Factors Associated With Wound- and Implant-Related Complications After Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures

Complications After Ankle Fracture Surgery in Finland Between 1998 and 2020

BACKGROUND

Ankle fracture is a common injury and often requires operative treatment. This study investigated short-term (≤4 months) and long-term (>4 months) complications after ankle fracture surgery in a 23-year period with use of data from a comprehensive, nationwide, individual-level register.

METHODS

Data regarding patients who underwent operative treatment for ankle fracture were collected from the Finnish Care Register for Health Care and analyzed with use of logistic and Cox regression.

RESULTS

A total of 83,666 ankle fractures were operatively treated between 1998 and 2020. Of these, 36% were lateral malleolar fractures, 7% were medial malleolar fractures, 52% were bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures, and 5% were other types of fractures. Fifty-one percent of the fractures were in female patients. The overall rate of short-term complications was 7.2%. Specifically, infection occurred in 4.4% of cases; thromboembolic complications,1.6% of cases; mechanical complications, 0.4% of cases; and other complications, 0.9% of cases. An age of >75 years was associated with a higher rate of short-term complications than an age of 51 to 75 years, with an odds ratio of 1.53 in the multivariable analysis (95% confidence interval, 1.39 to 1.67; p < 0.001). Short-term complications were also more prevalent in patients with diabetes (with or without associated complications); chronic pulmonary, kidney, or liver disease; or peripheral vascular disease. Mortality during the first 4 months after the ankle fracture operation was 0.6%. The most common reason for reoperation in the long term (>4 months after the index procedure) was fixation device removal, with a cumulative incidence of 17% within the first 3 years postoperatively. The risk of implant removal increased in younger patients and patients with bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures. The cumulative incidence of ankle arthrodesis and arthroplasty was low.

CONCLUSIONS

Although postoperative complications are relatively rare, their treatment can lead to considerable morbidity. The findings of this study allow us to identify patients who are prone to complications or reoperations after undergoing operative treatment for ankle fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Temporary immobilization methods for closed low-energy ankle fracture-dislocations: comparative analysis of a retrospective cohort

PURPOSE

Ankle fracture-dislocations (AFD) often necessitate staged management involving temporary external fixation (EF) due to mechanical instability or blistering. However, limited literature exists on the optimal temporary immobilization method for low-energy closed AFD. This study compared baseline patient and fracture characteristics, along with clinical and radiological outcomes between AFD initially immobilized with EF versus splinting.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving patients with AFD temporarily immobilized using EF or splinting, followed by definitive open reduction and internal fixation. Quality of reduction (QOR) was assessed for each patient post-initial immobilization and after the definitive surgery.

RESULTS

The study encompassed 194 patients: 138 treated with a splint (71.1%) and 56 (28.9%) with EF. Secondary loss of reduction had occurred in three patients who were splinted (2.2%). The mean ages in the EF and splint groups were 63.2 and 56.1 years, respectively (p = 0.01). Posterior malleolus fracture (PMF) and blisters were more prevalent in EF patients (69.6% vs. 43.5% for PMF and 76.8% vs. 20.3% for blisters, respectively; p = 0.05 and p < 0.01). Postoperative complication rates were 8.9% for EF versus 10.9% for splinting (p = 0.69). Satisfactory final QOR was attained in 79.8% of patients treated with a splint versus 64.3% with EF (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Patients immobilized by EF presented with poorer baseline characteristics and had more unstable injuries. Nevertheless, postoperative complication rates were comparable. Thus, EF appears to be a valuable tool for standardizing outcomes in AFD patients with a less favorable prognosis.

