Direct fixation of fractures of the posterior pilon via a posteromedial approach

The treatment of a malunited posterior pilon fracture with talar dislocation: A staged surgical treatment protocol

BACKGROUND

Malunited posterior pilon fractures with talus dislocation (mPPFtd) are rare and there are no appropriate treatment strategies. The purpose of this study was to introduce a stepped strategy featuring preliminary soft tissue management according to the Ilizarov principle and delayed open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through a modified posteromedial approach to overcome rigid soft tissue contracture.

METHOD

From February 2015 to August 2021, 12 selected patients with mPPFtd who were treated with the staged protocol (Group A) were retrospectively analysed. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and the Burwell-Charnley score. Moreover, this case series was compared with some cases of fresh fracture (Group B) in patients that had the same baseline data from our previous study.

RESULTS

In Group A, the average length of time between the date of injury and the date of surgery was 4.8 ± 3.3 months. The average time to external fixator distraction, as the first-stage treatment, was 13.4 ± 1.0 days. In the second stage of ORIF, the posterosuperior dislocation of the talus was corrected with osteotomy and leverage manoeuvres. According to the Burwell-Charnley score system, the reduction quality was excellent in 9 cases and good in 3 cases. After a mean follow-up of 3.8 ± 2.1 years, there were no infections, wound healing problems, or nerve injuries in our cohort, and union was observed in all fractures without a loss of reduction. The baseline data of the two groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). The mean AOFAS score in Group A was 85.0 ± 10.5 and that in Group B was 95.4 ± 6.1 (p<0.05). The mean VAS score in Group A was 1.7 ± 1.4 and that in Group B was 0.7 ± 0.9 (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

A staged surgical treatment strategy characterized by soft tissue management will improve the treatment of mPPFtd and produce satisfactory clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

In Vivo Foot Segmental Motion and Coupling Analysis during Midterm Follow-Up after the Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Trimalleolar Fractures

PURPOSE

Trimalleolar ankle fractures (TAFs) are common traumatic injuries. Studies have described postoperative clinical outcomes in relation to fracture morphology, but less is known about foot biomechanics, especially in patients treated for TAFs. The aim of this study was to analyze segmental foot mobility and joint coupling during the gait of patients after TAF treatment.

METHODS

Fifteen patients, surgically treated for TAFs, were recruited. The affected side was compared to their non-affected side, as well as to a healthy control subject. The Rizzoli foot model was used to quantify inter-segment joint angles and joint coupling. The stance phase was observed and divided into sub-phases. Patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients treated for TAFs showed a reduced range of motion in the affected ankle during the loading response (3.8 ± 0.9) and pre-swing phase (12.7 ± 3.5) as compared to their non-affected sides (4.7 ± 1.1 and 16.1 ± 3.1) and the control subject. The dorsiflexion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint during the pre-swing phase was reduced (19.0 ± 6.5) when compared to the non-affected side (23.3 ± 8.7). The affected side's Chopart joint showed an increased range of motion during the mid-stance (1.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.1 ± 0.6). Smaller joint coupling was observed on both the patient-affected and non-affected sides compared to the controls.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the Chopart joint compensates for changes in the ankle segment after TAF osteosynthesis. Furthermore, reduced joint-coupling was observed. However, the minimal case numbers and study power limited the effect size of this study. Nevertheless, these new insights could help to elucidate foot biomechanics in these patients, adjusting rehabilitation programs, thereby lowering the risk of postoperative long-term complications.

Morphological study of CT image of posterior pilon variant fracture and its possible clinical significance

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of posterior pilon variant fractures has been underestimated. The purpose was to study the characteristics of posteromedial (PM) and posterolateral (PL) fragments in CT imaging of posterior pilon variant fractures, and to provide help for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

