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

Temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixation in ankle fracture-dislocation while posterior malleolar fragment size predicts loss of reduction: a case control study

Background

To determine if temporizing cast immobilization is a safe alternative to external fixator (ex-fix) in ankle fracture-dislocations with delayed surgery or moderate soft-tissue injury, we analysed the early complications and re-dislocation rates of cast immobilization in relation to ex-fix in patients sustaining these injuries.

Methods

All skeletally mature patients with a closed ankle fracture-dislocation and a minimum 6-months follow-up treated between 2007 and 2017 were included. Baseline demographics, comorbidities, injury description, treatment history and complications were assessed.

Results

In 160 patients (94 female; mean age 50 years) with 162 ankle fracture-dislocations, 35 underwent primary ex-fix and 127 temporizing cast immobilizations. Loss of reduction (LOR) was observed in 25 cases (19.7%) and 19 (15.0%) were converted to ex-fix. The rate of surgical site infections (ex-fix: 11.1% vs cast: 4.6%) and skin necrosis (ex-fix: 7.4% vs cast: 6.5%) did not differ significantly between groups (p = 0.122 and p = 0.825). Temporizing cast immobilization led to an on average 2.7 days earlier definite surgery and 5.0 days shorter hospitalization when compared to ex-fix (p < 0.001). Posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) size predicted LOR with ≥ 22.5% being the threshold for critical PMF-size (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Temporizing cast immobilization was a safe option for those ankle fracture-dislocations in which immediate definite treatment was not possible. Those temporized in a cast underwent definite fixation earlier than those with a fix-ex and had a complication rate no worse than the ex-fix patients. PMF-size was an important predictor for LOR. Primary ex-fix seems appropriate for those with ≥ 22.5% PMF-size.

Trial registration

The study does not meet the criteria of a prospective, clinical trial. There was no registration.

The AO triangular external fixator: a backup option in the treatment of ankle fractures in geriatric patients?

Purpose

To analyze the indications, radiological short-term outcomes, and complications of ankle fractures in geriatric patients treated with a triangular external fixator (AEF) until fracture healing. Furthermore, the effect of an additional osteosynthesis to AEF on the radiological outcome was investigated.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of ankle fractures treated in a Level I Trauma Center between 2005 and 2015 with an AEF in patients aged ≥ 65 years until fracture has healed. The combination of AEF and at least one additional osteosynthesis of a malleolus was defined as hybrid external fixator (HEF). At the time of AEF removal, a preserved ankle joint congruity was defined as good radiological outcome. Incongruity more than 2 mm was defined as poor radiologic results.

Results

16 patients (13 women, 3 men) with a mean age of 74 years (SD 6.2) were treated with AEF until fracture healing, 9 with a single AEF and 7 with a HEF. Stabilization with HEF (n = 7 [100%]) showed higher rates of good radiological outcome than AEF alone (n = 4 [44%] of 9; p = 0.034). The duration of therapy did not differ between HEF and AEF (70 day vs 77 days). 4 patients (22%) required surgical revision.

Conclusion

It could be shown that osteosynthesis in addition to AEF leads to a better radiological short-term results than using AEF alone. Therefore, in the situation where an AEF is considered as the definitive treatment option for an ankle fracture in geriatric patients with expected or existing soft tissue problems, it should be done or completed as a HEF.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic level IV.

Unstable fragility fractures of the ankle in the elderly: Transarticular Steinmann pin or external fixation

INTRODUCTION

Because of poor skin conditions and comorbidity, open reduction and internal fixation in ankle fractures is frequently contra-indicated in the elderly. This study reports the results of two temporary fixation types in fragility fractures in the older patient: transarticular Steinmann pin fixation and external fixation.

METHODS

Patients aged over 60 treated with a Steinmann pin or external fixation were retrospectively included. Patient, fracture and treatment characteristics were collected.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were included. Nine were managed using a Steinmann pin and six by external fixation. All reached fracture consolidation. Patients treated with a Steinmann pin underwent a median of 2 operations and the pin was left in situ for 80 days. Three patients suffered from superficial wound infection. X-ray showed malreduction in 67% and only two patients returned to pre-injury mobility. A median of 2 operations with 32 fixation days was reported in the external fixation group. This group showed one deep infection. In 50% there was malreduction, one patient experienced disability in ambulation at the end of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques show few complications, but have, as expected, poor results in fracture reduction and functional outcome. External fixation and subsequent internal fixation could result in better functional outcome.

Management of grade III open dislocated ankle fractures: combined internal fixation with bioabsorbable screws/rods and external fixation

BACKGROUND

Isolated dislocation of the ankle with grade III open fracture has been scarcely reported. These ankle injuries usually involved mortise fractures, complete dislocation of the tibial astragaloid joint, capsuloligamentous structure disruption, and severe soft-tissue damage. There is no well-recognized regimen that would result in desirable outcomes.

METHODS

Sixteen patients with grade III open dislocated ankle fractures were treated immediately with bioabsorbable implants and an external fixator between January 2003 and June 2007. According to the classification system of Gustilo and Anderson, five patients were grade IIIA, seven were grade IIIB, and four were grade IIIC. Surgical interventions included combined internal fixation with bioabsorbable screws/rods and external fixation.

RESULTS

Patients underwent clinical and radiologic examination at an average of 18.1 months after surgery. Outcomes were excellent in seven patients (three IIIA, three IIIB, and one IIIC), good in four (one IIIA, two IIIB, and one IIIC), fair in three (one IIIA, one IIIB, and one IIIC), and poor in two (one IIIB, and one IIIC). In the two patients with poor outcomes, bone defect and cartilage exfoliating in the distal tibia were found during surgery. Painful osteoarthritis in the ankle was discovered 2 years after surgery. Another case had pin tract infections in the external fixator 3 months after surgery. There was no case of late deep infection.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be a reasonable and desirable option that bioabsorbable implants combined with an external fixator be applied for treatment of severe open dislocated ankle fractures.