Treatment and outcome prognosis of patients with high-energy transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation-the "Logsplitter" injury

High-Energy Transsyndesmotic Ankle Fracture Dislocation-Does Deltoid Ligament Repair Influence the Progression of Posttraumatic Arthritis in Logsplitter Injuries?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of deltoid ligament repair on the development of posttraumatic arthritis in logsplitter ankle injuries.

METHODS

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

SETTING

Academic, Level I trauma center.

PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA

Patients ≥18 years of age with logsplitter injuries (OTA/AO 44B, 44C) treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with or without deltoid ligament repair from January 2008 to October 2021.

OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISON

The rate of posttraumatic arthritis (PTOA) development at the final follow-up (minimum 6 months) after ORIF was evaluated using the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. The achievement of acceptable reduction indicated by articular reduction <2 mm, and a medial clear space ≤4 mm was assessed at 6 weeks postoperatively with weight-bearing radiographs. The effect of deltoid ligament repair on the development of PTOA was investigated.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients aged 49.1 ± 17.2 years met inclusion criteria with a mean follow-up of 16.6 months (range = 6 to 96). Twenty-six of 59 patients (44%) had developed PTOA at the final follow-up. Acceptable reduction was achieved in 83.1% (49/59) of fractures. The acceptable reduction rate in fractures undergoing deltoid ligament repair was 100% versus 78% in those without deltoid ligament repair (13/13 vs. 36/46, P = 0.017). The rate of PTOA development was significantly lower in patients who underwent deltoid ligament repair (15%) than those who did not (52%), P = 0.026. Patients who underwent deltoid ligament repair had a significantly reduced rate of PTOA development leading to arthrodesis compared with those who did not (0% vs. 17%, P = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Logsplitter injuries resulted in a high rate of development of posttraumatic arthritis. An acceptable reduction is required to minimize the risk of development of PTOA and progression to arthrodesis. Deltoid ligament repair during ORIF may facilitate acceptable reduction and decrease the rate of PTOA and progression to arthrodesis in these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Radiological characteristics and injury mechanism of Logsplitter injury: a descriptive and retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Logsplitter Injury is a type of high-energy ankle fracture dislocation. The mechanism of injury has not been described in detail. A detailed understanding of the radiological features and pathological changes can further guide treatment.

METHODS

Between April 2009 and December 2018, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 62 patients with Logsplitter injury. The study analysed the characteristics of fibular injury, tibial injury, syndesmosis injury, medial injury and lateral ligament injury on preoperative X-ray and CT scans. The incidence of the different injury types was summarised. The correlation between Logsplitter injuries and the mechanisms causing them were analysed using the Lauge-Hansen classification of ankle fractures.

RESULTS

The study provides data on the types of fractures observed. Of the total fractures, 98.4% were open fractures. The fibula injuries were classified as no fracture (1.6%), transverse or short oblique fractures (61.3%), butterfly fragments (25.8%), and comminuted fractures (11.3%). The tibial injuries included compression of lateral articular surfaces (38.7%) and posterior compressions (6.5%). Medial injuries, including medial malleolar fractures, accounted for 87.1%, and deltoid ligament rupture accounted for 12.9%. The study found that injuries to the syndesmosis consisted of simple ligament ruptures (11.3%), Tillaux fractures (8.1%), Volkmann fractures (43.5%), and Tillaux and Volkmann fractures (37.1%). In 12.9% of cases, there was a complete rupture of the lateral collateral ligament. Based on the Lauge-Hansen classification, 87.1% of injuries were pronation-abduction injuries, while 8.1% were pronation and external rotation injuries, and 1.6% were supination external rotation injuries. Furthermore, 3.2% of cases could not be classified.

CONCLUSION

The pathoanatomic characteristics of Logsplitter injury are diverse, with some cases accompanied by collateral ligament injury. It is important to note that these evaluations are objective and based on current results. The most common injury mechanism is vertical violence combined with abduction, although in some cases, it may be a vertical combined external-rotation injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

(4) case series.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study has been approved by the ethical research committee of the Honghui Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, under the code: 202,003,002.