CT imaging data of 109 cases of posterior pilon variant fractures in our hospital from January 2013 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to Mason and Molloy classification, PM fragments were further divided into pilon subtypes and avulsed subtypes. The largest actual area of fragments in axial and sagittal were selected as the study plane, and the maximum axial lengths of X, Y and Z, α angle, β angle, fragment area (S1-7) and fragment area ratio (FAR1-4), interfragmentary (IF) angle, and back of tibia (BT) angle were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 109 cases were included in this study, 61 of whom were pilon subtypes [90.16% were supination-external rotation (SER) injuries]. 48 cases were avulsed subtypes [81.25% were pronation-external rotation (PER) injuries]. Pilon subtypes were larger than avulsed subtypes in X, Y, Z, α₂ Angle, β₂ Angle, fragment area and ratio, and IF and BT angle (P < 0.05). There was no difference between α₁ and β₁ angle (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The morphology of pilon subtype was larger than that of avulsion subtype. According to fragment size, morphology, and injury mechanism, two fragments of pilon subtype should be anatomic reduction and fixation. However, the PL fragment of avulsion subtype should to be fixed, while PM fragment may only need conservative treatment.

Open reduction and internal fixation for posterior pilon fracture: Transfibular approach versus posterior approach

BACKGROUND

For posterior pilon fractures, the posterior approach (PA) is widely used but has its limitations. The transfibular approach (TFA) has been adopted to treat posterior malleolar fractures for the advantage of direct visual confirmation of the reduction status intraoperatively, yet the report of its application on posterior pilon fractures is rare. This study aims to compare TFA with PA in terms of their corresponding reduction quality.

METHODS

Clinical data of 85 posterior pilon fracture patients treated via PA (n = 62) or TFA (n = 23) were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic and clinical assessments, including articular step-off or gap, syndesmosis reduction quality, signs of ankle arthritis, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), ankle stability, and the active range of motion (ROM) of the ankle, were all evaluated by two readers independently.

RESULTS

The total incidence of step-off or gap ≥ 1 mm was significantly higher in the PA group (35.5%) than in the TFA group (8.7%, p = 0.015). In all the patients, step-off ≥ 1 mm was identified as an independent risk factor for the development of arthritis and a lower AOFAS score (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found in ROM and complication incidence between the two groups. Ankle instability was found in neither group during the follow-up.

CONCLUSION

TFA could offer a way to intraoperatively evaluate the reduction status with direct visual confirmation and, thereby, might improve the results of reduction for posterior pilon fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Treatment outcomes of posterior pilon fractures using a simple single lateral approach via stretching fibular fracture line

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the treatment outcomes of a novel single lateral approach via fibular fracture line for patients with posterior pilon fractures.

Patients and methods

From January 2020 to December 2021, a total of 41 patients with posterior pilon fractures who received surgical treatment in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty patients (Group A) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via posterolateral approach. Twenty-one patients (Group B) were treated with ORIF using a simple single lateral approach via stretching fibular fracture line. Clinical assessments, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, visual analogue scale (VAS), and the active range of motion (ROM) of the ankle at the final follow-up visit after surgery, were performed in all patients. Radiographic outcome was evaluated by using the criteria proposed by Burwell and Charnley.

Results

The mean follow-up time was 21 months (range 12-35). The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the Group B were significantly less than those in the Group A. Moreover, the AOFAS score and ankle ROM in the Group B were significantly higher than those in the Group A at the final follow-up visit. Eighteen cases (90%) in Group A and 19 cases (90.5%) in Group B achieved anatomical reduction of the fracture.

Conclusion

The single lateral approach via stretching fibular fracture line is a simple and effective technique for reduction and fixation of posterior pilon fractures.

Posterior pilon fracture treated by opening the fibula fracture gap

Background

Posterior pilon fracture is a relatively common clinical fracture involving the posterior articular surface of the distal tibia. Currently, this form of fracture is receiving increasing attention. The surgical approach and technique for the treatment of posterior pilon fractures are still controversial. The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical and imaging outcomes of pilon fractures after treatment with the open fibula fracture line (OFFL) surgical technique versus the traditional posterolateral approach (TPL).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with posterior pilon fractures treated using the open fibula fracture line technique and the traditional posterolateral approach between January 2015 and March 2020. Thirty-one cases were included in the open fibula fracture line technique group and twenty-eight cases were included in the traditional posterolateral approach group. We used the Burwell-Charnley scale to assess the effectiveness of surgical repositioning. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hind foot score (AOFAS) and visual analog score (VAS).

