Open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fracture using wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet technique

IntroductionAnkle fractures frequently occur and must be treated with open reduction for long-term stability. The existing anaesthesia methods include general anaesthesia, spinal and epidural anaesthesia, peripheral nerve block and local anaesthesia with IV sedation. However, each method has its inherent risks and potential costs, and the use of a tourniquet is inevitable. Therefore, the wide-awake local anaesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique provides an alternative method for equivalent haemostasis and pain control without the use of a tourniquet.Patients and methodsWe prospectively enrolled 13 consecutive patients (9 males and 4 females) who presented ankle fractures and required ORIF from January 2017 to December 2017. The fracture types of the 13 patients included lateral malleolar fracture (three patients), bimalleolar fracture (two patients), bimalleolar equivalent fracture (three patients), medial malleolar fracture (two patients) and trimalleolar fracture (three patients; articular surface involvement <25%). We used a solution of 1% lidocaine mixed with 1:40,000 epinephrine for WALANT.ResultsAll patients underwent surgery if they exhibited an initial numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score of 0 without using a tourniquet. Only two patients required an additional 5 ml of local anaesthesia due to NPRS score elevation during the surgery; no dose exceeded the safe limit of 7 mg/kg. No local complications occurred, and no shifts to other anaesthesia methods were required due to the failure of WALANT.ConclusionsWALANT simplified surgical preparations and provided a safe and reliable method for ankle fracture management. Because the use of a tourniquet was not required, reduced postsurgical pain was observed. Moreover, the use of local anaesthesia resulted in more satisfied patients and facilitated easier recovery.     

Functional outcomes of unstable ankle fractures with and without syndesmotic fixation in the adolescent population

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare functional outcomes of adolescents with and without ankle syndesmotic injuries and identify predictors of functional outcome after operative ankle fractures.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on operative adolescent ankle fractures treated between 2009 and 2019 with a minimum of one-year follow-up (mean 4.35 years). Patients who underwent syndesmotic fixation (SF) (n = 48) were compared with operative ankle fractures without syndesmotic injury (n = 63). Functional outcomes were assessed using standardized questionnaires, specifically the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation.ResultsThere were no differences in patient-reported outcomes, rates of return to sport or complications between groups with and without SF. The SF group had a longer tourniquet time (p = 0.04), duration of non-weight-bearing (p = 0.01), more Weber C fibula fractures (p < 0.001), fewer medial malleolus fractures (p = 0.03) and more frequently underwent implant removal (p < 0.0001). Male sex, lower body mass index (BMI) and longer duration of follow-up were significant predictors of a higher FAAM sports score using multivariable linear regression. SF was not a predictor of functional outcome.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that patients that undergo surgical fixation of syndesmotic injuries have equivalent functional outcomes compared to operative ankle fractures without intraoperative evidence of syndesmotic injury. We also identified that male sex, lower BMI and longer duration of follow-up are predictors of a good functional outcome.Level of EvidenceIII     

Operative Management of AO Type 44 Ankle Fractures: Determinants of Outcome

The consequences of inadequate treatment of ankle fractures can be disastrous. We assessed the radiologic and functional outcomes, postoperative quality of life (QOL), and its determinants for patients treated operatively for AO type 44 ankle fractures. Evidence is lacking concerning the management of posterior malleolus fractures and syndesmotic injuries. Our retrospective adult cohort study included 432 AO/OTA type 44 ankle fractures (431 patients). The median follow-up period was 52 months. Outcomes were assessed from the medical records, radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle scale (functional outcome), and EuroQol EQ-5D questionnaires. The median AOFAS scale score was 88; 27.9% of patients reported restricted mobility and 40.4% pain or discomfort. In 8.8%, radiographic failure was observed. The presence of posterior malleolus fractures was significantly associated with poor functional outcomes, and a postoperative step-off correlated with radiologic failure, poor functional outcome, and poor postoperative QOL. Late syndesmotic screw removal was associated with worse EQ-5D time trade-off QOL scores. A substantial number of patients experienced functional impairment, discomfort, and pain. Syndesmotic injury was associated with ankle joint failure and poor functional outcomes. Our data indicate that all displaced posterior malleolus fracture fragments affecting the posterior articular tibial surface in patients aged ≤65 years require anatomic reduction.     

