How well do we reduce ankle fractures intra-operatively: A retrospective 1 year review using Pettrone's criteria

Ankle fractures malreduction rate and its causes in two Brazilian tertiary training hospitals

INTRODUCTION

Ankle fractures are one of the most frequent injuries managed by any trauma surgeon. Literature has shown that adequate reduction is of utmost importance to achieve satisfactory functional outcomes. However, malreduction rates remain high worldwide. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the quality of ankle fracture reduction in two major trauma centers in a large Brazilian city and to analyze the factors associated with malreduction METHODS: Epidemiologic data of 382 patients (189 men; 193 women) aged between 7 and 87 years who underwent osteosynthesis of the ankle in two trauma centers in a large Brazilian city. Electronic clinical records, preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs in anteroposterior (AP), lateral and mortise views were evaluated. Pettrone's criteria were used to evaluate the quality of ankle fractures reduction. All radiographs were independently evaluated by two foot and ankle senior surgeons RESULTS: Overall, malreduction rate was 22.2%. Forty-seven (55.2%) fractures classified as malreduced had medial malleolar displacement The results showed three factors that significantly affected the quality of reduction (p<0.05), patients over 60 years, open fractures and fracture-dislocations. Patients aged over 60 years were twice more likely to have poor reduction of ankle fractures than younger ones. The risk of poor fracture reduction among those individuals with open fractures is 2.15 times greater than among patients with closed injuries. Fracture-dislocation imposed a 2.7 higher risk for malreduction DISCUSSION: We found a malreduction rate below most series previously published. Further results agree with the literature. Elderly people aged over 60 years, fracture dislocations and open fractures are associated with worse results, influencing the quality of the reduction, clinical outcomes, and the development of post-traumatic arthrosis CONCLUSION: Ankle fractures malreduction are associated with higher age, open fractures, and fracture-dislocations.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Surgical Strategy of Knee Traumatic Arthritis after Internal Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fracture

Objective

To explore the risk factors and surgical strategies of knee traumatic arthritis after internal plate fixation in the treatment of tibial plateau fracture.

Methods

A total of 300 patients with tibial plateau fractures treated with internal plate fixation in our hospital from January 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether secondary knee traumatic arthritis occurred after operation, they were divided into control group and research group. The control group was nonsecondary knee traumatic arthritis (n = 231), and the research group was secondary knee traumatic arthritis (n = 69). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used in this research.

Results

There were significant differences in fracture classification, injury method, osteoporosis, and the time from injury to operation between the two groups, and there are statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Fracture type, injury method, osteoporosis, and time from injury to operation were the influencing factors of tibial internal fixation, and there are statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). Platform fracture was an independent risk factor for postoperative knee joint traumatic arthritis, and there are statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). The HSS scores of both groups increased after operation, and there are statistically significant differences between groups (P < 0.05). No loosening of the prosthesis was found in all 69 patients with postoperative X-ray examination.

Conclusion

Fracture classification, injury mode, osteoporosis, and time from injury to operation are independent risk factors for knee traumatic arthritis in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures with internal plate fixation, incidence of knee trauma.

Revision of the Chronic Syndesmotic Injury

Optimal healing for fractures requires anatomic reduction and stable fixation. This optimizes not only bone healing, but optimal function within the limb including joint functioning. Proper ligamentous healing is also crucial for optimal functioning. In patients with injuries around the ankle involving distal tibiofibular syndesmotic injuries of the ankle, malreduction of the syndesmosis is a potential consequence that can lead to chronic pain and functional limitations. This article discusses proper ways of evaluating reduction of the syndesmosis and surgical revision for the chronic injury.