Results

The overall anatomic reduction rate was slightly better in the open fibula fracture line group than in the conventional posterolateral group (81% vs. 71%, p = 0.406), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of fracture healing time and time to full weight bearing (p > 0.05). At the final follow-up, the AOFAS functional score of the open fibula fracture line group was statistically superior to that of the conventional posterolateral group (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistical difference between the two groups in VAS pain scores at rest, during activity, and under weight bearing (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The trans-fibular fracture approach provides a better surgical option for specific types of posterior pilon fractures with a high rate of anatomic repositioning and a good near-term outcome.

Trial registration: Retrospective registration.

Simultaneous Posterolateral and Posteromedial Approaches for Fractures of the Entire Posterior Tibial Plafond: A Safe Technique for Effective Reduction and Fixation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short-term results of surgical treatment with dual posterolateral and posteromedial approaches for fractures of the entire posterior tibial plafond and secondarily to identify common fracture characteristics.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Single academic Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Thirty-five patients with posterior pilon fractures followed until fracture union (minimum 3 months).

INTERVENTION

Surgical treatment using simultaneous combined posterolateral and posteromedial exposures for fracture reduction and internal fixation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

(1) Surgical outcomes including rate of wound complications and accuracy of the articular reduction. (2) Fracture characteristics including the incidence of articular impaction, comminution interfering with reduction, syndesmosis injury, and the type of fibula fracture.

RESULTS

The rate of wound problems was low (6%), and 94% of patients had an articular reduction with less than 1 mm of step or gap. There were high rates of articular comminution (83%) and posteromedial articular impaction (63%) and a 17% rate of syndesmosis injury requiring repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical fixation using simultaneous, combined posterolateral and posteromedial approaches for posterior pilon fractures had a low rate of wound complications and was an effective strategy for obtaining an accurate reduction. The rate of syndesmotic instability requiring fixation was lower than previous work reporting on fixation using a single approach. This may be a useful technique for surgeons who treat these injuries. Careful assessment of the preoperative imaging is required in patients with posterior pilon fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Posterior Malleolar Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review

In patients with ankle fractures, the presence of a posterior malleolar fracture has a negative impact on the prognosis. Computed tomography (CT) scanning is essential for fracture classification and treatment planning, as the indication for surgery depends on the 3-dimensional fragment outline and displacement, incisura involvement, and the presence of joint impaction. Anatomic reduction of a posterior malleolar fragment restores the incisura, facilitating reduction of the distal part of the fibula, and it also restores the integrity of the posterior portion of the syndesmosis, reducing the need for additional syndesmotic stabilization. Direct open reduction and fixation of posterior malleolar fragments from a posterior orientation is biomechanically more stable and provides a more accurate reduction than does indirect reduction and anterior-to-posterior screw fixation. Intra-articular step-off of >=2 mm is an independent risk factor for an inferior outcome and the development of posttraumatic arthritis, irrespective of the fragment size.

A Modified 2-Stage Treatment for AO/OTA 43-C1 Pilon Fractures Accompanied by Distal Fibular and Posterior Lip of the Distal Tibia Fracture

The management of pilon fractures remains challenging owing to the high-energy axial loading mechanism that produces comminution of the articular surface, displacement of tibia metaphysis, and severe soft tissue injury. How to preserve the vitality of soft tissue and achieve anatomic reduction has become a timely issue. We report and evaluate the effect of a modified staging treatment for AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 43C1 pilon fracture accompanied by distal fibular and posterior lip of the distal tibia fracture. We performed a modified 2-stage treatment of type C1 pilon fracture with distal fibular and posterior malleolar fractures. In the first stage, the posterolateral incision was used for simultaneous reduction of fibula and posterior malleolus, and the tibia was fixed with an external fixator. In the second stage, the external fixator was removed, and the medial malleolus and tibia were fixed after the edema of soft tissue had subsided. The following data were collected: Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Short Form 36 (SF-36) score, Burwell-Charnley fracture reduction score, and postoperative complications. Twenty-seven patients were monitored for an average of 31.70 ± 7.38 months. The Burwell-Charnley fracture reduction scores had anatomic and fair ratings of 92.59%. SF-36 physical component score was 42.94 ± 12.47 and mental component score was 48.73 ± 9.79. Score data from the multiple scales of FAOS included pain, 88.79 ± 8.59; activities of daily living, 91.89 ± 7.50; quality of life, 90.26 ± 10.52; sports, 87.93 ± 11.64; and symptoms, 85.32 ± 8.65. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scores were 87.30 ± 13.45. Complications were reported in 5 patients (18.52%). Our study provides a good alternative to the existing protocol for type C1 pilon fractures with distal fibular and posterior lip of the distal tibia fracture and effectively reduces soft tissue complications.

