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Olías-López B, Boluda-Mengod J, Rendón-Díaz D, Ojeda-Jiménez J, Martín-Herrero A, Morales-Mata E, Herrera-Pérez M. Fractures of the peroneal malleolus: Current concepts. Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol (Engl Ed) 2024:S1888-4415(24)00096-1. [PMID: 38885878 DOI: 10.1016/j.recot.2024.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Ankle fractures represent up to 9% of all fractures, with an increased incidence in the elderly population. Among these fractures, isolated fractures of the lateral malleolus are the most common, representing 65-70% of all cases. The therapeutic decision-making primarily relies on the stability of the ankle ring, considering it stable if affected at one point and unstable if two or more points are affected. Surgical treatment focuses on restoring the length of the fibula, joint reconstruction, stabilizing the syndesmosis, and providing a stable fixation. It is crucial to rule out associated injuries that may influence therapeutic management. This article reviews the evaluation and management of lateral malleolus fractures, proposes a decision-making algorithm, and examines several fibular fixation options.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Olías-López
- Unidad de Trauma, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España.
| | - J Boluda-Mengod
- Unidad de Trauma, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
| | - D Rendón-Díaz
- Unidad de Pie y Tobillo, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
| | - J Ojeda-Jiménez
- Unidad de Pie y Tobillo, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
| | - A Martín-Herrero
- Unidad de Trauma, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
| | - E Morales-Mata
- Unidad de Trauma, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
| | - M Herrera-Pérez
- Unidad de Pie y Tobillo, Servicio de Traumatología y Cirugía Ortopédica, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Islas Canarias, España
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Murphy SC, Murphy B, O'Loughlin P. Syndesmotic injury with ankle fracture: A systematic review of screw vs dynamic fixation. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:1323-1330. [PMID: 38282112 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-024-03619-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Cortical screw fixation across the tibiofibular joint is the mainstay of treatment for syndesmotic injury. Dynamic fixation devices have been developed offering similar advantages to screw fixation in terms of reduction and stability of the syndesmosis. Dynamic fixation may also facilitate a more physiological movement between the tibiofibular joint and thus incur less morbidity. Patient's rehabilitation potential is enhanced and reduces the need for hardware removal. Our systematic review aims to analyse the relevant current literature and compare screw fixation to dynamic fixation in the treatment of syndesmotic injury associated with acute ankle fractures. A literature search was performed on Pubmed and Ovid Medline to find scientific papers relating to syndesmotic fixation in acute ankle fractures. Papers were screened and included dependent on predetermined criteria. Risk of bias was assessed after screening full papers by two independent reviewers. Tables and analysis were made using Microsoft excel. A total of 8 papers with 673 patients were included. We found no functional difference between screw fixation or dynamic fixation groups at final follow-up. Three papers showed statistically significant lower rates of reoperation in the dynamic fixation group. Dynamic fixation may offer lower post operative complications and reoperation rates. Therefore, dynamic fixation may be a beneficial alternative treatment compared to traditionally used syndesmotic screws.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Murphy
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Sugery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Padhraig O'Loughlin
- Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Sugery, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
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Stigevall C, Möller M, Wennergren D, Wolf O, Ekelund J, Bergdahl C. Patients with more complex ankle fractures are associated with poorer patient-reported outcome: an observational study of 11,733 patients from the Swedish Fracture Register. Acta Orthop 2024; 95:212-218. [PMID: 38712854 PMCID: PMC11075523 DOI: 10.2340/17453674.2024.40607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following ankle fractures, including all fracture types, have not been reported. It is therefore unclear whether fracture morphology correlates with outcome. We aimed to analyze PROMs in patients with an ankle fracture in relation to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification using population-based register data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). METHODS All patients aged ≥ 18 years with an ankle fracture (AO/OTA 44A1-C3) registered in the SFR between 2012 and 2019 were retrieved from the register. Patients with completed PROM questionnaires (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) on both day 0 (pre-trauma) and 1-year post-trauma were included. The difference in PROMs between day 0 and 1 year was calculated for each patient (delta value) and mean delta values were calculated at group level, based on the AO/OTA fracture classification. RESULTS 11,733 patients with 11,751 fractures with complete PROMs were included. According to the AO/OTA classification, 21% were A fractures, 67% were B fractures and 12% were C fractures. All groups of patients, regardless of fracture class (A1-C3), displayed an impairment in PROMs after 1 year compared with day 0. Type C fractures displayed a larger impairment in PROMs at group level than type B, which in turn had a greater impairment than type A. The same pattern was seen in groups 3, 2, and 1 for A and B fractures. CONCLUSION We found that the AO/OTA classification is prognostic, where more complex fractures were associated with poorer PROMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Stigevall
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg/Mölndal.
