1
|
Kibble KM, Cunningham BP, Rivard RL, Vang S, Nguyen MP. Ankle fractures: High implant cost is not associated with better patient reported outcomes. Injury 2023; 54:110963. [PMID: 37542790 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2023.110963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankle fractures comprise 9% of all fractures and are among the most common fractures requiring operative management. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws is the gold standard for the treatment of unstable, displaced ankle fractures. While performing ORIF, orthopaedic surgeons may choose from several fixation methods including locking versus nonlocking plating and whether to use screws or suture buttons for syndesmotic injuries. Nearly all orthopaedic surgeons treat ankle fractures but most are unfamiliar with implant costs. No study to date has correlated the cost of ankle fracture fixation with health status as perceived by patients through patient reported outcomes (PROs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between increasing implant cost and PROs after a rotational ankle fracture. METHODS All ankle fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) at a level I academic trauma center from January 2018 to December 2022 were identified. Inclusion criteria included all rotational ankle fractures with a minimum 6-month follow-up and completed 6-month PRO. Patients were excluded for age <18, polytrauma and open fracture. Variables assessed included demographics, fracture classifications, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure-Activities of Daily Living (FAAM-ADL) score, implant type, and implant cost. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in cost between fracture types (p < 0.0001) with trimalleolar fractures being the most expensive. The mean FAAM-ADL score was lowest for trimalleolar fractures at 78.9, 95% CI [75.5, 82.3]. A diagnosis of osteoporosis/osteopenia was associated with a decrease in cost of $233.3, 95% CI [-411.8, -54.8]. There was no relationship between syndesmotic fixation and implant cost, $102.6, 95% CI [-74.9, 280.0]. There was no correlation between implant cost and FAAM-ADL score at 6 months (p = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS The utilization of higher cost ankle fixation does not correlate with better FAAM-ADL scores. Orthopaedic surgeons may choose less expensive implants to improve the value of ankle fixation without impacting patient reported outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendra M Kibble
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Brian P Cunningham
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital, St. Louis Park, MN, United States of America; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, TRIA Orthopaedic Institute, Bloomington, MN, United States of America
| | - Rachael L Rivard
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Sandy Vang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America
| | - Mai P Nguyen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Regions Hospital, Saint Paul, MN, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hollensteiner M, Sandriesser S, Krauss H, Greinwald M, Stuby F, Augat P. Three internal fixation methods for Danis-Weber-B distal fibular fractures: A biomechanical comparison in an osteoporotic fibula model. Foot Ankle Surg 2022; 28:845-851. [PMID: 34815170 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A common agreement for the surgical treatment of osteoporotic ankle fractures has not been defined yet although locking plates are preferred for fractures with poor bone quality. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical stability of locked and conventional plates on osteoporotic Danis-Weber-B-fibula fracture models. Fractured custom-made osteoporotic fibulae were treated with neutralization plate plus lag screw, locking plate plus lag screw, or a standalone locking plate. Load until failure was applied mimicking single-leg stance. Stiffness, failureload, and interfragmentary movements were investigated. Stiffness, failureload and axial fragment movement showed no significant differences among groups. Shear movements and fragment rotation around the shaft of the neutralization plate were on average twice as high as those of the locking plates. Although no superiority was shown for overall mechanical performance, the locking plate groups exhibited higher shear and rotational stability than the neutralization plate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Hollensteiner
- Institute for Biomechanics, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher 14 Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany; Institute for Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Sabrina Sandriesser
- Institute for Biomechanics, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher 14 Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany; Institute for Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Hilmar Krauss
- Department of Trauma Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany
| | - Markus Greinwald
- Institute for Biomechanics, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher 14 Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany; Institute for Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Fabian Stuby
- Department of Trauma Surgery, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany
| | - Peter Augat