Pediatric Maisonneuve and Tillaux Fractures with Lateral Ankle Dislocation: A Pediatric "Logsplitter" Injury: A Case Report

CASE

A 12-year-old adolescent boy presented with a proximal fibula fracture and lateral ankle dislocation consistent with a Maisonneuve fracture (MF) associated with a transsyndesmotic ankle dislocation. The dislocation was reduced under conscious sedation in the emergency department. Postreduction imaging studies demonstrated a Tillaux fracture. The patient underwent surgical stabilization of the Tillaux fragment and of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. At the 26-month follow-up, the patient remained active without restrictions.

CONCLUSION

Operative treatment of a concurrent MF, Tillaux fracture with lateral ankle dislocation, or a pediatric "logsplitter" injury resulted in satisfactory alignment and function of the ankle joint.

Treatment and outcome of a patient with low-energy 'Logsplitter' injury

The low-energy ‘Logsplitter’ fracture, caused by a sprain or fall, is characterized by an intact or slightly separated inferior tibiofibular joint. Compared with the high-energy ‘Logsplitter’ fracture, this atypical subtype is rarely seen and is easily missed. Here, the case of a 33-year-old male patient with a fractured right ankle as a result of a sprain during walking is reported. The patient initially received routine surgical treatment comprising internal fixation of the fibular, medial and posterior malleoli. Unexpectedly, post-surgery imaging examinations revealed that the medial clear space of the right ankle had widened to 6 mm, due to incomplete reduction of the lateral malleolus, shortening and rotation of the fibula, and an unreduced avulsion fracture block of the anterior malleolus. A revision surgery was then performed to anatomically reduce and fix the lateral malleolus, as well as the anterior malleolus avulsion fracture. During 5 months following surgery, the patient achieved good fracture union and functional restoration of the right ankle. For this rare injury, the present case demonstrates that complete restoration of the fracture is required to achieve good clinical efficacy.

High-Energy Transsyndesmotic Ankle Fracture Dislocation-Injury Characteristics, Radiographic Outcomes, and Factors Affecting the Rate of Posttraumatic Arthritis in Logsplitter Injuries

OBJECTIVES

To investigate patient demographics, injury characteristics, radiographic outcomes, and identify risk factors for developing posttraumatic arthritis in high-energy transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocations or "logsplitter" injuries.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic level one trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-seven adult patients with logsplitter injuries.

INTERVENTION

All patients were treated with open reduction internal fixation, with possible addition of syndesmosis screw(s) and deltoid repair.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The rate of posttraumatic arthritis at one year along with rate and reasons for reoperation.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven patients were included with a mean follow-up of 14.5 ± 12.5 months. At one-year postoperative, 14 of the 20 patients (70%) demonstrated posttraumatic arthritis. Two patients (7.4%) went onto fusion. The reoperation rate was 51.9%. There was no significant difference in the arthritis rate with the number of syndesmosis screws used, quality of reduction, or addition of deltoid repair.

CONCLUSIONS

The logsplitter injury is one with devastating outcomes and high rates of arthritis; it should be considered separately from conventional ankle fractures. The role of deltoid repair remains unclear. Further study of this injury pattern is required.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

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.

Plafond Malreduction and Talar Dome Impaction Accelerates Arthrosis After Supination-Adduction Ankle Fracture

BACKGROUND

Supination-adduction (SAD) type II ankle fractures can have medial tibial plafond and talar body impaction. Factors associated with the development of posttraumatic arthritis can be intrinsic to the injury pattern or mitigated by the surgeon. We hypothesize that plafond malreducton and talar body impaction is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of skeletally mature patients with SAD ankle fractures at 2 level 1 academic trauma centers who underwent operative fixation were identified. Patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. The presence of articular impaction identified on CT scan was recorded and the quality of reduction on final intraoperative radiographs was assessed. The primary outcome was radiographic ankle arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4), and postoperative complications were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 175 SAD ankle fractures were identified during a 10-year period; 79 patients with 1-year follow-up met inclusion criteria. The majority of injuries resulted from a high-energy mechanism. Articular impaction was present in 73% of injuries, and 23% of all patients had radiographic arthrosis (Kellgren-Lawrence 3 or 4) at final follow-up. Articular malreduction, defined by either a gap or step >2 mm, was significantly associated with development of arthrosis. Early treatment failure, infection, and nonunion was rare in this series.