| | - Michael Möller
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg/Mölndal
| | - David Wennergren
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg/Mölndal
| | - Olof Wolf
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Orthopedics, Uppsala University, Uppsala
| | - Jan Ekelund
- Center of Registers Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carl Bergdahl
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg; Department of Orthopedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg/Mölndal
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Welzel L, Omar M, Müller CW. Complications following surgical treatment of ankle fractures in the elderly: can they be avoided? Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2024; 16:116370. [PMID: 38666190 PMCID: PMC11043027 DOI: 10.52965/001c.116370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Following surgical treatment of ankle fractures, geriatric patients face high complication rates (CR) in literature. Commonly used diagnostic and treatment algorithms fail to consider requirements of ageing patients which increases the risk of postoperative complications. Objective Present study critically evaluated surgical management of ankle fractures in patients over 65 years old, with focus on identifying modifiable risk factors and effective comorbidity management strategies. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center study on patients who underwent surgical treatment of an ankle fracture. Based on their age, participants were divided into non-geriatric patients (NGP<65y) and geriatric patients (GP≥65y). We analyzed overall CR and number of minor and major complications in relation to timing of surgery, biological sex, injury pattern, osteosynthesis, pre-existing medical conditions, and postoperative care. Results 402 patients were included. GP encountered significantly higher overall (p<0.001), minor (p<0.001) and major (p=0.003) complications. They presented more complex, displaced and open fractures. Predominant factor contributing to higher CR in NGP and markedly in GP was concomitant diseases, presenting a strong OR of 19,290 (p<0.001) and 17,022 (p<0.001). Delaying surgery and managing comorbidities preoperatively had a favorable impact. Conclusion We revealed a high significant correlation between pre-existing medical conditions and postoperative results. To ascertain viability of delayed surgery in facilitating additional diagnostics and treatment of comorbidities, further comparative trials with a larger cohort are imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Welzel
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Asklepios Klinik Wandsbek
- Department of Traumatology Hannover Medical School
- Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Schön Klinik Neustadt
| | - Mohamed Omar
- Department of Traumatology Hannover Medical School
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Arif HA, LeBrun G, Moore ST, Friscia DA. Analysis of the Most Popular Online Ankle Fracture-Related Patient Education Materials. FOOT & ANKLE ORTHOPAEDICS 2024; 9:24730114241241310. [PMID: 38577700 PMCID: PMC10989055 DOI: 10.1177/24730114241241310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Given the increasing accessibility of Internet access, it is critical to ensure that the informational material available online for patient education is both accurate and readable to promote a greater degree of health literacy. This study sought to investigate the quality and readability of the most popular online resources for ankle fractures. Methods After conducting a Google search using 6 terms related to ankle fractures, we collected the first 20 nonsponsored results for each term. Readability was evaluated using the Flesch Reading Ease (FRE), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), and Gunning Fog Index (GFI) instruments. Quality was evaluated using custom created Ankle Fracture Index (AFI). Results A total of 46 of 120 articles met the inclusion criteria. The mean FKGL, FRE, and GFI scores were 8.4 ± 0.5, 57.5 ± 3.2, and 10.5 ± 0.5, respectively. The average AFI score was 15.4 ± 1.4, corresponding to an "acceptable" quality rating. Almost 70% of articles (n = 32) were written at or below the recommended eighth-grade reading level. Most articles discussed the need for imaging in diagnosis and treatment planning while neglecting to discuss the risks of surgery or potential future operations. Conclusion We found that online patient-facing materials on ankle fractures demonstrated an eighth-grade average reading grade level and an acceptable quality on content analysis. Further work should surround increasing information regarding risk factors, complications for surgery, and long-term recovery while ensuring that readability levels remain below at least the eighth-grade level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haad A. Arif
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | | - Simon T. Moore
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - David A. Friscia
- School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
- Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center, Rancho Mirage, CA, USA
