Posterior malleolar fracture morphology determines outcome in rotational type ankle fractures

IntroductionRotational type ankle fractures with a concomitant fracture of the posterior malleolus are associated with a poorer clinical outcome as compared to ankle fractures without. However, clinical implications of posterior malleolar (PM) fracture morphology and pattern have yet to be established. Many studies on this subject report on fragment size, rather than fracture morphology based on computed tomography (CT). The overall purpose of the current study was to elucidate the correlation of PM fracture morphology and functional outcome, assessed with CT imaging and not with –unreliable- plain radiographs.MethodsBetween January 2010 and May 2014, 194 patients with an operatively (ORIF) treated ankle fracture, were prospectively included in the randomized clinical EF3X-trial at our Level-I trauma center. The current study retrospectively included 73 patients with rotational type ankle fractures and concomitant fractures of the posterior malleolus. According to the CT-based Haraguchi fracture morphology, all patients were divided into three groups: 20 Type I (large posterolateral-oblique), 21 Type II (transverse medial-extension) and 32 Type III (small-shell fragment). At 12 weeks, 1 year and 2 years postoperatively the Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) and SF-36 scores were obtained, with the FAOS domain scores at two years postoperative as primary study outcome. Statistical analysis included a multivariate regression and secondary a mixed model analysis.ResultsHaraguchi Type II PM ankle fractures demonstrated significantly poorer outcome scores at two years follow-up compared to Haraguchi Types I and III. Mean FAOS domain scores at two years follow-up showed to be significantly worse in Haraguchi Type II as compared to Type III, respectively: Symptoms 48.2 versus 61.7 (p = 0.03), Pain 58.5 versus 84.4 (p < 0.01), Activities of Daily Living (ADL) 64.1 versus 90.5 (p < 0.01).ConclusionPosterior malleolar ankle fractures with medial extension of the fracture line (i.e. Haraguchi Type II) are associated with significantly poorer functional outcomes. The current dogma to fix PM fractures that involve at least 25–33% of the tibial plafond may be challenged, as posterior malleolar fracture pattern and morphology - rather than fragment size - seem to determine outcome.     

Influence of posterior malleolar fragment morphology on the outcomes of trimalleolar fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTrimalleolar fractures are generally considered to have inferior outcomes among ankle injuries. Historically, emphasis was placed on the size of the posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) to guide surgical decision-making and predict outcomes. Recent studies have suggested that the morphology of the PMF fragment is more important than its size. The aim of this systematic review was to determine if the outcomes of trimalleolar fractures depend on the morphology of the PMF as per the Haraguchi classification system after surgical fixation.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted in the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Ovid. Title and abstracts were screened, and data from eligible studies were extracted. Meta-regression and pooled analysis was performed using appropriate computer software.Results11 studies with 597 patients were included in the final analysis. Pooled mean AOFAS score was 87.43 (95% CI 84.24–90.62) after a mean follow-up of 31.6 months. Univariate and multivariate meta-regression analysis demonstrated that as the percentage of Haraguchi type 1 patients increased, there was a statistically significant improvement in outcome scores. A similar trend was noted for Haraguchi type 3 fractures, and a reverse trend was observed for Haraguchi type 2 injuries, although neither were statistically significant.ConclusionOur review suggests that the outcomes of trimalleolar fractures after surgical fixation may depend on the morphology of the PMF, with Haraguchi type 1 fractures having overall superior functional outcomes than Haraguchi type 2 and 3 injuries. Future studies need to done to conclusively prove or refute these findings.     

改良后外侧入路治疗外踝后踝骨折的初步报道

目的观察改良后外侧入路锁定钢板治疗外踝后踝骨折的疗效。方法回顾性分析温州医科大学附属第二医院创伤骨科自2015年1月至2018年1月收治的25例累及外踝后踝骨折的患者资料,男13例,女12例;年龄18~70岁,平均43.1岁;踝关节损伤根据Lauge-Hansen分型:旋后外旋型Ⅲ度9例,旋后外旋型Ⅳ度11例,旋前外旋型Ⅳ度5例;合并踝关节脱位6例。后踝骨折根据Haraguchi分型全部为Ⅰ型骨折。均采用改良后外侧入路锁定钢板内固定外踝后踝。观察记录手术时间、骨折愈合时间以及术后并发症发生情况,末次随访时采用美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)的踝-后足评分评价踝关节功能。结果本组患者手术时间50~100 min,平均70 min。21例患者术后获12~18个月(平均14个月)随访。术后3~5个月均骨性愈合。3例患者出现创口浅表感染,无术后粘连、深部感染,无长屈肌腱挛缩畸形、内固定松动、断裂等不良情况发生。末次随访时采用AOFAS的踝-后足评分评定疗效:优13例,良6例,可2例。结论改良后外侧入路可以同一切口解决后踝及外踝骨折,避免剥离长屈肌起点,减少了长屈肌术后粘连,值得推广。     