CONCLUSION

Malreduction of articular impaction in SAD ankle fractures is associated with early posttraumatic arthrosis. Recognition and anatomic restoration with stable fixation of articular impaction appears to mitigate risk of posttraumatic arthrosis. Investigations correlating postoperative and long-term radiographic findings to patient-reported outcomes after operative treatment of SAD ankle fractures are warranted.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

A systematic review of the "Logsplitter" injury: how much do we know?

BACKGROUND

As an emerging proposed type of ankle joint injury, the concept of logsplitter injury is a unified overview of the high-energy ankle fracture and dislocation accompanied by distal tibiofibular syndesmosis separation and displacement. Since the concept of logsplitter injury is still relatively novel, there is no uniform standard for its clinical classification, diagnosis and treatment currently. Thus, we reviewed previous literatures here to provide certain references for its better clinical diagnosis and treatment in future.

METHODS

The available literatures from January 1985 to June 2020 in five medical databases were searched and analyzed. The original articles that evaluated the outcomes of patients treated surgically for the logsplitter injury were included. The detailed data were then extracted from each research, including the researchers, type of study, level of evidence, type of center research, groups, number of patients, gender, age, causes of injury, time from injury to surgery, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, length of follow-up, postoperative complications and clinical outcomes. The overall search procedures were performed by the two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Seven pieces of researches (199 patients) were eligible for inclusion. All researches were either retrospective or prospective study, and all but one was single center study. Falling from height ranked first in the causes of injury (52.8%), and followed by the traffic accidents (29.6%). Clinical outcomes were all measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and the mean AOFAS score at the final follow-up was 77.9 points.

CONCLUSIONS

None of the definitive consensuses exists on how logsplitter injury should be diagnosed and surgically managed. In light of the novel concept, short presentation time and numerous postoperative complications, the logsplitter injury has not been well understood by most surgeons currently, and its overall situation still needs to be supported by a larger sample size of multicenter research in the future.

A fibular notch approach for the treatment of ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond

Background

Although efficacy is related to many factors, the surgical approach is one of the most important intervention factors for complex ankle fractures. Ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond frequently present a surgical challenge in choosing which incisions will be best for surgical treatment. Here, we present an innovative fibular notch approach for the treatment of some specific ankle fractures and present a series of patients with either functional or radiographic outcomes.

Methods

Twenty-two patients with distal tibial plafond fractures with concomitant fibular and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries were treated through a fibular notch approach in this retrospective study. The details of the surgical technique were reviewed from the operative notes. Relevant data were reviewed from the medical records. The quality of fractures and syndesmosis reduction was examined using CT scans, and lateral stability of the ankle was assessed by physical examination and stress radiographs. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score was implemented for clinical functional assessment.

Results

All surgeries were successfully performed via the fibular notch approach as the primary approach with excellent intraoperative visualization. Postoperative radiography revealed satisfying restoration of all fractures and syndesmosis. All fractures healed with an average time of 17.3 ± 3.6 weeks. Mild posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) was present in 4 patients. The average AOFAS score was 88.8 at the last follow-up.

Conclusions

The fibular notch approach is a safe and reliable approach for the treatment of specific ankle fractures involving the distal tibial plafond. This approach provides excellent direct visualization of the fragments and articular surface without significantly increasing iatrogenic injuries. Satisfactory radiographic and clinical results were observed, and further clinical and anatomical studies are recommended to ascertain the feasibility of this approach in the treatment of complex distal tibial fractures.

Does the choice of syndesmotic screw versus suture button in ankle surgery has a silver lining? - a technical note

Purpose

Unstable ankle fractures with associated syndesmotic injury are of considerable morbidity in the professional athlete population. The use of dynamic suture button versus static syndesmotic screws fixation, rehabilitation protocols and timing to return to play are still areas of debate. We report the use of novel algorithm of sequential static and dynamic syndesmotic fixation in an elite football player with Weber C ankle fracture.