Wide-awake local anesthesia for clavicle fracture fixation: A case report

IntroductionThe wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has been used in many orthopedic surgeries. The benefits of this technique are the avoidance of the adverse effects of general anesthesia (GA) and the overall reduction of the cost of surgery. However, a literature search revealed no published report on performing the WALANT technique for clavicular fracture surgery.Presentation of caseWe report a case of mid-shaft clavicular fracture that was treated with plate osteosynthesis using the WALANT technique in a patient with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. During the operation, the patient did not experience any pain, and the procedure could be performed easily due to minimal bleeding in the operative field. The operation was completed successfully without any complications, and the patient was discharged from the hospital the day after surgery. Follow-up radiographs after three months showed union of the clavicle at the fracture site, and the patient could use his arm normally.DiscussionClavicular fracture is routinely treated with plate osteosynthesis under general anesthesia. In some patients with high morbidity and other risk factors for whom GA is unsuitable, the WALANT technique can prove to be an effective alternative.ConclusionClavicular fixation can be performed successfully and without any complication under WALANT technique.     

The influence of foot and ankle injury patterns and treatment delays on outcomes in a tertiary hospital; a one-year prospective observation

BackgroundAnkle and foot fractures are amongst the most common injuries, and patterns may vary from primary care set up to tertiary hospitals. Severe foot injuries are projected to have significantly worse outcomes and surgical delays are thought to alter prognosis.MethodsAll patients with foot and ankle trauma were prospectively evaluated at a Tertiary trauma centre over one year. The incidence, fracture patterns, risk factors, and outcomes were evaluated, and cases were divided into simple foot injuries (FASS ≤ 3) and severe foot injuries (FASS > 3). Injury mechanisms, associated injuries, and delays in treatment were evaluated, and outcomes were analyzed using Visual–Analogue Scale Foot and Ankle (VASFA), Maryland Foot Score (MFS) and Foot and ankle disability index (FADI).Results294 Foot and Ankle injuries (51 females, 243 males) were encountered in 2919 trauma cases (incidence of 10%). 80 patients (27.2%) had simple foot injuries and 214 (72.8%) had severe foot injuries. 29 patients (9.9%) were below 18years; most (65.3%) patients were between 18 and 45 years age. Road traffic accident was most commonest mode of injury, with ankle fractures (30.6%) the most common. Metatarsal fractures (27.9%) and calcaneal fractures (21.4%) were 2nd and 3rd most common injuries in the foot. Surgical delay averaged 1 day in both severe and simple injuries. Injury led to 32 (10.9%) below knee amputations. Outcome evaluation in 127 (91 severe, 36 simple injuries) patients showed mean Maryland foot score of 89.30 in simple injury group and 84.87 in severe injury group. Mean VASFA score was 82.87 (simple) and 81.87 in severe injury, and mean FADI score was 93.13 (simple) and 91.05 (severe injury). More detailed analysis revealed that more good scores (64.4%) were documented in severe injuries group, and more excellent scores (52.8%) in simple injuries group.ConclusionFoot injuries constitute 10% of all orthopaedic trauma at tertiary hospitals; Majority of them are severe foot injuries, with 68.7% being open injuries. Surgical delay was similar in simple and severe foot and ankle injuries. Outcomes of severe injuries were similar to simple foot and ankle injuries, reflecting on the quality of care that could be administered to them when they present to tertiary hospitals.     