钢板与空心钉治疗Haraguchi Ⅰ型后踝骨折的疗效比较

目的：比较钢板与空心钉治疗HaraguchiⅠ型后踝骨折的疗效,为临床治疗提供参考依据。方法回顾性分析2012年6月至2014年10月于我院采用切开复位内固定（钢板或空心钉）治疗HaraguchiⅠ型后踝骨折40例患者的资料,使用钢板内固定的24例患者纳入钢板组,使用空心钉固定的16例患者纳入空心钉组,比较两组患者的骨折愈合时间及其术后3、12、18个月的美国足踝外科医师协会（AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分。结果34例患者获得随访（钢板组20例,空心钉组14例）。钢板组与空心钉组的平均骨折愈合时间分别为（9.4±2.5）个月和（12.5±2.9）个月,差异有统计学意义（t=-3.604,P=0.001）。术后3个月,空心钉组有2例患者出现后踝骨折块移位。术后3个月时,钢板组的AOFAS评分为（70.6±7.1）分,低于空心钉组的（76.9±6.2）分,差异有统计学意义（t=-2.888,P=0.036）;术后12、18个月时,钢板组的AOFAS评分分别为（85.1±8.5）分、（93.7±9.8）分,均优于空心钉组的（79.5±6.9）分、（83.5±7.3）分,差异均有统计学意义（t=2.194,P=0.044;t=3.552,P=0.001）。结论采用钢板内固定治疗合并后踝骨折的踝关节损伤,较空心钉内固定具有固定牢靠、后期功能恢复较好等优点,值得推广。     

经腓骨骨折端辅助复位治疗外后踝合并关节面压缩骨折的病例对照研究

目的 :比较经腓骨骨折端辅助复位和经跟腱内侧辅助复位结合外后侧内固定治疗外后踝合并关节面压缩骨折的临床疗效。方法:自2012年1月至2015年1月,治疗外后踝合并关节面压缩骨折52例,采用经腓骨骨折段辅助复位内固定治疗24例(A组),男16例,女8例;年龄20~65岁,平均(35.2±6.4)岁;经跟腱内侧入路辅助复位内固定治疗28例(B组),其中男18例,女10例;年龄22~62岁,平均(36.4±4.8)岁。观察并比较两组患者的手术时间、出血量、切口长度、X线暴露次数及并发症发生情况,术后采用美国足踝外科协会踝-足(AOFAS)评分对两组患者的功能进行评价。结果:所有患者均获得随访,A组随访时间13~55个月,平均(27.5±2.5)个月;B组随访时间12~54个月,平均(28.5±2.4)个月。所有患者获得骨性愈合,愈合时间10~16周,平均12周。B组有2例出现切口感染,1例出现螺钉松动;A组无切口感染发生,1例出现螺钉松动。两组手术时间、出血量、X线暴露次数及并发症情况比较差异有统计学意义;两组踝关节AOFAS功能评分比较差异无统计学意义。结论:与经跟腱内侧辅助复位相比,经腓骨骨折端辅助复位治疗外后踝合并关节面压缩骨折具有出血少、手术时间短、X线暴露次数少、踝关节功能恢复好的优点,特别在处理常规入路难以复位的嵌夹的后外侧关节面压缩骨块,优势明显。     