Biomechanical Comparison of a Novel Implant and Commercial Fixation Devices for AO/OTA 43-C1 Type Distal Tibial Fracture

This study compares the novel Asia Distal Lateral Tibial Locking Plate mechanical stability to that of the current anterolateral and medial tibial plates based on finite element analysis. Four-part fracture fragment model of the distal tibia was reconstructed using CAD software. A load was applied to simulate the swing phase of gait. The implant stress and the construct stiffness were compared. The results of the anterolateral plate and the medial plate were similar and the displacement values were determined lower than those in the medial plate. In the simulated distal tibia fracture, the Aplus Asia Distal Lateral Tibial Locking Plate and medial distal tibial plate tibia fixations will lead to a stiffer bone-implant construct compared to the anterolateral distal tibial plate. Moreover, the stress in the Aplus Asia Distal Lateral Tibial Locking Plate was lower than those for the medial distal tibial plate and anterolateral bone plates. The Aplus Asia Distal Lateral Tibial Locking Plate has better stabilization and is an anterolateral plate that avoids more soft tissue damage than other bone plates. The Aplus Asia Distal Lateral Tibial Locking Plate could be one of a suitable design in tibia distal fracture fixation.

Combined Posteromedial and Posterolateral Approaches for 2-Part Posterior Malleolar Fracture Fixation

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the clinical efficacy of combined posteromedial and posterolateral approaches for repair of 2-part posterior malleolar fractures associated with medial and lateral malleolar fractures.

METHODS

This case series report included 27 Weber B with Haraguchi type II patients with medial and lateral malleolar fractures combined with 2-part posterior malleolar fractures. Patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through a combination of posteromedial and posterolateral approaches from January 2015 to January 2018. There were 11 males and 16 females, with an average age of 61.5 years (range, 53-67 years). The procedures were performed on prone patients under spinal anesthesia. The medial, lateral, and posterior malleolar fractures were exposed through posteromedial and posterolateral approaches performed at the same time. The lateral malleolar fracture was fixed using a plate, the medial malleolar fracture was fixed using screws, and the posterior malleolar fracture was fixed using a plate or cannulated screws according to the size of the fragments. We performed follow-up on 22 patients for an average of 30 months (range, 18-48 months).

RESULTS

Primary healing of the incisions was achieved in all cases, and no infection was found. The mean time of bone union was 12.5 weeks (range, 10-15 weeks). The mean time from the operation to full weightbearing was 13 weeks (range, 11-16 weeks). We used the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale to score patient outcomes; the mean score was 85.4 (range, 80-92) at the final follow-up. No significant pain was found at the final follow-up.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that satisfactory outcomes were achieved with combined posteromedial and posterolateral approaches. Therefore, we believe this approach was a good alternative strategy to repair 2-part posterior malleolar fractures associated with medial and lateral malleolar fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Comparison of four posterior approaches of the ankle: A cadaveric study

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed comparison of 4 posterior approaches of the ankle: the posteromedial, modified posteromedial (mPM), Achilles tendon-splitting (TS), and posterolateral approaches.

METHODS

Cadaveric dissections were performed to assess the influence of the medial and lateral retraction forces on the neuro-vascular bundle with suspension scales and to measure the medial and lateral exposed areas of the posterior tibia and talus. Data was acquired with the ankle in neutral position and in plantar flexion.