3D Mapping of the Lateral Malleolus Fractures for Predicting Syndesmotic Injuries in Supination External Rotation Type Ankle Fractures

Supination external rotation (SER) type ankle fracture is the most common ankle fracture in the Lauge-Hansen classification and is often accompanied with syndesmotic injury. However, the mechanism of this injury is indistinct and a suggestive role can be given by preoperative imaging. This study was to preoperatively predict whether SER type ankle fractures are accompanied with syndesmotic injuries by the means of lateral malleolus fracture mapping. One hundred and forty-eight patients diagnosed with SER type ankle fractures were retrospectively enrolled in this study. The baseline data were collected and computed tomography data were reconstructed in 3-dimensional (3D) model. Patients were divided into stable and unstable groups according to intraoperative Cotton test and whether the inferior tibiofibular screw was placed. All fracture lines were superimposed on the ankle template to create a fracture map, and the data on the fracture map were further measured. Logistic regression was conducted to identify relevant factors and the cutoff values were given using receiver operating characteristic curves. Forty-one patients were enrolled in the unstable group and 107 patients were enrolled in the stable group. The lateral malleolus fracture lines of the unstable group were higher and steeper than that in the stable group on lateral and posterior views. The fracture height of the posterior cortex and peak height were the significant contributing factors, and the cut-off values of posterior cortex, peak height and inclination angle were 40.35 mm (sensitivity: 78%, specificity: 82%), 55.34 mm (sensitivity: 85%, specificity: 70%) and 55.6° (sensitivity: 66%, specificity: 86%), respectively. In general, when the fracture lines of the lateral malleolus were high and steep, it was usually indicative of a syndesmotic injury and can be predicted by the preoperative 3D reconstruction of fracture height of posterior cortex, peak height and inclination angle. If the cut-off values of these indicators are exceeded, the syndesmotic injuries may be presented and need to be verified in the intraoperative Cotton test to decide whether to insert an inferior tibiofibular screw.     

The association between medial malleolar fracture geometry,injury mechanism,and syndesmotic disruption

BackgroundPrecise correlations between medial malleolar fracture geometry and fracture mechanism have not been thoroughly described. This study sought to determine the prevalence of different medial malleolar fracture types and to elucidate the association between fracture geometry and fracture mechanism.MethodsThe records of 112 medial malleolar ankle fractures were reviewed. For each fracture, the direction of the fracture line in the medial malleolus (transverse, oblique, vertical, or comminuted), the Lauge-Hansen classification, and the presence or absence of syndesmotic injury was recorded. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to determine if correlations existed.ResultsTransverse fractures were the most prevalent type of medial malleolar fracture [n = 64 (57%)], and they correlated with supination-external rotation injuries. These were followed by oblique fractures [29 (26)], which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries [29 (26)], and vertical fractures [7 (6)], which correlated with supination-adduction injuries [9 (8)]. Comminuted fractures [12 (11)] and pronation-abduction injuries [22 (20)] did not correlate with any other categories. Syndesmotic injuries were correlated with transverse fractures, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries.ConclusionMedial malleolar fractures can be divided into four fracture types: transverse fractures, which correlated with supination-external rotation injuries; oblique fractures, which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries; vertical fractures, which correlated with supination-adduction injuries; and comminuted fractures, which did not correlate with a particular type of injury. Syndesmotic injury was positively correlated with transverse fractures of the medial malleolus, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries. These findings suggest that medial malleolar fracture geometry can provide valuable information for the clinician when classifying and managing ankle fractures.     

Wide-Awake Anesthesia for Olecranon Fracture Fixation

Introduction: Wide-awake local anesthesia and no tourniquet (WALANT) has come a long way. It has been reported to be successful in the surgery of distal radius and ulna fractures. We report a case of olecranon fracture plating under WALANT. Methods: Surgery was performed with the patient fully conscious where tumescent anesthesia was injected into the surgical site without application of tourniquet 30 minutes before the first incision. Posterior approach to the elbow was used, and the fracture was fixed with anatomical locking plates. Results: The surgery was successfully completed without pain. The numerical pain rating score was 0 throughout the surgery. Conclusions: The use of WALANT for surgical fixation can be expanded beyond the hand and wrist. This is a safe and simple option for patients at high risk of general anesthesia, producing similar surgical outcomes without intraoperative and postoperative complications.     