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Nguyen MQ, Broström A, Iversen MM, Harboe K, Paulsen A. Assessing the content validity of the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire in surgically treated ankle fracture patients: a qualitative study. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:941. [PMID: 38066592 PMCID: PMC10704649 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04418-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Roughly 10% of fractures in adults are ankle fractures. These injuries are found in both sexes and present with different fracture characteristics. The treatment varies with the patients' biology and fracture type, and the goals are to restore stability, prevent pain and maintain ankle function. Clinicians generally use outcomes like assessment of radiography, pain level, or function. The use of patient-reported outcome measures is increasing, and the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) has been shown to have good measurement properties when validated in patients with foot and ankle disorders. However, the instrument has not been validated for ankle fracture patients. This study aims to assess the content validity of the items in MOXFQ in surgically treated ankle fracture patients. METHODS A qualitative deductive design was used to investigate patients' response process of the MOXFQ. Individual interviews were conducted using cognitive interviewing based on the theoretical framework of the 4-step model by Tourangeau. Adult patients that were surgically treated for an ankle fracture between four weeks and 18 months were purposively sampled, and interviews followed a semi-structured interview guide. The predetermined categories were comprehension, retrieval, judgement, and response. RESULTS Seventeen respondents (65% females) were interviewed. Respondents' age ranged from 27 to 76 years. Some of the respondents in the early recovery phase were limited by post-operative restrictions and did not find the items in the walking/standing domain relevant. Respondents that were allowed weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) were able to recall relevant information for most items. Respondents with time since surgery more than 12 months had less pain and remembered fewer relevant episodes in the recall period. Items in the social interaction domain contained ambiguous questions and were generally considered less important by respondents. The summary index score lacked important concepts in measuring overall quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Pain was a central concept in the post-operative recovery of ankle fracture patients. The MOXFQ-subscales for pain and walking/standing had acceptable content validity in patients that were allowed WBAT. The social interaction-subscale and the summary index score had insufficient content validity for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Q Nguyen
- Department of Quality and Health Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Stavanger HF, Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fracture Registry of Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Vest RHF, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Anders Broström
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marjolein M Iversen
- Department of Health and Caring Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Centre on Patient-Reported Outcomes, Department of Research and Development, Haukeland University Hospital, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
| | - Knut Harboe
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Stavanger HF, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Anesthesia, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Stavanger HF, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Aksel Paulsen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Stavanger HF, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Fracture Registry of Western Norway, Stavanger University Hospital, Helse Vest RHF, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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Li Y, Luo R, Li B, Xia J, Zhou H, Huang H, Yang Y. Analysis of the epidemiological characteristics of posterior malleolus fracture in adults. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:507. [PMID: 37464426 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-04007-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explores the latest epidemiological characteristics of posterior malleolus fracture and compares the epidemiological differences of posterior malleolus fracture in different periods, regions, and adult age groups. METHODS Clinical information of inpatients with posterior malleolus fracture in Shanghai Tongji Hospital and Karamay Central Hospital from January 2014 to February 2022 was reviewed and collected. The imaging data of patients were acquired using the Picture Archiving and Communication Systems. A statistical analysis was performed as to gender, current age, year of admission, injury mechanism, fracture type, and posterior malleolus fracture classification. Moreover, a comparative analysis was conducted on the injury mechanisms and morphological differences of posterior malleolus fracture at different periods, regions, and age groups. RESULTS A total of 472 patients (210 patients from Shanghai Tongji Hospital and 262 patients from Karamay Central Hospital) with posterior malleolus fracture and an average age of 48.7 ± 15.6 were included in this study. The peak of posterior malleolus fracture occurs in the age group of 50-59. The injury mechanisms mainly involve low-energy fall and sprain (411 cases, 87.1%), followed by traffic accidents (52 cases, 11.0%), and fall injury from height (9 cases, 1.9%). With aging, the number of fall and sprain cases increases and reaches the peak at the age of 50-59, followed by progressive decline. Traffic accidents presents a relatively flat small peak in the age group of 40-59. The number of cases according to different fracture types shows the following ascending order: trimalleolar fracture-supination external rotation (335 cases, 71.0%) > bimalleolar fracture (60 cases, 12.7%) > trimalleolar fracture-pronation extorsion (43 cases, 9.1%) > posterior malleolus + tibial shaft fracture (19 cases, 4.0%) > simple posterior malleolus fracture (15 cases, 3.2%). The numbers of cases corresponding to the Haraguchi I Type, II Type, and III Type of posterior malleolus fractures were 369 (78.2%), 49 (10.4%), and 54 (11.4%), respectively. The Tongji IIA Type represented the highest number of cases (249 cases, 52.8%), followed by the IIB Type (120 cases, 25.4%), I Type (54 cases, 11.4%), IIIB Type (36 