Poor prognosis for infectious complications of surgery for ankle and hindfoot fracture and dislocation. A 34-case series

Do We Need Routine Postoperative Prophylactic Oral Antibiotics in Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Background

Previous studies about antibiotic prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery have focused on perioperative intravenous administration, with few studies reporting on the efficiency of postoperative oral antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in the rate of postoperative infection and wound complications between patients with and without postoperative oral antibiotics and to identify independent risk factors for these complications following foot and ankle surgeries.

Methods

A retrospective review of all elective foot and ankle surgeries with at least a 6-month follow-up was performed over a 2-year time span. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on if they received postoperative oral antibiotics. We compared the rates of postoperative infections and wound complications between the 2 groups. The surgical site, the number of Current Procedural Terminology codes, and the number of surgical incisions were also noted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of postoperative infection and wound complications.

Results

A total of 366 patients were included in this study-240 with antibiotics and 126 without antibiotics. There was no significant difference in the rates of postoperative infection and wound complications between the 2 groups. The rate of superficial infection, deep infection, and wound complications was 1.7%, 0.8%, and 5.8% in the antibiotic group vs 3.2%, 0.0%, and 4.0% in patients without antibiotics, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors of postoperative infection and wound complications as follows: smoking (OR: 4.7), male (OR: 4.0), history of neoplasm (OR: 6.7), and multiple incisions (OR: 4.1).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that routine postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics are not needed following elective foot and ankle surgeries. However, certain risk factors may increase the risk for postoperative infection and wound complications in foot and ankle surgery.

Level of Evidence

Level III, case-control study.

Resumption of complete weight bearing after osteosynthesis of bimalleolar fractures using locking plates

INTRODUCTION

Bimalleolar fractures represent 9% of fractures and affect 187/100,000 people per year. The gold standard for osteosynthesis is a one-third tubular or lateral locking plate and compression screwing or use of tension band wiring, with complete weight bearing planned around the 6th week. The development of locking plates seems to allow earlier resumption of weight bearing. The objective of our study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results after internal fixation of bimalleolar fractures using locking plates with complete weight bearing authorized from the outset. The hypothesis was that this does not predispose to cutaneous or mechanical complications.

HARDWARE AND METHOD

A continuous multi-operator retrospective study was performed. The clinical and radiological data of 55 patients operated on for bimalleolar fractures were collected. All underwent osteosynthesis with medial and lateral locking plates with authorization for weight bearing from the outset.

RESULTS

Complete weight bearing was resumed at 27.4 days 14.7 [7-60] postoperatively. No non-union or malunion was found. Two patients presented with delayed medial healing without the need for hardware removal. Two patients required removal of the lateral Plate 1 month postoperatively due to infection. Seven patients presented with discomfort related to hardware, justifying its removal at 1 year. The Kitaoka score at 1 year was 94.6 7.7 [71-100].

CONCLUSION

The use of medial and lateral locking plates in bimalleolar fractures associated with complete weight bearing authorized from the outset allows complete consolidation. There was no increase in cutaneous or mechanical complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of internal fixation of complex talar neck and body fractures with locking plates through a dual approach

INTRODUCTION

Talar fractures are rare and surgical treatment has not been standardized. The literature is rather poor on preserving talar vascularization in single or dual approaches. A dual approach allows better exposure and should limit devascularization. Locking plates are one of the modern solutions for challenging comminuted fractures. The aim of this study was to determine clinical and radiological outcomes in complex talar fracture (CTF) of the neck and body, fixed by locking plates through a dual approach with at least one locking plate.