- Institute for Biomechanics, BG Unfallklinik Murnau gGmbH, Prof. Küntscher 14 Str. 8, 82418 Murnau, Germany; Institute for Biomechanics, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Strubergasse 21, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ahn JH, Cho SH, Jeong M, Kim YC. One-Third Tubular Plate Remains a Clinically Good Option in Danis-Weber Type B Distal Fibular Fracture Fixation. Orthop Surg 2021; 13:2301-2309. [PMID: 34708569 PMCID: PMC8654649 DOI: 10.1111/os.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical outcomes of locking plate (LP) and non-locking one-third tubular plate (TP) fixation, and to provide guidance on plate selection for Danis-Weber type B distal fibular fracture treatment. METHODS In total, 83 patients who underwent plate fixation for Danis-Weber type B distal fibular fractures between March 2013 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed: 41 (49.0%) received LPs and 42 (51.0%) received TPs. Patients' demographic data, follow-up durations, the proportion of comminuted fractures, and ankle range of motion were investigated. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, Karlsson scale, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores were assessed. The radiographic union progression and implant removal time were evaluated, along with postoperative complications. Data from the LP and TP groups were compared statistically. RESULTS The mean patient ages were 53.3 ± 17.5 years (range, 16-80 years) and 47.6 ± 17.0 years (range, 14-68 years) in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The gender distribution did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). Other demographic data also did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.05). The mean follow-up durations were 16.8 ± 7.7 months (range, 13.0-19.0 months) in the LP group and 16.1 ± 6.2 months (range, 12.0-20.0 months) in the TP group (P > 0.05). Comminuted fractures were observed in 18 of 41 (43.9%) patients with LP and 10 of 42 (23.8%) patients with TP (P > 0.05). Forward bending ankle dorsiflexion was possible at the final follow-up in 82.9% and 85.7% of LP and TP patients, respectively (P > 0.05). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, Karlsson scale, FAAM, and LEFS scores did not differ significantly between groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05). The pre-fracture and final postoperative scores on these four instruments did not differ significantly in the LP or TP group (P > 0.05). The mean times to radiographic union progression were 13.5 ± 7.1 weeks and 15.1 ± 10.2 weeks in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). The mean times to implant removal surgery reaffirming solid union were 15.6 ± 5.5 months and 14.8 ± 4.9 months in the LP and TP groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Hardware irritation was detected in five patients in the LP group (12.2%) and three in the TP group (7.1%) (P > 0.05). One patient in the LP group and two in the TP group developed superficial wound infections, which resolved without further surgical intervention. CONCLUSION Conventional TP remains a good option for the fixation of Danis-Weber type B distal fibular fractures, regardless of the biomechanical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hoon Ahn
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sung Hyun Cho
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mingi Jeong
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yoon-Chung Kim
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St. Vincent's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xia D, Zhang Y, Ou T, Wang Y, Hao Z, Zhou P, Xu S. Combination of mini locking plate and nitinol arched shape-memory connector for purely lateral malleolus fractures: technique and clinical results. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 8:1573. [PMID: 33437772 PMCID: PMC7791235 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-4055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Lateral malleolus fractures occur frequently. The common techniques for fixing purely lateral malleolus fractures are often challenging, owing to the extent of soft tissue damage and fracture non-union. Herein, we report a new treatment that entails minimally invasive insertion and continuous compression of the broken ends as a novel technique, and evaluate its clinical results. Methods This study enrolled 21 patients (13 males and 8 females; mean age 32.06±3.45 years, range 23–69 years) with purely lateral malleolus fractures. Each patient underwent open reduction treatment with a mini locking plate for internal fixation and compression of the fracture end with an Arched Shape-Memory Connector (ASC). The clinical assessments were made using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, which were recorded at the final follow-up visit. Results The patients were followed for an average of 14.7±1.2 months (range, 12–18 months). None of the patients showed surgical failure, and all of the purely lateral malleolus fractures healed in an average of 12.6±1.5 weeks (range, 10–16 weeks). The mean AOFAS score was 88.94 (range, 83–90). Conclusions The new treatment had beneficial outcomes for purely lateral malleolus fractures. Mini locking plates are minimally invasive for surgical intervention, and combined with continuous concentrated compression with an ASC to accelerate osseous healing, they aid in restoration of function and enable early rehabilitation with a low incidence of postoperative complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Demeng Xia
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopaedics, The Naval Hospital of Eastern Theater Command of PLA, Zhoushan, China
| | - Yuntong Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianle Ou
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zichen Hao
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Panyu Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuogui Xu