Frakturen des oberen Sprunggelenks

Malleolar fractures predominately result from a dislocation force at the ankle and are usually accompanied by injuries of the collateral ligaments and the tibiofibular syndesmosis. Forced abduction, adduction or external rotation of the foot against the tibia produce the typical sequence of bony and ligamentous injuries at the ankle joint. With the foot in supination at the time of injury, the deforming force acts first on the lateral malleolus, with the foot in pronation the force acts first on the medial malleolus. Fracture-dislocations must be reduced as an emergency under sufficient analgesia. Early stabilization is generally preferable for all displaced and unstable ankle fractures. With operative treatment, exact reconstruction of the articular surface, restoration of the length and rotational alignment of the fibula and fixation of osseous or ligamentous syndesmotic injuries are important prognostic factors. Non-operative, functional treatment leads to good long-term results in isolated, non-displaced fractures of the medial or lateral malleolus provided that instability of the ankle mortise has been definitely ruled out. Treatment of pediatric and adolescent malleolar fractures follows the same principles and has to respect the growth plate which ossifies over an 18 month period. Special attention has to be paid to hereditary or acquired neuropathy with dramatically increased healing times and complication rates.     

Foot and ankle injuries related to the use of E-scooters — A case series and a review of literature

IntroductionAs E-scooter use is increasing with the introduction of urban rental schemes in the United Kingdom, associated foot and ankle injuries will become more prevalent. The aim of this study is to assess the injury pattern and injury severity of foot and ankle trauma associated with E-scooter use.MethodsA retrospective case analysis of all E-scooter foot and ankle injuries presenting to three London hospitals between 1st January and 31st December 2020 was conducted. Data including demographics, mechanism and location of injury sustained, management, duration of hospital stay and mortality were collected.Results20 patients were identified with a total of 27 foot and ankle fractures. Eight patients had fracture dislocations, four sustained open injuries and 45% (9/20) of patients required surgical treatment. Those travelling over 15.5 mph were significantly more likely to require operative intervention (70%) than those travelling below 15.5 mph (20%) (P < 0.033) and were more likely to have an open fracture (40% compared to 0%) (P < 0.0886), however the latter was not of statistical significance. 85% (17/20) of rider’s injuries involved the foot and/or ankle only. There were no mortalities at 30 days.ConclusionsE-scooter use can cause serious foot and ankle injuries. Robust guidelines and legislation restricting top speeds and enforcing the wearing of protective clothing could be implemented. This may protect the E-scooter user from significant foot and ankle injury.     

Treatment for displaced Tillaux fractures in adolescent age group

BackgroundAround age 11–15 years, a forced external rotation of the foot in a supination or a medial rotation of the leg on the fixed foot usually is responsible for an avulsion injury to the anterolateral epiphysis, known as Tillaux fracture. Ligamentous injuries are rare in children because ligaments are stronger than is the growth plate that frequently is injured.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to present the clinical outcome until the end of growth after surgical treatment for displaced adolescent Tillaux fractures.Patients and methods13 patients with Tillaux fractures in the adolescent age group. Patient`s age ranged (12–17 years) with an average 13.4 years. Of those 13 patients, there were 9 females and 4 males.ResultsFracture union was obtained in all cases (100%) and was assed radiologically when X-ray check-ups in all projections showed the significant presence of trabeculation crossing the fracture, without pain and functionally using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of the ankle joint. Overall average score was 97 ranged 95–100. There was no recorded post-operative complication.ConclusionThe plain radiographs of patients with an avulsion injury of anterolateral tubercle (Tillaux fragment) should be carefully examined for evidence of syndesmotic widening. If there is any doubt, CT scans is helpful. If fracture displacement was greater than 2 mm, a surgical intervention is recommended to restore the normal anatomy of the ankle joint. Anatomically reduced Tillaux fractures at adolescent age group either by closed or opened means, followed by post-operative plaster cast immobilization will lead to excellent results.     