To cast or not to cast? Postoperative care of ankle fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Postoperative care of ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a debated topic. A meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials was conducted with the aim of comparing early mobilization and weightbearing to traditional postoperative protocols. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized clinical trials were included. Data about clinical outcome, time to return to work and complications were extracted and summarized. Meta-analyses were performed. Twenty studies for a total of 1328 patients were included. Early mobilization was compared to immobilization in 724 patients: the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of short- and long-term clinical outcome (p = 0.08 and p = 0.41, respectively). However, early mobilization resulted to be significantly associated with faster return to work (p = 0.047). Early weightbearing was compared to nonweightbearing in 1088 patients. While the clinical difference between the two groups was not significant at short term (p = 0.08), it was significant at long term (p = 0.002). No other significant differences, in particular regarding complications, were highlighted between different groups. Early motion, early weightbearing and traditional postoperative protocols are all safe strategies after ORIF for unstable ankle fractures. Early mobilization is significantly associated with faster return to work and early weightbearing improves long term clinical outcome.Level of evidence: I.

The Impact of Surgical Timing After Ankle Fracture on Clinical and Long-Term Patient Reported Outcomes

The goal of this study is to evaluate the effect of time-to-surgery following closed ankle fractures on long-term patient reported outcomes, fracture healing, and wound complications. To date, little research has been done focusing on the impact "time to definitive fixation" has on patient reported outcomes. We performed a retrospective analysis of 215 patient records who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for an ankle fracture from July 2011 to July 2018. A total of 86 patients completed the patient reported outcome measurement information systems (PROMIS) survey at long-term follow-up. Primary outcomes were the rate of delayed union, postoperative wound complications, patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) pain interference (PI), and physical function (PF) scores. No differences were found when comparing time to surgery on a continuous scale with rates of delayed union, nonunion, or wound complications (p = .84, .47, and .63, respectively). PROMIS scores were collected at a median of 4.5 years (2.0 interquartile range (IQR), range 2.5-12.3) postoperatively. The time from ankle fracture to surgery was independently associated with worse PROMIS PI scores (unstandardized β 0.38, 95% CI 0.07-0.68) but not PROMIS PF scores. Severe Lauge-Hansen injuries were independently associated with decreased PROMIS PF scores (unstandardized β -7.02, 95% CI -12.0 to -2.04). Increased time to surgical intervention and severe Lauge-Hansen injuries were independently associated with worse long-term patient reported outcomes. Surgical timing did not impact union rates or wound complications. Surgeons should be aware that delaying ankle fracture repair beyond 12 days after injury may negatively affect long-term patient reported pain scores.

Does the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general) represent an independent predictor for in-hospital complications in operatively treated malleolar fractures? A retrospective analysis of 5262 patients

PURPOSE

The impact of the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general anesthesia) on in-hospital complications in ankle fractures has not been thoroughly studied yet. Identifying factors that place patients at risk for complications following ankle fractures may help reduce their occurrence. The primary goal of this study was (1) to describe the cohort of patients and (2) to evaluate independent risk factors for complications during hospitalization.

METHODS

We analyzed patients from 2005 to 2019 with an operatively treated isolated fracture of the medial or lateral malleolus using a prospective national quality measurement database. Patients were selected based on international classifications (ICD) and national procedural codes (CHOP). Uni- and multivariate analysis were applied.

RESULTS

In total, we analyzed 5262 patients who suffered a fracture of the malleolus; 3003 patients (57%) had regional and 2259 (43%) general anesthesia. Patients with regional anesthesia were significantly older (51 vs. 46 years), but healthier (23 vs. 28% comorbidities) than patients who received general anesthesia. The in-hospital complication rate was not significantly lower in regional anesthesia (2.2% vs 3.0%). The type of anesthesia was not an independent predictor for complications while controlling for confounders.

CONCLUSION

Type of anesthesia was not an independent predictor of complications; however, higher ASA class, age over 70 years, fracture of the medial versus lateral malleolus, longer preoperative stay, and duration of surgery were significant predictors of complications. Patient and procedure characteristics, as well as changes in medical care and epidemiological changes along with patient requests, influenced the choice of the type of anesthesia.

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.