HYPOTHESIS

Locking-plate fixation of CTF through a dual approach leads to good clinical outcome.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center retrospective study included 12 cases of CTF treated between January 2007 and May 2019. 3D CT was systematically performed to plan surgery. A dual approach and at least one locking plate were used for fixation. Clinical outcome was evaluated on AOFAS score. Reduction quality and correlation to clinical results were evaluated, reduction with<2mm joint step being considered satisfactory. Consolidation rate and occurrence of avascular necrosis of the talus (ANT), post-traumatic arthritis (PTA) and postoperative complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 27 months (range, 15-47). Mean AOFAS score was 70±18 (range, 30-97). Inframillimetric reduction was achieved in 67% of cases, without significant correlation with clinical results. The consolidation rate was 91.6%, ANT rate 18.2% and PTA rate 45.5%. One patient presented septic osteoarthritis secondary to scar necrosis.

CONCLUSION

Locking plate fixation of CTF through a dual approach provided acceptable clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective study.

Percutaneous subtalar joint screw fixation of comminuted calcaneal fractures: a salvage procedure

INTRODUCTION

Malunited comminuted calcaneal fractures result in poor function due subtalar joint arthritis and altered biomechanics. We aimed to assess whether percutaneous subtalar joint screws after fracture reduction provide good outcomes for these difficult injuries.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 15 comminuted calcaneal fractures (in 14 patients) treated with percutaneous subtalar screw fixation. All patients had a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. Six patients had open injuries. On the preoperative and the latest postoperative radiograph, Bohlers angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal inclination, width and length, absolute foot height, and posterior facet height were measured. Preoperative computed tomography scans were used to classify the fractures by Sanders classification. Clinical outcome scores were recorded postoperatively.

RESULTS

Mean age was 34.2 ± 14.2 years. Minimum follow-up was 12 months (mean 17.2 ± 4.4 months). Nine patients had a Sanders 4, 3 had a Sanders 3AB, 2 had a Sanders 3BC, and 1 had a Sanders 3AC fracture. Eighty percent of patients had their angle of Gissane, absolute foot height, calcaneal length and inclination restored by this technique. Bohlers angle was restored back into the normal range in 54% of patients. Mean postoperative AOFAS score was 74 ± 11. AOFAS scores positively correlated with postoperative Bohlers angle (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.85; p = 0.004). One patient (7%) had a wound breakdown postoperatively and three patients (20%) had heel pain from the screws, which improved after removal.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous subtalar screws offer a reliable option to restore calcaneal anatomy in comminuted calcaneal fractures, with low complication rates. Over 80% of patients had their angle of Gissane, calcaneal length and inclination restored, and over 50% of patients had all radiological parameters restored by this technique. It offers the benefits of percutaneous reduction and fixation and this procedure may be considered an effective first stage prior to definitive subtalar fusion. Further work is needed to review the longer-term outcomes and the conversion rate to arthrodesis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV (case series), Therapeutic.