Retrospective review of complications following long tourniquet time in foot and ankle surgery

BackgroundTourniquet use is ubiquitous in orthopaedic surgery to create a bloodless field and to facilitate safe surgery, however, we know of the potential complications that can occur as a result of prolonged tourniquet time. Experimental and clinical research has helped define the safe time limits but there is not much literature specific to foot and ankle surgery.MethodsA retrospective review of the postoperative course of patients with prolonged tourniquet time (longer than 180 min) for foot and ankle procedures was done. Data related to the patient factors and the surgical procedure was collected. The length of stay, re-admissions and complications were the important indicators of the individual patient’s recovery.ResultsTwenty patients were identified with longer than 180-min tourniquet times for complex foot and ankle procedures. The average uninterrupted tourniquet time was 191 min. Eight of the twenty procedures were revision surgeries. The average length of stay was 3 days and there were no re-admissions within 30 days. Eight patients (40%) had at least one recorded complication. The complications seen in this group were transient sensory loss, wound issues, superficial infection, ongoing pain and non-union.ConclusionsThis case series has not revealed any major systemic complications resulting from the prolonged tourniquet such as pulmonary embolism or renal dysfunction. Unlike past literature on knee procedures with extended tourniquet times, no major nerve palsies were seen in our patient group. Our understanding of the local and systemic effects of tourniquet is not complete and this study demonstrates that the complications do not necessarily increase in a linear fashion in relation to the tourniquet time.     

A rare type of ankle fracture: Syndesmotic rupture combined with a high fibular fracture without medial injury

High fibular spiral fractures are usually caused by pronation-external rotation mechanism. The foot is in pronation and the talus externally rotates, causing a rupture of the medial ligaments or a fracture of the medial malleolus. With continued rotation the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligament will rupture, and finally, the energy leaves the fibula by creating a spiral fracture from anterior superior to posterior inferior.In this article we demonstrate a type of ankle fracture with syndesmotic injury and high fibular spiral fractures without a medial component. This type of ankle fractures cannot be explained by the Lauge-Hansen classification, since it lacks injury on the medial side of the ankle, but it does have the fibular fracture pattern matching the pronation external rotation injury (anterior superior to posterior inferior fracture). We investigated the mechanism of this injury illustrated by 3 cases and postulate a theory explaining the biomechanics behind this type of injury.     

Distal radius fracture fixation using WALANT versus general and regional anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWALANT (wide-awake local anaesthetic no tourniquet) has become a popular technique in upper limb surgery including distal radius fracture fixation. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of the WALANT technique in distal radius fracture fixation, and to compare it to both general and regional anaesthesia.MethodsPubmed, Embase, and Scopus databases were searched on 26/06/21 according to the PRISMA guidelines with the following search terms: radius, WALANT, “local anesthetic”, wide-awake surgery. All studies comparing WALANT with other forms of anaesthesia for distal radius fracture fixation were included.Results110 articles were identified, six studies (410 patients) were included, 164 of these patients were in the WALANT group. Two patients (1.2%) in the WALANT group and seven (6.5%) in the regional anaesthesia group required conversion to general anaesthesia. There was no statistically significant difference in post-operative complications, intra-operative VAS pain scores, operative times, functional or radiological outcomes. A statistically significant 8.6 mls increase in pooled mean blood loss in the WALANT group was noted (p = 0.02) although the clinical significance of this is doubtful.ConclusionThe WALANT technique for distal radius fracture fixation is non-inferior to regional and general anaesthesia. It is a safe and effective technique that surgeons may consider utilising, especially for patients not suitable for general anaesthetic or in centres in which there is a lack of access to specialist anaesthetic equipment and care.     