Postoperative Complications of Minimally Invasive Intramedullary Nail Fixation Versus Plate Fixation for Distal Fibular Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Double Cohort Study in a Geriatric Trauma Unit in the Netherlands

Intramedullary fixation using a fibular nail is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional plate fixation that provides superior biomechanical strength and allows immediate full weightbearing postoperatively. The study aim was to compare the postoperative complications of minimally invasive intramedullary fibular nail fixation to plate fixation for Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation type 4 (Weber B) fractures in patients aged 65 years or older treated in a single geriatric trauma unit in the Netherlands. A retrospective cohort study was performed including patients aged 65 years or older with a Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation type 4 (Weber B) fracture treated with either intramedullary fibular fixation or plate fixation between January 2017 and January 2019. A total number of 58 patients were included with a mean age of 73.9 years (range 65-95). The intramedullary fixation-cohort (n = 13) had a significantly higher mean age (82.5 vs 71.4 years, p = .002) and Charlson Co-morbidity Index (4.7 vs 3.6, p = .005) compared to the plate fixation-cohort (n = 45). The total number of postoperative complications was lower after intramedullary fixation (n = 2, 15%) compared to plate fixation (n = 15, 33%), although this relative difference was not significant (p = .307). All 2 complications observed after intramedullary fixation were wound infections demanding no debridement or implant removal. No implant related complications, hospital-acquired complications or mortality were observed after intramedullary fixation. Despite the higher mean age and co-morbidity status of patients treated with minimally invasive intramedullary fibular nailing, the total number of postoperative complications was lower after intramedullary fixation compared to plate fixation. This technique might be a promising alternative in selected patients.

[Comparison of short-term effectiveness of metal screws and absorbable screws in repair of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term effectiveness of repairing distal tibiofibular syndesmosis with metal screws and absorbable screws.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 63 patients with ankle fracture combined with injury of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis admitted between January 2017 and January 2020. Among them, 31 patients were treated with absorbable screw fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (research group) and 32 patients were treated with metal screw fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, surgical side, time from injury to operation, fracture type, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. X-ray film was taken to evaluate the effect of ankle joint reduction and fixation. Olerud-Molander ankle fracture efficacy score (short for OM score), AOFAS score, and VAS score were used to evaluate the effectiveness.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in operation time between the two groups ( t=-0.683, P=0.497). In the control group, 1 case of delayed healing and 1 case of poor healing occurred in the lateral incision after operation, which healed after dressing change; the rest of the patients had primary healing of the incision. Patients in both groups were followed up 12-24 months, with an average of 13.8 months. In the control group, 1 patient with fracture of pronation and external rotation walked with full weight bearing after removing the metal screw of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis at 8 weeks after operation, the anatomical plate of the lateral malleolus was broken, and the lateral malleolus was fixed again and recovered after 5 months; 1 patient had mild ankle pain after operation, and the pain disappeared after removing the metal screw of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis at 8 weeks. No complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury occurred in all patients. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( t=-1.128, P=0.264). The AOFAS and VAS scores significantly improved in both groups at 12 months after operation ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the OM scores, and the difference of AOFAS and VAS scores between before and after operation ( P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Using absorbable screws to repair the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can effectively restore the ankle acupoint structure, prevent ankle instability, and restore good ankle function. There is no significant difference in effectiveness between absorbable screws and metal screws, and there is no need for secondary operation to remove screws.

Complications After Surgical Treatment of Geriatric Ankle Fractures

The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures is rising and the potential for complications is high in this population. Little is known about factors associated with increased postoperative complications after surgical fixation of ankle fractures in older-age patients. The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to assess the epidemiology and risk factors for complications after surgically treated ankle fractures in geriatric patients. All patients who were 65 years or older and had a surgically treated ankle fracture were included. Pilon fractures, patients who were initially treated conservatively or who had less than 1 month of follow-up were excluded. Postoperative complications, demographic-, fracture- and surgical data of 282 patients were recorded from two level 2 trauma centers between 2012 and 2017. A total of 87 (30.9%) patients developed a complication, of which wound related complications were most frequently reported. Superficial and deep wound infections were observed in 27 (9.6%) and 18 (6.4%) patients, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated increased age to be an independent predictive variable for the occurrence of postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.09), while cast immobilization for more than 2 weeks was a protective factor for the development of wound related complications (odds ratio 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.17-0.66). In conclusion, the incidence of postoperative complications among geriatric patients after surgical treatment of ankle fractures is high and patients should be informed accordingly.

