intensity (numerical rating scale (NRS)), and hospital stay. Statistical comparisons were performed by using the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher exact test (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

Patients with EWB were full weightbearing at 7 +/- 3 weeks and returned to work at 8 +/- 5 weeks after surgery. At follow-up (mean, 20 +/- 11 months after surgery), all EWB patients showed good results in the Olerud score (90 +/- 13 points). Matched-pair analysis in 23 patients in each group revealed differences between EWB and 6WC groups for hospital stay (mean, 10.8 +/- 4.7 vs. 13.6 +/- 6 days; P = 0.12), time to full weightbearing (mean, 7.7 +/- 3.1 vs. 13.5 +/- 9.4 weeks; P = 0.01), and time until return to work (mean 9.2 +/- 5.5 vs. 10.8 +/- 7 weeks; P = 0.63). No differences concerning pain intensities were observed (EWB vs. 6WC: NRS = 1.9 vs. 1.7; P = 0.12). At follow-up, Olerud scores were generally considered good for both groups; however, mean values in EWB patients were slightly higher (87 +/- 14 vs. 79 +/- 19 points; P = 0.25). In both groups, the majority of patients reached their preinjury level of activity as demonstrated by Tegner scores.

CONCLUSIONS

EWB patients tolerated earlier full weightbearing compared with 6WC patients, and there were no disadvantages with EWB compared with 6WC concerning hospital stay, pain intensities, time until return to work, and Olerud/Tegner Scores. Potential candidates for EWB are patients with a stable osteosynthesis of their fractured ankles as judged by the responsible surgeon, compliance, and high motivation.

Health related quality of life in patients with supination-external rotation stage IV ankle fractures

BACKGROUND

While open reduction of displaced ankle fractures generally is accepted as the standard of care, relatively little is known about the health related quality of life after treatment. It is generally accepted that clinical results of treatment for supination-external rotation stage IV ankle fractures are favorable. The goal of this investigation was to determine the relationship between clinical results and health-related quality of life outcome measures in a consecutive series of patients treated for closed supination-external rotation stage IV ankle fractures.

METHODS

Twenty-six of 156 patients who had operative treatment for closed, displaced supination-external rotation stage IV ankle fractures during a 9-year period, completed the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) outcome questionnaire. Radiographs and clinical records were reviewed to determine quality of operative repair, postoperative morbidity, and the development of post-traumatic arthritis.

RESULTS

There were no postoperative complications. Of the 26 patients who returned the SMFA questionnaires, 19 had "good," and seven had "fair" reduction of their fractures. Six showed radiographic evidence of arthritis at followup. Study participants reported scores that were similar to the general population in five of the six domains of the SMFA. Their scores in the mobility index were statistically less favorable (23.72 vs. 13.61, p = 0.016) when compared to the general population. Participants with "good" operative reductions and no evidence of arthritis at followup showed no significant difference to the general population. Participants with either a "fair" operative reduction or evidence of postoperative arthritis at followup had less favorable scores in the daily activities (mean 13.45 vs. 11.82, p = 0.004), mobility (43.43 vs. 13.61, p = 0.001), dysfunction (32.89 vs. 12.70, p = 0.014), and bother (35.80 vs. 13.77, p = 0.020) domains, when compared to the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this investigation suggest that patients with excellent radiographic operative reductions and no arthritis as early as 6 months after surgery sustain no lasting unfavorable effect on health related quality of life. Patients with "fair" radiographic reduction, or presence of arthritis or both at followup, are likely to have a negative effect on their quality of life.

[Treatment results after primary management of severely dislocated ankle fractures with external fixation and subsequent internal osteosynthesis]

BACKGROUND

Between 1 January 2001 and 30 June 2003, 31 patients with dislocated ankle fractures were primarily treated with an external fixator in our clinic. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether such a concept would determine the overall outcome or influence single parameters such as mobility, dystrophy, pain, arthritis, and complications.

METHODS

Of the 31 patients, 25 aged 18-84 years at the time of the accident were followed up for 6-23 months to assess range of motion, clinical scores, radiological findings, and complications. An isolated injury was present in 23 patients and 3 were open injuries of second to third degree. Between two and five operations were necessary 4-27 days after trauma. The duration of primary hospital care required ranged from 10 to 43 days.

RESULTS

The Olerud and Molander score (9 criteria with 100 max points) was 80 points at the follow-up investigation (rated "good"). "Excellent" results (>90 points) were observed in four cases. In the range of motion there was only an average loss in plantar flexion of 12.4 degrees compared to the healthy side in the patients followed up.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment result in the study population was compared to the results of prospective studies investigating dislocated ankle joint fractures as well as with our own random sample (n=7) of patients with secondarily treated ankle joint fractures that were initially treated with a cast. Initial external fixation seems to be justified and leads to acceptable results. The main functional lesions are not correlated to the specific treatment selected.

Orthopaedics

Orthopaedic surgery is a large and expanding speciality. There are approximately five million clinic attendances each year in this country and musculo-skeletal complaints are the commonest presentation in General Practice. This review examines three key areas within orthopaedics, fracture management, sports medicine and the new subspeciality of minimally invasive orthopaedics and highlights areas of recent advancement, significant research and ongoing debate.

The role of external fixation in acute foot trauma

External fixation in foot and ankle trauma has a precise indication for optimal treatment. Principles of external fixation that are integrated in the comprehensive cure of complex trauma are presented. Safe and efficient techniques also are described. The role of primary reconstruction of the overall anatomical axes and dimensions is emphasized.