Maisonneuve骨折诊治的临床特点

 目的 探讨Maisonneuve骨折诊断和治疗的临床特点。
方法 2005年8月至2009年8月,收治23例Maisonneuve骨折患者,男16例,女7例;年龄25~43岁,平均35.3岁;摔倒伤10例,运动相关损伤8例,车祸伤4例,高处坠落伤1例。所有骨折均为闭合性损伤;其中内踝骨折16例,后踝骨折6例,三角韧带撕裂7例;所有患者均有下胫腓联合分离和腓骨上1/4螺旋型骨折。手术采用固定内踝及后踝骨折、修复内侧三角韧带及固定修复下胫腓联合的方法进行治疗。术后采用Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评定标准对患者踝关节功能进行评价。结果23例患者中有9例在入院前发生漏诊,漏诊率为39.13%（9/23）,入院后经详细查体而明确诊断。22例患者获得随访,随访时间为12~25个月,平均16.8个月。术后患者踝关节均无疼痛、压痛及明显肿胀,踝关节活动度与对侧基本相同。术后4~7个月,平均5.3个月X线片示腓骨骨折及踝部骨折均骨性愈合,踝穴正常,腓骨长度恢复,无下胫腓螺钉断裂及创伤性关节炎发生。末次随访Baird-Jackson踝关节功能评分为85~100分,其中优11例、良8例、可3例,优良率为86.4%。22例患者中有19例已经恢复到伤前的活动水平。
结论 Maisonneuve骨折是容易产生漏诊的踝关节损伤,仅注意到受伤的局部情况和缺乏对这种少见骨折的认识是造成漏诊的主要原因;可采用固定内踝及后踝骨折、修复内侧三角韧带及固定下胫腓联合的方法进行治疗。     

踝关节骨折伴下胫腓联合分离的手术治疗及临床意义

目的探讨治疗踝关节骨折伴下胫腓联合分离的手术方法及临床意义。方法自2002年1月～2005年12月对112例伴踝关节骨折下胫腓联合分离行腓骨内固定或不固定,内踝内固定,三角韧带探查修复术。未固定下胫腓联合。术后随访6～36个月,平均20.8个月。结果用Mazur评分系统评估手术疗效:优98例,良14例。未见骨折不愈合、关节不稳及创伤性关节炎等并发症。结论对伴下胫腓联合分离的踝关节骨折行手术治疗时,除了固定内、外踝,还要修复三角韧带损伤。恢复了内、外侧所有结构的完整性后才能真正恢复下胫腓联合及踝关节的正常生物力学环境和稳定性,这时即使不固定下胫腓联合,也可以获得下胫腓联合的稳定。固定内、外踝和下胫腓联合,而三角韧带的损伤不修复,虽然下胫腓韧带可以获得愈合,但三角韧带会愈合不佳、韧带松弛及功能不良,最终仍会导致创伤性关节炎。     

Incidence and variance of foot and ankle injuries in elite college football players

We conducted a study on the risk for foot and ankle injuries in college football players on the basis of injury type and player position. In February 2006, we evaluated 320 intercollegiate football players at the National Football League Combine. All pathologic conditions and surgical procedures of the foot and ankle were recorded, and data were analyzed by player position to detect any trends. Seventy-two percent (n = 231) of the players had a history of foot and ankle injuries, with a total of 287 foot and ankle injuries (1.24 injuries/player injured). The most common injuries were lateral ankle sprain (n = 115), syndesmotic sprain (50), metatarsophalangeal dislocation/turf toe (36), and fibular fracture (25). Foot and ankle injuries were most common in kickers/punters (100% incidence), special teams (100%), running backs (83%), wide receivers (83%), and offensive linemen (80%). Lateral ankle sprains, the most common injuries, were treated surgically only 2.6% of the time. Offensive linemen were most likely to have had syndesmotic sprains (32%), and quarterbacks had the highest incidence of fibular fractures (16%). Foot and ankle injuries are common in collegiate football players, affecting 72% of players. Thirteen percent underwent surgical treatment. Trends are seen in the types of injuries for the different player positions.     

Ankle syndesmotic injury

Ankle syndesmotic injury does not necessarily lead to ankle instability; however, the coexistence of deltoid ligament injury critically destabilizes the ankle joint. Syndesmotic injury may occur in isolation or may be associated with ankle fracture. In the absence of fracture, physical examination findings suggestive of injury include ankle tenderness over the anterior aspect of the syndesmosis and a positive squeeze or external rotation test. Radiographic findings usually include increased tibiofibular clear space decreased tibiofibular overlap, and increased medial clear space. However, syndesmotic injury may not be apparent radiographically; thus, routine stress testing is necessary for detecting syndesmotic instability. The goals of management are to restore and maintain the normal tibiofibular relationship to allow for healing of the ligamentous structures of the syndesmosis. Fixation of the syndesmosis is indicated when evidence of a diastasis is present. This may be detected preoperatively, in the absence of fracture, or intraoperatively, after rigid fixation of the medial malleolus and fibula fractures. Failure to diagnose and stabilize syndesmotic disruption adversely affects outcome.     