Supination Adduction Ankle Fractures Are Associated With Arthritis and Poor Outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To compare complications and functional outcomes between supination adduction type II (SAD) injuries and torsional ankle injuries (TAI).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients (n = 1531) treated for ankle fractures (OTA/AO 43B or 44) over 16 years were identified. The most recent 200 consecutive adult patients treated for TAI (OTA/AO 44, not SAD) served as controls.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications, unplanned secondary procedures, and patient-reported functional outcome scores, as measured by the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients with SAD injuries (4.2%) were included. They were younger (43.2 vs. 47.7 years, P = 0.08) and more commonly involved in a motorized collision, (58.5% vs. 29.0%) and more often multiply injured: other orthopaedic injuries (66.2% vs. 31.0%) and other nonorthopaedic injuries (40.0% vs. 7.5%, all P < 0.001 vs. TAI). Overall complication and unplanned secondary procedure rates were not different between groups. Those with a SAD injury had more posttraumatic arthrosis (80.0% vs. 40.9%, P = 0.004), but no differences were noted in infection, wound healing, malunion, or nonunion. The mean functional outcome scores were worse for SAD patients over 6 years after injury among all the Foot Function Index and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment categories; however, these differences were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

SAD injuries represented 4.2% of all ankle fractures, occurring in younger patients through higher-energy mechanisms and more often associated with polytrauma. Despite 80% of SAD patients developing posttraumatic arthrosis, secondary procedures were not more common, and functional outcomes after a SAD injury were not different from TAI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effects and Anti-rotation Stabilization of the Non-bridging External Fixation for Pronation-Abduction Stage III Ankle Fracture: A Cadaveric Study

Objective

This study is aimed at providing a nonbridging external fixation technique with pinning fixation for the pronation-abduction stage III ankle fracture. The secondary purpose was to evaluate its effect on anatomic reduction and fracture fragment stability against cadaveric models' rotation.

Method

A paired design study was conducted using 14 pairs of the cadaveric model which had been modeled for pronation-abduction stage III ankle fracture. One fracture model from each pair was randomly allocated to receive an open reduction and internal fixation, while the other was reduced and stabilized with the external fixation technique. After the surgery, the antirotational stability tests were performed with external rotation torques of 10 nm, 15 nm, and 20 nm applied, respectively. The postoperation reduction rate and ankle parameters were recorded in anteroposterior and lateral radiographs before and after the antirotational stability experiment.

Result

The outcomes were assessed according to Burwell-Charnley's radiographic criteria of reduction. It showed no statistically significant differences in reduction between the two groups (P < 0.05). The displacement of lateral fragment following a reduction in the external fixation group was significantly larger than that of the internal fixation group (3.14 ± 0.56 vs. 1.49 ± 0.39, P < 0.05). After applying rotational torques of 10 nm, 15 nm, and 20 nm, the results of other parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion

This nonbridging external fixation method with pin fixation of fracture fragments might have the same effect as that of internal fixation on the reduction rate of pronation-abduction stage III ankle fracture.

The UK Foot and Ankle COVID-19 National (FAlCoN) audit

Aims

The primary objective was to determine the incidence of COVID-19 infection and 30-day mortality in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery during the global pandemic. Secondary objectives were to determine if there was a change in infection and complication profile with changes introduced in practice.

Methods

This UK-based multicentre retrospective national audit studied foot and ankle patients who underwent surgery between 13 January and 31 July 2020, examining time periods pre-UK national lockdown, during lockdown (23 March to 11 May 2020), and post-lockdown. All adult patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery in an operating theatre during the study period were included. A total of 43 centres in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland participated. Variables recorded included demographic data, surgical data, comorbidity data, COVID-19 and mortality rates, complications, and infection rates.

