Interventions for treating ankle fractures in children

Pediatric Ankle Fractures: Successful Remodeling and Restoration Through Comprehensive Diagnosis and Conservative Management in a Diverse Context

Diagnosing toddler ankle fractures, especially those that affect several bones, can be difficult. The infrequency of such complex injuries, particularly in household environments, emphasizes the importance of increased awareness in diagnosing and managing these types of injuries. We present a compelling case study of a 20-month-old toddler of a low socioeconomic background who sustained fractures in the ankle, calcaneus, tibia, and fibula after being trapped under furniture. The diagnostic process involved trauma guidelines, radiographic assessments, and axial CT scans. Conservative management, including an eight-week plaster cast, was chosen based on the careful consideration of the child's age, the nature of the fracture, and the absence of immediate surgical indications. The follow-up period involved radiographic assessments, as well as repeated regular clinical examinations, revealing consistent alignment and the absence of complications. The successful outcome underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, thoughtful treatment planning, and meticulous follow-up. Individualized care, considering both clinical and socioeconomic factors, proved crucial for optimal outcomes in pediatric orthopedics. The case contributes valuable insights into the evolving landscape of early childhood orthopedics, emphasizing the need for a discerning approach to diagnosing and managing complex fractures in this population. Conservative treatment could significantly assist when absolute surgical indications are lacking both in cases of minimal resources where multiple operations are not plausible and when the patient's social history raises awareness.

Comparison of Differences in Surgical Complications Between Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons and All Other Orthopedic Surgeons Using the ABOS Database

During the past decade, US orthopedic residency graduates have become increasingly subspecialized presumably for decreased patient complications; however, no study has examined this clinical utility for foot and ankle (F&A) surgeries among different fellowship subspecialties. Data from American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery 1999 to 2016 Part II Board Certification Examinations were used to assess patients treated by F&A fellowship-trained, trauma fellowship-trained, and all other fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons performing ankle fracture repair. Adverse events were compared by surgical complexity and fellowship status. Factors independently associated with surgical complications were identified using a binary multivariate logistic regression. A total of 45,031 F&A cases met inclusion criteria. From 1999 to 2016, the percentage of F&A procedures performed by F&A fellowship surgeons steadily increased. Surgical complications were significantly different between fellowship trainings (F&A, 7.23%; trauma, 6.65%; and other, 7.84%). This difference became more pronounced with more complicated fracture pattern. On multivariate regression, F&A fellowship training was associated with significantly decreased likelihood of surgeon-reported complications (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.76-0.92; P<.001), as was trauma fellowship training (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99; P=.035). Despite presumed increased complexity of cases treated by F&A fellowship-trained surgeons, these patients had significantly decreased risk of surgeon-reported surgical complications, thus highlighting the value of F&A fellowship training. In the absence of vital patient comorbidity data in the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery database, further research must examine specific patient comorbidities and case acuity and their influence on treatments and surgical complications between fellowship-trained and other orthopedic surgeons to further illuminate the value of subspecialty training. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e237-e243.].

Randomized controlled trial of multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapy using mobile applications in cases of ankle fractures

A multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation in patients with ankle fractures is needed to return to their daily activities. Mobile health applications can improve or optimize the rehabilitation process. The purpose of this study is to monitor the efficiency of a modified and validated rehabilitation scheme for the functional rehabilitation of the lower limbs. The subjects of the study are patients in the post-immobilization and post-operative period. The algorithm of procedures administered to the patients were performed by physiotherapists and monitored via mobile apps. The results show a reduction of the swelling and the pain, overcoming the muscular imbalance, enhanced stabilization, correct way of walking, and an improved quality of life of the patients with ankle fractures. Despite a certain trend towards residual deficit, the implementation of kinesitherapeutic means creates the necessary background on the basis of which specialized methods can be applied - joint-mobilizing techniques and passive stretching, for the purpose of the full recovery of the functions of the lower extremity. The application of mobile apps optimizes the recovery process and increases access to rehabilitation.

[Necessity for radiological examinations in children : Children in two levels]

The diagnostics and treatment of pediatric skeletal trauma can be fundamentally different from adults. Based on in-house data the diagnostic approach to the most frequently encountered pediatric injury patterns is discussed. The necessity for a primary X‑ray imaging or computed tomography examination is questioned. Both diagnostic methods cause stochastic radiation damage. Therefore, it is important to perform the safest examination for the child while injuries are correctly diagnosed.

Management of 'low-risk' ankle fractures in children: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to review the literature to establish whether there is a best treatment for low-risk ankle fractures in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of trials was undertaken, which compared interventions for 'low-risk' ankle fractures in children. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model.

RESULTS

Four trials were identified reporting outcomes from 256 patients. All trials reported results using a device that permitted ankle motion compared with more rigid immobilisation. Overall risk of bias was low for three trials and high for one trial. Two trials assessed time to return to normal function. Patients treated in a splint or with a bandage recovering 6-7.5 days sooner than those treated with rigid immobilisation. One trial demonstrated that children returned to school sooner if treated in a bandage rather than in a cast. Two trials found a higher Activity Scale for Kids performance score at four weeks for children treated with splint compared with rigid immobilisation. There was no clear advantage to any device in patient satisfaction, quality of life or total costs.

DISCUSSION

There is no clear best treatment for these injuries. Studies had significant limitations and outcomes were heterogeneous, limiting meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for a definitive trial to establish the best treatment for ankle fractures and a core outcome set to ensure study findings are consistent and can be analysed in future meta-analyses.