Methods

The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a weber C ankle fracture with associated syndesmotic and deltoid ligament injury. The osteosynthesis included lateral malleolus neutralizing plate, two syndesmotic screws and deltoid anchor repair. At 6 weeks post-operative both syndesmotic screws were removed and one suture button was implanted in the proximal screw hole. After the second operation the patient was allowed full weight bearing and range of motion in all direction with accelerated rehabilitation protocol.

Results

The technique provided satisfactory results. At 4 month the player participated in a 90 min official football match. The fracture healed uneventfully with no recurrent syndesmotic diastasis.

Conclusion

The presented technique of sequential dynamic and static fixation of associated syndesmotic injuries combined advantages of both syndesmotic screws and suture button implants. In an aim to allow earlier return to play in an elite football player. This opens the way for higher level of evidence clinical trials.

The Assessment of the Reduction Algorithm in the Treatment for "Logsplitter" Injury

As a rare and exceptional injury with significant syndesmotic disruption, the outcome of Logsplitter injury remains poor and unfavorable. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the relationship between the intraoperative reduction quality and the prognosis such as the posttraumatic osteoarthritis to help surgeons achieve better functional outcomes for this high-energy transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation. From January 2015 to February 2019, 31 patients (average 37.6 ± 9.4 years with 19 male and 12 female) diagnosed with the Logsplitter injury were treated by ORIF procedure and enrolled in our study. Particularly, nine vital radiographic parameters including medial clear space, talocrural angle, superior clear space, tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, talar tilt, coin sign, tibial medial malleolus angle, and fibular lateral malleolus angle were measured from a postoperative film (AP and mortise view). Next, we compared the clinical outcome by using range of ankle motion, AOFAS scores, Burwell-Charnley score system, and Kellergen-Lawrence criteria from the patients who obtained the intraoperative anatomical reduction with those who failed. Our results showed that AOFAS score with all the patients was 79.33 ± 5.82 at the final follow-up. 14 (45.1%) of 31 patients were observed with radiographic posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle joint with an average Kellgren-Lawrence score of 1.75 ± 1.6 at final follow-up. Most importantly, our results proved that there were significant differences between the patients eligible for anatomical reduction quality with those who failed with regard to OA rate (33.3% vs. 85.7%, P = 0.003) and AOFAS scores (75.33 ± 6.53 vs. 66.89 ± 4.28, P = 0.037) at the final follow-up. Furthermore, the functional outcome after the operation showed an increased range of motion of the ankle joint of the patients obtained anatomical reduction compared with those who failed (P < 0.05). In this study, the significant discrepancy with regard to the functional outcomes was observed between the acceptable and unacceptable radiographic parameters, indicating that the quality of intraoperative reduction is scientifically significant and thus can be utilized as the major factor to predict the clinical outcomes for Logsplitter injuries. Moreover, this reduction algorithm arising from our study can also be applied to other ankle fractures and dislocation involving syndesmotic complex.

Treatment of a high-energy transsyndesmotic ankle fracture: A case report of "logsplitter injury"

INTRODUCTION

The "logsplitter injury" is a special type of ankle fractures that results from high energy violence with combined rotational forces and axial loads. So far, the diagnose and treatment of "logsplitter injury" remain largely unsettled and related literature is rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

An 18-year-old male fell from a fence and got his left ankle injured with severe malformation and swollen condition. No open wound was observed.

DIAGNOSIS

Logsplitter injury, ankle fracture (AO/OTA classification 44C1.1, Lauge-Hansen classification: pronation-external rotation).

INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

The patient was initially treated by internal fixation of fibular, repair of deltoid ligaments, and 1 syndesmotic screw fixation. When the X-ray applied after surgery, another 2 syndesmotic screws were performed to enhance stability. The syndesmotic screws were removed at 12-week and 16-week respectively. The patient was allowed for full weight-bearing immediately. However, the syndesmotic space was slightly increased compared to the contralateral side in CT views at 1-year follow-up, the function outcome was satisfied.