Results

A total of 6,644 patients were included. Of the operated patients, 0.52% (n = 35) contracted COVID-19. The overall all-cause 30-day mortality rate was 0.41%, however in patients who contracted COVID-19, the mortality rate was 25.71% (n = 9); this was significantly higher for patients undergoing diabetic foot surgery (75%, n = 3 deaths). Matching for age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, and comorbidities, the odds ratio of mortality with COVID-19 infection was 11.71 (95% confidence interval 1.55 to 88.74; p = 0.017). There were no differences in surgical complications or infection rates prior to or after lockdown, and among patients with and without COVID-19 infection. After lockdown the COVID-19 infection rate was 0.15% and no patient died of COVID-19.

Conclusion

COVID-19 infection was rare in foot and ankle patients even at the peak of lockdown. However, there was a significant mortality rate in those who contracted COVID-19. Overall surgical complications and postoperative infection rates remained unchanged during the period of this audit. Patients and treating medical personnel should be aware of the risks to enable informed decisions.

Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2021;2(4):216–226.

Intramedullary Fixation of Distal Fibula Fractures

BACKGROUND

Ankle fractures pose a unique challenge to the treating orthopedic surgeon. Intramedullary (IM) distal fibula fixation is a relatively newer entity offering a viable option to minimize wound complications while providing similar outcomes. Our study utilizes an IM nail featuring proximal fixation via IM talons ensuring maintenance of fracture reduction this is the largest case series utilizing this novel device assessing time to weight-bearing (WB) and fracture union in addition to the safety and reproducibility of percutaneous reduction.

METHODS

A retrospective case series was conducted on 51 ankle fractures treated with a single IM device for lateral malleolar fixation. Postoperative radiographs were assessed, qualifying reductions as good, fair, or poor based on a reduction classification. Patient charts were reviewed for fracture characteristics, reduction method, fracture union, time to WB, and complications.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up time was 32.2 weeks; 47 fracture reductions (92%) were classified as good, and 4 (8%) were fair. All but 1 fracture (98%) went onto union. Average time to union was 10.3 weeks. Average time to WB with and without a walking boot was 6.8 and 11.2 weeks, respectively. Two patients experienced painful hardware. One patient had a superficial wound infection.

CONCLUSION

When evaluating this novel IM device, fracture union and time to union were found to be acceptable, with minimal wound or other complications. Percutaneous reduction permitted good fracture reduction quality. Consistent time to WB for a variety of fractures was reliably demonstrated following operative fixation with this device, including those in the elderly population.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level IV: Clinical case series.

The influence of smoking on foot and ankle surgery: a review of the literature

The effect of tobacco smoking on foot and ankle procedures is likely to be more pronounced when compared to other orthopaedic surgery. This is due to the peripheral nature of the vasculature involved. This paper reviews the current clinical evidence on the effects of smoking foot and ankle surgery. In the trauma setting, the evidence suggests that wound complications and non-unions are significantly higher in the smoking population. In the elective setting there is a significantly increased risk of non-union in ankle and hindfoot arthrodeses in smokers. In the setting of diabetes, ulceration rate in smokers is higher and there may be a higher risk of amputation.

[Clinical analysis of full-repair strategy under small incision for closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type ankle fracture]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of full repair strategy under small incision in the treatment of closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture.

METHODS

The clinical data of 57 patients with closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture treated by full repair strategy (fracture, ligament, and cartilage repair) under small incision between January 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 26 females, with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 21-65 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 33 cases and falling injury in 24 cases. All of them were closed fractures, including 20 cases of medial malleolus fracture, 37 cases of complete medial malleolus but deep and shallow rupture of deltoid ligament. The average time from injury to admission was 9.6 hours (range, 3-34 hours). The quality of reduction of distal tibial articular surface (based on Ketz-Sanders standard), the reduction of tibiofibular syndesmosis (the anterior and posterior distances of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the lateral ankle twist angle measured by CT scan at 10 mm above the ankle joint line), and the fracture healing were evaluated. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL) were measured on the X-ray films of ankle points. Before and after operation, the pain and functional improvement of ankle joint were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score, and the activities of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured.