Distal tibial fracture post syndesmotic screw removal: an adverse complication

Fractures of the ankle are common injuries. Some ankle fractures have an associated injury to the syndesmosis, necessitating fixation with one or more screws. Generally, the overall outcome post ankle fracture is good. However, several complications have also been described. The current authors describe a distal tibial fracture following syndesmotic screw removal. A 77-year-old woman was admitted with a bimaleollar right ankle fracture. The patient underwent an emergency operation with open reduction and internal fixation. Six weeks after the surgery, the syndesmotic screw was removed without complication. The patient presented 4 weeks after removal of the screw complaining of persistent swelling and tenderness of the right ankle without a history of trauma. Radiographs showed a non-displaced distal tibial fracture around the site at which the syndesmotic screw was inserted. The distal tibial fracture was treated conservatively with a toe-to-knee cast for 6 weeks. In summary, the authors present a rare case of distal tibial fracture. Surgeons should bear this additional complication in mind.     

Predictors of functional outcome following transsyndesmotic screw fixation of ankle fractures

OBJECTIVE: Given the continued debate regarding syndesmotic screw fixation, we reviewed our institution's series of ankle syndesmotic screw insertions: 1) to examine technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation; and 2) to identify predictors of function and quality of life utilizing validated instruments. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study (level IV). SETTING: Three university hospitals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with ankle injuries who received syndesmotic screw fixation at 3 university-affiliated hospitals from 1998 to 2001. A combined hospital database for all 3 university affiliated hospitals was searched to identify all ankle fractures. Potentially eligible patients' charts were hand searched to determine the use of syndesmotic screw fixation. Radiographs from each patient were assessed for final eligibility for study inclusion. Baseline demographic information, fracture type (Lauge-Hansen, AO Weber), radiographic measurements of syndesmotic reduction, type of implants (number of screws, number of cortices, screw size), and screw removal at follow-up were determined. All radiographs were standardized for magnification. Patients also reported return to work, a visual analogue ankle pain score, and completed 2 functional outcomes instruments (Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index, Olerud and Molander Scale). MAIN OUTCOMES: Return to work, a visual analogue ankle pain score, and 3 functional outcomes instruments (Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index, Olerud and Molander Scale). RESULTS: Of 425 ankle fractures treated, 51 fractures had syndesmotic screw fixation. Patients were often males (67%), mean age 40.0 +/- 18.0 years, with sedentary occupations (88%), and twisting injuries (80%). Seventy percent of injuries were pronation external rotation injuries, and 30% were supination external rotation injuries. The ankle was dislocated in 45% of cases. The most common constructs for fixation included lateral plates with syndesmotic screws (45%). The majority of constructs included a single 3.5-mm cortical screw through 3 cortices of bone. Based upon postoperative x-rays, 16% of syndesmoses were not reduced. Additionally, 8 patients were deemed have inappropriate/lack of indications for syndesmotic screw insertion. At final follow-up (N = 39 patients, mean 18.1 months), patients achieved good function and quality of life (mean scores: Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment functional index = 11.4 +/- 10.6, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment bother index = 13.5 +/- 13.1, Olerud and Molander = 74.1 +/- 23.4, visual analogue pain scale = 1.7 +/- 1.9). The only significant predictor of functional outcome was reduction of the syndesmosis (P = 0.04). This variable alone accounted for 18% of the variation in Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index physical function scores and 15% of the variance in the Olerud and Molander (running subscale) outcome measure. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest: 1) technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation vary between surgeons; 2) 16% of syndesmotic screws may have been unnecessary; and 3) despite variability in technique and indications, anatomic reduction of syndesmosis was significantly associated with improved Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index functional outcome. Larger, prospective studies are needed to further explore our findings.