Treatment of bimalleolar fractures in elderly

Geriatrics continues to evolve as a specialty by adapting itself to increasingly older patients. Musculoskeletal injuries are common in these patients, who can maintain their physical capacities and autonomy for a long time, but whose bone solidness is frequently reduced by osteoporosis. Falls increase with age and because of certain medical conditions. Trauma in the geriatric population involves specific risks; thus, the treatment must be adapted not only to the fracture, but to the local conditions and the patient. Ankle injuries are particularly frequent in general traumatology but even more in geriatric traumatology. They can lead to complete loss of autonomy if the treatment is delayed and/or not adapted to the local conditions or the patient. The functional prognosis is brought into play, along with the patient's life due to loss of autonomy and general complications occurring in patients who are bed-ridden. The treatment of bimalleolar ankle fractures in older adults requires rigorous analysis at all points, which starts by evaluating the cutaneous status and viability of the soft tissues upon admission. The benefit-risk balance of the various treatment options will be assessed with the main goal being that patients recover their autonomy. This article will review this topic by answering 7 questions: 1) What are the distinctive features of elderly? Dependence on others, comorbidities, bone and soft tissue fragility are the main ones, explaining these high-risk situations and frequent complications. 2) When should a bimalleolar ankle fracture be treated surgically? The surgery must be done early, preferably within 8hours of the injury occurring, once the comorbidities have been controlled. The local conditions (skin and soft tissue damage) must be evaluated carefully as they determine the treatment. Errors are not allowed in these patients, who are often fragile and in precarious health. Definitive fixation is preferred if the skin status allows it, but one must keep temporary external fixation in mind as an option. 3) Is there still a role for conservative treatment of displaced fractures? This will produce good results when it is well done; however, the indications are rare and must be selected carefully. The main risks are secondary displacement and skin lesions inside the cast, which are sources of infection. 4) Is fixation with anatomical locking plates an advance? This is definitely an advance for these fragility fractures, which are often comminuted, as it allows return to weight bearing in certain conditions. However, the implantation rules must be followed exactly, and it is preferable to use thinner plates. 5) Does transplantar Steinmann pin fixation still have a role? It has few indications, limited to salvage situations (catastrophic local conditions, very poor general condition). External tibiocalcaneal fixation, alone or in combination, is a better option. 6) Is immediate transarticular fixation with a retrograde or antegrade locked nail a reasonable option? Fixation can be done by retrograde nailing or antegrade nailing. It is proposed to patients who are not very autonomous with a poor cutaneous status and/or severe osteoporosis. It is preferable to transplantar nailing. 7) Is immediate protected weight bearing, with or without fixation, possible? This can be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on the extent of the trauma, patient compliance and treatment carried out. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V, Expert opinion.

Early posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis following ankle fracture-dislocations in a sub-Saharan African setting

INTRODUCTION

Ankle fracture-dislocation (AFD) represents a major threat to the joint and a potential source of complication and functional disability. This study was performed to assess the outcome of AFD in a resource-limited setting and factors associated with the posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis (PTAOA). We hypothesized that conservative treatment after AFD was associated with higher risk of PTAOA compared to surgical treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 52 consecutive patients (mean age 37.2±11.1years, with 57.7% n=30, males) who were treated and followed in a teaching hospital for AFD during a period of six years were collected. Forty-four of these patients were obtained at the time of the study for a retrospective evaluation. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), ankle-hindfoot scale, and the patient's global satisfaction index. Radiographs were performed and analyzed for PTAOA. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with the presence of PTAOA.

RESULTS

PTAOA was found in 19 (43.2%) patients after an average follow-up period of 27.2±18.3months. Anatomic fracture reduction was achieved in 22 (50%) patients, while the talus was centered in the mortise in 30 (68.2%) patients. Despite these poor anatomical results, the clinical outcome was good to excellent in 33 (75%) patients, and 88.6% was satisfied or very satisfied. Factors associated with the presence of PTAOA were the non-anatomical reduction (OR=11.07; p=0.007, 95% CI: 2.096-58.77) and the time elapsed since trauma (OR=1.073; p=0.007, 95% CI: 1.109-1.129).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that AFDs are associated with high rate of early and severe PTAOA. Non-anatomical realignment and a delay since trauma were positive predictors of PTAOA. There was no difference regarding the occurrence of PTAOA after AFD whatever the type of treatment, surgical or conservative.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV; retrospective cohort study.

[Management of suspected early infection after osteosynthesis]

The infection rate after fracture osteosynthesis depends on many factors. The postoperative infection rate after osteosynthesis (inpatient treatment) was between 1.15% and 2.04% for the years 2017-2019. The total number of postoperative wound infections was estimated at around 225,000 annually in 2018. Essential factors for reducing the infection rate after osteosynthesis are the favorable choice of the timing of the operation and the surgical procedure as well as the treatment of relevant secondary diseases. If a postoperative wound infection is suspected critical assessment of the wounds in the postoperative course is essential in order to be able to identify and treat this complication at an early stage. After osteosynthesis, early diagnosis of a peri-implant infection and differentiated surgical and antibiotic treatment are the prerequisites for the best possible treatment success.