RESULTS

Three cases with osteochondral lesions of the talus were found during operation and all were treated with microfracture techniques. Tournament paralysis occurred in 2 cases after anesthesia. The surgical incisions healed by first intention in all patients. All the 57 patients were followed up 24-84 months, with an average of 38.6 months. All patients achieved bone healing without bone nonunion and malunion at 12 months after operation. The reduction quality of distal tibial articular surface was excellent in 56 cases and good in 1 case at 3 months after operation, the excellent and good rate was 100%. There was no significant difference in the MCS, TFCS, DFTL, anterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, posterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and lateral ankle twist angle between the affected and healthy sides at 12 months after operation ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities of the affected side were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05). Compared with the healthy side, there was no significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities ( P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Full-repair strategy under small incisions for the treatment of Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture is effective and safe. It can not only reduce wound complications, but also improve the quality of joint reduction of the ankle joint and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Full repair of ligaments and cartilage can improve the internal fixation strength and joint stability of the ankle joint.

Factors associating with surgical site infection following operative management of malleolar fractures at an urban level 1 trauma center

OBJECTIVES

To identify comorbidities and injury characteristics associated with surgical site infection (SSI) following internal fixation of malleolar fractures in an urban level 1 trauma setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Seven-hundred seventy-six consecutive patients with operatively managed malleolar fractures from 2006 to 2016.

INTERVENTION

Open reduction internal fixation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Superficial SSI (erythema and drainage treated with oral antibiotics and wound care) or deep SSI (treated with surgical debridement and antibiotics).

RESULTS

Fifty-six (7.2%) patients developed SSI, with 17 (30%) of these being deep infections. An a-priori power analysis of n = 325 (α=0.05, β=0.2) was tabulated for differences in univariate analysis. Univariate analysis identified categorical associations (P < .05) between SSI and diabetes mellitus, drug abuse, open fracture, and renal disease but not tobacco abuse, body mass index, or neuropathy. Multivariate logistic regression identified categorical associations between diabetes (OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.3), drug abuse (OR = 3.9, 95% CI: 1.2-12.7), open fracture (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3-12.8), and renal disease (OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.0) and any (superficial or deep) SSI. A separate multivariate logistic regression analysis found categorical associations between deep SSI requiring reoperation and diabetes (OR = 4.4, 95% CI: 1.6-12.2) and open fracture (OR = 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3-12.8). Furthermore, American society of anesthesiologists classification (ASA) Class 4 patients were (OR = 9.2, 95% CI: 2.0-41.79) more likely to experience an SSI than ASA Class 1 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors associated with SSI following malleolar fracture surgery in a single urban level 1 trauma center included diabetes, drug abuse, renal disease, and open fracture. The presence of diabetes or open type fractures were associated with deep SSI requiring reoperation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 prognostic: retrospective cohort study.

Traumatic Orthopaedic Injuries in the Prison Population

The United States has the highest population of inmates in the world (per capita and total). Musculoskeletal disorders are included within the 10 most frequent medical reports of prisoners; however, the literature about them is limited. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology and complications of traumatic musculoskeletal injuries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of musculoskeletal trauma and complications in the prison population.

Methods

A list of all traumatic orthopaedic injuries and complications, except for spine, was sent to the billing contractor of the Pennsylvania state prison system based on the Current Procedure Terminology, and it was queried over a 3-year period.

Results

Five hundred seventy-six patients met the criteria. The hand and wrist was the most commonly injured region (65%), followed by foot and ankle (20%). Metacarpal fracture represented 22% of all injuries. A low complication rate was noted among all surgical procedures. Infection was seen in 1.15% of hand surgeries and in 2% of ankle surgeries. In addition, a low incidence of nonunion was recorded (1.5%). Nonsurgical management was the chosen method of treatment in 64% of all injuries.

Conclusion

In this prison population with musculoskeletal injuries, upper extremity injuries and nonsurgical treatment are more prevalent and low energy injuries are more common. Contrary to popular belief, there is a trend toward low infection and complication rates after orthopaedic treatment. Further studies are necessary to best identify the patterns of injuries and the best way to treat inmates with orthopaedic injuries.