- Department of Emergency, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lyle SA, Malik C, Oddy MJ. Comparison of Locking Versus Nonlocking Plates for Distal Fibula Fractures. J Foot Ankle Surg 2018; 57:664-667. [PMID: 29681437 DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2017.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Locking plates might offer a biomechanical fixation advantage for distal fibula fractures with comminution or osteoporotic bone. In January 2011, our unit introduced a bone-specific locking plate for the distal fibula. The aim of the present study was to compare it against more conventional plating system implants for lateral malleolar fixation in terms of outcomes, crude costs, and complications. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive cohort of patients with closed ankle fractures who presented within a 24-month period. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared among conventional plating using a one-third semitubular plate, a 3.5-mm limited-contact dynamic compression plate, and a 2.7-mm/3.5-mm locking compression distal fibula plate. A total of 145 patients with ankle fractures underwent surgical fixation: 87 (60.0%) with the semitubular plate, 22 (15.2%) with the limited-contact dynamic compression plate, and 36 (24.8%) with the locking compression distal fibula plate. A greater proportion of patients with established osteoporosis or osteoporosis risk factors were in the locking compression distal fibula plate group (27.8% versus 2.3% and 0%). Four patients (2.8%) required washout for infection. No significant differences were found between the sex distribution within the 3 groups (p = .432). No significant difference was found in the complication rate (p = .914) or the reoperation rate (p = .291) among the 3 groups. Although costing >6 times more than a standard fibula fixation construct (implant cost), bone-specific locking compression distal fibula plates add to the portfolio of implants available, especially for unstable fractures with poor bone quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shirley A Lyle
- Surgeon, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College London Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Catherine Malik
- Surgeon, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Michael J Oddy
- Surgeon, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics, University College London Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Manoharan G, Singh R, Kuiper JH, Nokes LDM. Distal fibula oblique fracture fixation using one-third tubular plate with and without lag screw - A biomechanical study of stability. J Orthop 2018; 15:549-552. [PMID: 29881191 PMCID: PMC5990239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This laboratory-based study compared distal fibula simple oblique fracture fixation with one-third tubular plate with and without a single lag screw to determine which was mechanically more stable. A control group fixed with a limited contact dynamic compression plate was also tested. Biomechanical testing of 30 osteotomised saw bones under lateral bending and torsional forces was performed. There was no significant difference between the mean lateral bending and mean torsional stiffness between the fixation with tubular plate and lag screw and tubular plate alone. Limited contact dynamic compression plate conferred the best stability in lateral bending and torsion, as expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gopikanthan Manoharan
- Cardiff School of Engineering, Trevithick Building, 14-17 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
- Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom
| | - Rohit Singh
- Cardiff School of Engineering, Trevithick Building, 14-17 The Parade, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, United Kingdom
- Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Herman Kuiper
- Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY10 7AG, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Herrera-Pérez M, Gutiérrez-Morales MJ, Guerra-Ferraz A, Pais-Brito JL, Boluda-Mengod J, Garcés GL. Locking versus non-locking one-third tubular plates for treating osteoporotic distal fibula fractures: a comparative study. Injury 2017; 48 Suppl 6:S60-S65. [PMID: 29162244 DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(17)30796-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ankle fractures represent the third most common fracture in elderly patients, after hip and wrist fractures. Distal fibula fractures in this population are closely related to osteoporosis, which renders commonly used methods of internal fixation technically demanding and prone to failure. Currently there is a tendency to fix osteoporotic metaphyseal and epiphyseal fractures with locking plates. However, published accounts about the use of this technology in osteoporotic distal fibula fractures are scarce. In this study we compare the results of two groups of patients who underwent surgery for these types of fracture, one group received locking and the other non-locking screws, both using one-third tubular plates. METHODS Sixty-two patients, aged over 64 years, underwent surgery for osteoporotic distal fibula fractures between 2011 and 2014. Forty-five of them were stabilized with a non-locking plate and the remaining 17 with a locking plate fixation. Follow-up was performed at 4, 8, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. Results were assessed according to the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score and radiological criteria for consolidation. RESULTS Average time to union and AOFAS scores at 6 and 12 months were similar in both groups, including for the individual categories: function, pain, mobility, and alignment. Only time until partial weight bearing was significantly lower in the locking plate group (4.69 ± 2.63 vs 7.77 ± 4.30, p = 0.03). The most common complications were wound dehiscence and superficial infection (two cases of both). CONCLUSIONS Both locking and conventional non-locking plates achieved similar treatment outcomes in this group of osteoporotic patients aged over 64. However, locking plates may offer more benefits in cases that have to take into account immobilization time and concomitant soft-tissue damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Herrera-Pérez