cases, 7.6%), and IIIA type (13 cases, 2.8%). The trimalleolar fracture-supination external rotation, Haraguchi I Type and Tongji IIA Type of posterior malleolus fractures all presented an obvious peak of incidence in the age group of 50-59. However, no obvious statistical difference was observed in the injury mechanism, Haraguchi classification, and Tongji classification of posterior malleolus fractures among different years and regions in recent years (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The injury mechanism of posterior malleolus fracture mainly involves low-energy fall and sprain cases. The trimalleolar fracture-supination external rotation, Haraguchi I type and Tongji IIA type of posterior malleolus fracture are predilection fracture types, and all present an obvious incidence peak in the age group of 50-59. Elderly patients have high risks of falling and their bones are more fragile, conditions which are potential risk factors of posterior malleolus fracture. Early positive control has important significance. This study provides references for relevant basic and clinical studies of posterior malleolus fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqi Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Department of Orthopedics, Karamay Central Hospital, Karamay, 834000, China
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Karamay Central Hospital, Karamay, 834000, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Haichao Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yunfeng Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China.
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Pflüger P, Harder FN, Müller K, Willinger L, Biberthaler P, Crönlein M. Use of Distal Tibial Cortical Bone Thickness and FRAX Score for Further Treatment Planning in Patients with Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12113666. [PMID: 37297861 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12113666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Trimalleolar ankle fractures show a bimodal age distribution, affecting younger men and older women. Postmenopausal women often exhibit low bone mineral density, which contributes to a higher prevalence of osteoporotic-related fractures. The primary goal of this study was to analyse the association of patient characteristics with the cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia (CBTT) in trimalleolar ankle fractures. METHODS A total of 193 patients with a trimalleolar ankle fracture treated between 2011 and 2020 were included. Patient registries were reviewed regarding demographics, mechanism, and type of injury. The CBTT was assessed in radiographs and CT images. The FRAX score was calculated to estimate the probability for an osteoporotic fracture. A multivariable regression model was calculated to identify independent variables affecting the cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia. RESULTS Patients older than 55 years were 4.22 (95% CI: 2.12; 8.38) times more likely to be female. In the multivariable regression analysis, female sex (β -0.508, 95% CI: -0.739; -0.278, p < 0.001) and a higher age (β -0.009, 95% CI: -0.149; -0.003, p = 0.002) were independent variables associated with a lower CBTT. Patients with a CBTT < 3.5 mm had a higher 10-year probability for a major osteoporotic fracture (12% vs. 7.75%; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The assessment of the peripheral bone quality in routine computed tomography demonstrated that higher age and female sex are significantly associated with reduced cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia. Patients with a lower CBTT showed a higher probability for a subsequent osteoporotic fracture. In female patients with reduced distal tibial bone quality and associated risk factors, an osteoporosis assessment should be evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Pflüger
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix N Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Karoline Müller
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Lukas Willinger
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Department of Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Biberthaler
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Moritz Crönlein
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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Gait Analysis to Monitor Fracture Healing of the Lower Leg. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020255. [PMID: 36829749 PMCID: PMC9952799 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Fracture healing is typically monitored by infrequent radiographs. Radiographs come at the cost of radiation exposure and reflect fracture healing with a time lag due to delayed fracture mineralization following increases in stiffness. Since union problems frequently occur after fractures, better and timelier methods to monitor the healing process are required. In this review, we provide an overview of the changes in gait parameters following lower leg fractures to investigate whether gait analysis can be used to monitor fracture healing. Studies assessing gait after lower leg fractures that were treated either surgically or conservatively were included. Spatiotemporal gait parameters, kinematics, kinetics, and pedography showed improvements in the gait pattern throughout the healing process of lower leg fractures. Especially gait speed and asymmetry measures have a high potential to monitor fracture healing. Pedographic measurements showed differences in gait between patients with and without union. No literature was available for other gait measures, but it is expected that further parameters reflect progress in bone healing. In conclusion, gait analysis seems to be a valuable tool for monitoring the healing process and predicting the occurrence of non-union of lower leg fractures.
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