Factors associated with adverse events after distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fixation

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS

Factors associated with adverse outcomes following surgery for syndesmotic instability with associated closed fibula fracture are incompletely understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the pathoetiology and incidence of adverse events after stabilization of syndesmotic instability. In addition, we aimed to identify any patient or surgeon related factors that might be associated with unanticipated outcomes.

METHODS

Between January 2000 and May 2015, a total of 849 adult patients who were surgically treated with either screw or suture button fixation for syndesmotic instability with associated fibula fracture without open wound were identified and retrospectively evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with any postoperative complication or unplanned reoperation.

RESULTS

Within one year after surgery, 10.7% (91 patients) suffered an infectious complication and 22.0% (187 patients) underwent unplanned reoperation. Factors associated with infectious complications were increased duration of hospital admission (OR: 1.08, p = .014), use of an external fixator device before ORIF (OR: 5.19 p < .001), peripheral vascular disease (OR: 4.33, p = .008), and osteoporosis (OR: 2.71, p = .022). For unplanned hardware removal specifically, patients' BMI below 30 was an associated risk factor. (OR: 1.50, p = .010).

CONCLUSION

Certain patient groups have an increased risk of adverse events following the use of current surgical fixation methods for stabilizing the syndesmosis. Patients undergoing surgery for syndesmotic instability with associated fibula fracture without open wound should be counseled that up to 1 in 10 suffer an infectious complication and that 1 in 5 require unplanned hardware removal.

[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.

Iatrogenic wounds: a common but often overlooked problem

Iatrogenic wounds are a common but often overlooked concept. They can lead to increases in hospital stays, therapy costs, repeat surgeries, and implant removal. If not handled properly, these wounds have a very poor prognosis and will cause serious physical and psychological harm to patients, which may result in medicolegal disputes. In recent years, the incidence of iatrogenic wounds has increased because of (1) an increase in the population of older people owing to increased life expectancy, (2) the continued expansion of surgical indications, (3) an increase in difficult surgeries, and (4) the constant emergence and application of new implantable biomaterials and other therapies. Thus, there is a pressing clinical need to improve the therapy of iatrogenic wounds. However, the difficulty in treating these wounds is considerable due to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, the high number of patients with metabolic diseases, and complex complications in patients. In particular, iatrogenic wounds caused by surgical site infections due to implantable biomaterials could lead to material leakage and conflicts regarding whether to retain or remove the implants. This review provides a definition of iatrogenic wounds, describes their characteristics, classifies them, and provides information about the importance of analyzing iatrogenic wounds. We hope that this review will provide useful information for the diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic wounds and help to reduce their incidence in the future.

Weight-bearing or non-weight-bearing after surgical treatment of ankle fractures: a multicenter randomized controlled trial

Purpose

The goal of this study was to assess if unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated is superior to protected weight-bearing and unprotected non-weight-bearing in terms of functional outcome and complications after surgical fixation of Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation stage 2–4 ankle fractures.

Methods

A multicentered randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients ranging from 18 to 65 years of age without severe comorbidities. Patients were randomized to unprotected non-weight-bearing, protected weight-bearing, and unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated. The primary endpoint of the study was the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) 12 weeks after randomization. The secondary endpoints were health-related quality of life using the SF-36v2, time to return to work, time to return to sports, and the number of complications.

Results

The trial was terminated early as advised by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board after interim analysis. A total of 115 patients were randomized. The O’Brien–Fleming threshold for statistical significance for this interim analysis was 0.008 at 12 weeks. The OMAS was higher in the unprotected weight-bearing group after 6 weeks c(61.2 ± 19.0) compared to the protected weight-bearing (51.8 ± 20.4) and unprotected non-weight-bearing groups (45.8 ± 22.4) (p = 0.011). All other follow-up time points did not show significant differences between the groups. Unprotected weight-bearing showed a significant earlier return to work (p = 0.028) and earlier return to sports (p = 0.005). There were no differences in the quality of life scores or number of complications.

Conclusions

Unprotected weight-bearing and mobilization as tolerated as postoperative care regimen improved short-term functional outcomes and led to earlier return to work and sports, yet did not result in an increase of complications.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00068-018-1016-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.