RESULTS

Both the mPM and TS approaches provided excellent visualization of the posterior tibia with the ankle in plantar flexion (16.6 cm2 and 16.2 cm2, respectively). The medial aspect of the posterior tibia, however, was significantly better exposed in the mPM approach than in the TS approach with the ankle in neutral position (8.9 cm2 vs 6.5 cm2). The lower value for medial retraction force in the mPM approach (1.9 N in neutral position and 0.9 N in plantar flexion) indicated a lower risk of injury to the neuro-vascular bundle (the tibial nerve and the posterior tibial artery). The posterior talus, however, is best visualized through the TS approach with the ankle in neutral position (4.5 cm2).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated the usefulness of the mPM approach. When internal fixation of the fibula is unnecessary, the mPM approach is preferable, considering the potential damage to the Achilles tendon associated with the TS approach.

Functional outcome and general health status after plate osteosynthesis of posterior malleolus fractures - The quest for eligibility

INTRODUCTION

The necessity for reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus fractures remains under debate. Therefore, we assessed the functional outcome and quality after plate osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus, identified the main drivers of outcome and aimed to determine which patient and fracture type are eligible for plate osteosynthesis of the posterior malleolus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective patient cohort of 50 patients with an ankle fracture including the posterior malleolus underwent plate osteosynthesis via a posterior approach, and was compared to a retrospective patient cohort of 85 consecutive patients who did not. Twenty-five demographic, operative and postoperative characteristics were assessed. Outcome was recorded using questionnaires: AOFAS, EQ-5D, EQ-5D-VAS, EQ-5D-TTO, sensory nerve-associated complications, and flexion deficit of the hallux.

RESULTS

Direct reduction and plate osteosynthesis of posterior malleolus fractures was inferior to non-operative treatment. Subanalysis of trimalleolar fractures revealed that the outcome of plate osteosynthesis was equal. Both fracture type and plate osteosynthesis were independent drivers of the outcome; Haraguchi type 3 posterior malleolus fractures were associated with the best functional outcome and quality of life scores. Comorbidity, age, postoperative complications and reintervention largely determined the outcome. Up to 30% of the patients reported (temporarily) flexion deficit of the hallux and 38% numbness at the lateral side of the foot.

CONCLUSIONS

There is no indication for routine plate osteosynthesis of all posterior malleolus fractures. Careful patient selection, less invasive surgery and modified postoperative rehabilitation seem mandatory to improve the outcome and prevent adverse effects.

CT controlled results of direct reduction and fixation of posterior malleolus in ankle fractures

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to present outcomes of operative treatment of the posterior malleolus fractures of type four of the Bartoníček/Rammelt classification.

METHODS

In 19 patients, direct reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolus was performed from the posterolateral or posteromedial approaches. The accuracy of reduction was assessed with the use of postoperative CT scans.

RESULTS

The mean size of the avulsed articular surface carried by posterior malleolus amounted to 36%. Reduction of the posterior malleolus fracture was assessed as anatomical in 14 cases and as satisfactory in five cases. Position of the distal fibula was assessed as anatomical in 15 cases. The mean AOFAS score was 89.4 points. All nine patients with anatomical reduction of all lesions achieved the mean AOFAS score of 93.1 points, five patients with malposition of posterior malleolus 89.1 points and five patients with malposition of the fibula in the fibular notch 87.8 points. A total of six patients developed osteoarthritic changes of grades one and two according to the Kellgren and Lawrence classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Outcomes of the study demonstrated good mid-term results in type four fractures of the posterior malleolus treated by direct reduction from posterior approaches. Postoperative CT examination allowed evaluation of the accuracy of reduction of all fractures and reduction of the distal fibula into the fibular notch. Based on postoperative CT examination, it will be possible to assess the effect of reduction of individual lesions on the functional results.

Posterior pilon fracture: Epidemiology and surgical technique

OBJECTIVES

To review a case series of patients with posterior pilon variant fracture using a novel approach, focusing on demographic data, injury pattern, surgical results based on computed tomography (CT) scan, and short-term complications.

DESIGN

Consecutive case series.

SETTING

Level I trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five patients with posterior pilon fracture.