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | | | - Ayron Guerra-Ferraz
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jose L Pais-Brito
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Juan Boluda-Mengod
- Department of Orthopaedics, University Hospital of Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain
| | - Gerardo L Garcés
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Perpetuo Socorro, Gran Canaria, Spain; School of Medicine, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Knutsen AR, Sangiorgio SN, Liu C, Zhou S, Warganich T, Fleming J, Harris TG, Ebramzadeh E. Distal fibula fracture fixation: Biomechanical evaluation of three different fixation implants. Foot Ankle Surg 2016; 22:278-285. [PMID: 27810029 DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical performance of three distal fibula fracture fixation implants in a matched pair cadaveric fibula model: (1) a 5-hole compression plate with lag screw, (2) a 5-hole locking plate with lag screw, and (3) the 6-hole tabbed-plate with locking screws. METHODS Three-dimensional motions between the proximal and distal fibular segments were measured under cyclic valgus bending, cyclic compressive axial loading, and cyclic torsional external-rotation loading. During loading, strains were measured on the surfaces of each fibula near the simulated fracture site, and on the plate, to assess load transfer. Bone quality was quantified globally for each donor using bone mineral density (BMD) measured using Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and locally at the fracture site using bone mineral content (BMC) measured using peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT). RESULTS Mean failure loads were below 0.2Nm of valgus bending and below 4Nm of external-rotational torque. Mean failure angulation was below 1degree for valgus bending, and failure rotation was below 7degrees for external-rotation. In the compression plate group, significant correlations were observed between bone quality (global BMD and local BMC) and strain in every one of the five locations (Pearson correlation coefficients >0.95, p<0.05). In contrast, in the locking and tabbed-plate groups, BMD and BMC correlated with far fewer strain locations. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the tabbed-plate had similar construct stability and strength to the compression and locking plates. However, the distribution of load with the locking and tabbed-plates was not as heavily dependent on bone quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashleen R Knutsen
- The J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D. Orthopaedic Research Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children and UCLA Department of Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Sophia N Sangiorgio
- The J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D. Orthopaedic Research Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children and UCLA Department of Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Chang Liu
- The J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D. Orthopaedic Research Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children and UCLA Department of Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Steve Zhou
- The J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D. Orthopaedic Research Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children and UCLA Department of Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Tibor Warganich
- Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - John Fleming
- Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Thomas G Harris
- Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Edward Ebramzadeh
- The J. Vernon Luck, Sr., M.D. Orthopaedic Research Center, Orthopaedic Institute for Children and UCLA Department of Orthopaedics, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Intramedullary fixation of distal fibular fractures: a systematic review of clinical and functional outcomes. J Orthop Traumatol 2014; 15:245-54. [PMID: 25304004 PMCID: PMC4244552 DOI: 10.1007/s10195-014-0320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ankle fractures are extremely common and represent nearly one quarter of all lower-limb fractures. In the majority of patients, fractures involve the distal fibula. The current standard in treating unstable fractures is through open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws. Due to concerns with potentially devastating wound complications, minimally invasive strategies such as intramedullary fixation have been introduced. This systematic review was performed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of intramedullary fixation of distal fibular fractures using either compression screws or nails. Materials and methods Numerous databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar) were searched, 17 studies consisting of 1,008 patients with distal fibular fractures treated with intramedullary fixation were found. Results Mean rate of union was 98.5 %, with functional outcome reported as being good or excellent in up to 91.3 % of patients. Regarding unlocked intramedullary nailing, the mean rate of union was 100 %, with up to 92 % of patients reporting good or excellent functional outcomes. Considering locked intramedullary nailing, the mean rate of union was 98 %, with the majority of patients reporting good or excellent functional outcomes. The mean complication rate across studies was 10.3 %, with issues such as implant-related problems requiring metalwork removal, fibular shortening and metalwork failure predominating. Conclusion Overall, intramedullary fixation of unstable distal fibular fractures can give excellent results that are comparable with modern plating techniques. However, as yet, there is unconvincing evidence that it is superior to standard techniques with regards to clinical and functional outcome. Level of evidence Level IV evidence.
Collapse
|