CONCLUSION

The logsplitter injury is a high-energy ankle fracture that requires both axial and rotational load. It is categorized as 44B or 44C by the AO/OTA classification. In the classification scheme of Lauge-Hansen, our case is in line with the pronation-external rotation classification. Anatomic reduction and fixation of ankle syndesmotic injuries are required to restore the biomechanics of the ankle joint so that long-term complications can be prevented. How to fixation the syndesmosis, whether to reconstruct the deltoid ligament remains in debate in the treatment of logsplitter injury, whether and when to remove the syndesmotic screws were still debated. Correct surgical intervention is successful in the treatment of "logsplitter injury", however, the optimal fixation of syndesmosis and repair of deltoid ligaments need further investigate.

Efficacy and Prognosis of 3D Printing Technology in Treatment of High-Energy Trans-Syndesmotic Ankle Fracture Dislocation - "Log-Splitter" Injury

Background

This study aimed to retrospectively assess the feasibility and efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology in the treatment of high-energy trans-syndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation – “log-splitter” injury – and to evaluate the efficacy and prognosis.

Material/Methods

We included 29 patients (17 males and 12 females; mean age, 44.0±13.2 years) with log-splitter injury from June 2011 to December 2016, divided into a routine group (n=13) and a 3D printing group (n=16) according to the surgical method used. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, fracture union time, functional outcomes based on AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, and postoperative complications were observed and recorded.

Results

Compared with the routine treatment group, 3D printing technology had better safety and efficacy for the treatment of log-splitter injury and the advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, fewer fluoroscopies needed, and higher rate of good functional outcome (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, and P=0.017, respectively). However, no significant difference was noted in the rate of anatomical reduction, mean AOFAS score at the last follow-up (mean time, 19.9±2.8 months), or postoperative complications between the 2 groups (P=0.370, P=0.156, and P=0.485, respectively).

Conclusions

Surgery assisted by 3D printing technology to treat log-splitter injury is feasible and effective, and may be a good optional approach to formulate a reasonable personalized surgical plan and to optimize the outcomes.

High-Energy Transsyndesmotic Ankle Fracture Dislocation: A Case Report and Systematic Literature Review

High-energy trauma can cause transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation. These fractures are quite rare. Here we present a clinical case of a male patient with this type of injury. A systematic review of PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase electronic databases revealed only two prior publications on a similar topic. We discuss the typical clinical features of these injuries, the treatment of high-energy trauma which can cause transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation, and its prognosis.

[Effectiveness comparison of open reduction and internal fixation for open and closed ankle Logsplitter fractures]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation on high-energy ankle Logsplitter injuries (a kind of transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation), and compare the prognosis between open and closed Logsplitter fracture.

Methods

The clinical data of 36 Logsplitter fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation between April 2011 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 15 cases were open fracture and dislocation (open group) and 21 cases were closed fracture and dislocation (closed group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, combined injury, injury to hospital admission time, and other general data ( P>0.05), with comparability. The wound healing, ankle mobility recovery, complications, and fracture healing were observed after operation. The ankle function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.

Results

Both groups were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 19 months). There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the open group and the closed group ( t=1.169, P=0.251). In the open group, there were 3 cases of postoperative infection, 3 cases of nonunion, and 5 cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis; the above complications occurred in 1 case in the closed group; there was no significant difference in complications between the two groups ( P=0.41) except post-traumatic osteoarthritis ( P=0.02). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in AOFAS score between the two groups ( t=1.981, P=0.056). According to AOFAS score criterion, the results were good in 10 cases and general in 5 cases in the open group, and good in 13 cases and general in 8 cases in the closed group, showing no significant difference ( P=0.45). There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time and ankle flexion, dorsal extension, varus, and valgus motion between the two groups ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Open reduction and internal fixation for open or closed Logsplitter fractures can achieve satisfactory results, improve fracture healing rate, effectively reduce the incidence of complications, and improve ankle function.