INTERVENTION

Posterior pilon fracture open reduction and internal fixation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Parameters measured included age, sex, type of fracture, surgical technique, anatomical reduction, and complications.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients sustained a posterior pilon fracture, accounting for 13.4% of all operatively treated ankle fractures with median follow-up of 21.7 months. The average age of patients was 42 years (22-62); 19/25 (76%) were female, and 6/25 (24%) were male. A modified posteromedial approach was used in 18/25 (72%) patients. Persistent syndesmotic instability was present in 11/25 (44%) patients after posterior malleolar stabilization. Quality of reduction was assessed under CT scan in 19 patients, with 15/19 (78.9%) having anatomic reduction. We report 2/25 (8%) patients with early wound problems and 7/25 (20%) with short-term complications during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Posterior pilon variant fracture appears to be less common than previously reported. Most fractures can be satisfactorily treated through a modified posteromedial approach. Albeit obtaining posterior malleolar fracture rigid fixation, syndesmotic instability was more prevalent than expected. The short-term complication rate was low.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level IV.

[Application of anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique in treatment of pronation ankle fractures]

Objective

To investigate the safety and effectiveness of anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique in treatment of pronation ankle fractures.

Methods

The clinical data of 53 patients with pronation ankle fractures between April 2015 and October 2016, who were treated with anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique applied for fracture reduction and internal fixation, were analysed retrospectively. There were 35 males and 18 females with an average age of 33.1 years (range, 18-60 years). The cause of injury included traffic accidents in 27 cases, tumbling in 5 cases, fall from height in 4 cases, twisted injury in 6 cases, sports injuries in 4 cases, and bruises in 7 cases. According to Lauge-Hansen classification, there were 44 cases of pronation external rotation stage Ⅳ and 9 cases of pronation abduction stage Ⅲ. The interval between injury and operation was 4-10 days (mean, 7 days). Postoperative pain and function of ankles were assessed by American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and visual analogue pain scale (VAS) score. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL), the anterior and posterior tibiofibular syndesmosis distance, and the lateral malleolus twist angle were measured by X-ray films and CT of bilateral ankle joints.

Results

The tourniquet application time was 55-90 minutes (mean, 72.5 minutes); the frequency of fluoroscopy was 5-13 times (mean, 8.9 times). All incisions healed by first intention and no infection, deep vein thrombosis occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 28-48 months (mean, 36 months). There was no significant difference in postoperative MCS, TFCS, DFTL, the anterior and posterior tibiofibular syndesmosis distance, and the lateral malleolus twist angle between bilateral ankle joints ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, no ankle instability occurred and the degenerative changes of ankle joints (Kellgren-Lawrence grading Ⅱ) occurred in 5 cases. The average AOFAS score of the ankle joint was 90.84 (range, 85-95); mean VAS score was 1.23 (range, 0-5). The average dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of ankle joints was 20.24° (range, 15-25°) and 42.56° (range, 30-50°), respectively.

Conclusion

Anatomical approach osteoligaments repair technique in treatment of pronation ankle fractures can expose the talocrural joint and lower tibiofibular syndesmosis clearly, repair the osteoligaments injury directly, and assist the syndesmosis and talocrural joint reduction, and decline the incidence of ankle degeneration.

Operative Management of AO Type 44 Ankle Fractures: Determinants of Outcome

The consequences of inadequate treatment of ankle fractures can be disastrous. We assessed the radiologic and functional outcomes, postoperative quality of life (QOL), and its determinants for patients treated operatively for AO type 44 ankle fractures. Evidence is lacking concerning the management of posterior malleolus fractures and syndesmotic injuries. Our retrospective adult cohort study included 432 AO/OTA type 44 ankle fractures (431 patients). The median follow-up period was 52 months. Outcomes were assessed from the medical records, radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scale (functional outcome), and EuroQol EQ-5D questionnaires. The median AOFAS scale score was 88; 27.9% of patients reported restricted mobility and 40.4% pain or discomfort. In 8.8%, radiographic failure was observed. The presence of posterior malleolus fractures was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, and a postoperative step-off correlated with radiologic failure, poor functional outcome, and poor postoperative QOL. Late syndesmotic screw removal was associated with worse EQ-5D time trade-off QOL scores. A substantial number of patients experienced functional impairment, discomfort, and pain. Syndesmotic injury was associated with ankle joint failure and poor functional outcomes. Our data indicate that all displaced posterior malleolus fracture fragments affecting the posterior articular tibial surface in patients aged ≤65 years require anatomic reduction.