由前向后与由后向前置入拉力螺钉治疗后踝骨折的对比

[目的]比较经皮由前向后与由后向前置入拉力螺钉治疗三踝骨折中后踝骨折方法及临床疗效。[方法]2013年1月~2017年6月本院骨科收治的HaraguchiI型后踝骨折病人49例,按治疗方法,24例采用经皮由前向后螺钉内固定后踝骨折,25例采取后外侧入路有限暴露并复位螺钉内固定后踝骨折。比较两组患者围手术期、随访结果与影像资料。[结果]两组患者均顺利完成手术。两组在手术时间的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);前方螺钉组透视次数显著多于后方螺钉组(P<0.05);前方螺钉组腓骨侧切口长度显著短于后方螺钉组(P<0.05);前方螺钉组失血量显著小于后方螺钉组(P<0.05)。平均随访时间(17.61±3.85)个月。两组在完全负重行走时间的差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随术后时间推移,两组患者的AOFAS评分均显著增加,不同时间点间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);但术后6、12个月及末次随访时两组患者的AOFA评分差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访时两组患者间踝关节ROM差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。术后影像显示前方螺钉组5例关节面复位不良,而后方螺钉组2例关节面复位不良。两组患者的骨折愈合时间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。[结论]经皮前方螺钉内固定及后外侧入路螺钉内固定后踝骨折均可治疗三踝骨折,后者复位及固定质量优于前者。     

Outcomes of posterior malleolar fixation in ankle fractures in a major trauma centre

AimsOngoing controversy exists over the indications and benefits of posterior malleolar fixation in ankle fractures. The aim of this pragmatic study was to evaluate the outcomes of posterior malleolar fracture fixation in ankle fractures in the setting of a major trauma centre. Our hypothesis is that posterior malleolus fixation leads to improved clinical outcomes.MethodsA total of 320 patients were identified with operatively treated ankle fractures involving a posterior malleolus component, at our institution between January 2012 and January 2018, ensuring a minimum 2 year follow-up. Of these patients, 160 had the posterior malleolus fixed as part of their surgery and 160 did not. Patient demographics, surgical details and complications were assessed. The Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) was the primary patient outcome measure.ResultsFixation of the posterior malleolus was associated with a statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes. Mean MOXFQ score in the unfixed posterior malleolus group was 24.03 (0 - 62), compared to 20.10 (0 - 67) in the fixed posterior malleolus group (p = 0.04). Outcomes were worse with increasing size of posterior malleolar fragment. Metalwork-related issues were higher in the posterior malleolus fixed group (24/160 (15%) versus 10/160 (6.2%)) and re-operation rate was double.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that in the practical setting of a major trauma unit, fixation of the posterior malleolar fracture leads to improved patient outcomes but with increased metalwork risks and reoperation rates.     

Prognostic value of the Haraguchi classification in posterior malleolar fractures in A0 44-C type ankle fractures

Background and purposeIncidence of posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs) associated with ankle fractures is historically based on plain radiographs. Several classification systems for PMF are currently in use, but the reliability of the Haraguchi classification is not reported.The aim of this diagnostic cohort study was to assess incidence of PMF in patients with AO 44-C fractures, and test the reliability of the Haraguchi fracture classification based on CT. In addition, to evaluate the clinical outcome in patients with PMF.Methods210 patients with an AO 44-C type fracture treated with syndesmotic fixation between 2011 and 2017 were included. Presence of PMF was registered, morphology was assessed and classified according to the Haraguchi classification. Interobserver agreement for the Haraguchi classification was evaluated. Patient assessment was conducted at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 years. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score (AOFAS) was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included presence of osteoarthritis.Results125 of 210 patients (60%) had a PMF. 34% of the PMFs were missed on plain radiographs compared to CT. The interobserver agreement was 0.797, (95% CI: 0.705 to 0.889, p < 0.001), for the Haraguchi classification. The 2-year follow-up rate was 86%. Haraguchi type II fractures had a lower AOFAS compared with the no-fracture group at 6 weeks (mean difference -7.5 (95% CI; -15.0 to -0.2), p = 0.04) and 6 months (mean difference -8.4 (95% CI; -15.3 to -1.5), p = 0.01). Presence of osteoarthritis was higher in patients with Haraguchi type II PMF compared to the no PMF group, this finding was not significant (relative risk (RR) 1.6(95% CI 1.1 to 2.4, p = 0.059)).ConclusionsPlain radiographs underestimated PMF. Patients with a Haraguchi type II fracture had a poorer outcome measured by the AOFAS score compared to no PMF up until 6 months. Classification of PMF according to the Haraguchi classification was reliable.     

Posterior Locking Plate Fixation of Bartoníček Type IV Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Focus on Die-Punch Fragment Size

Die-punch fragments refer to articular cartilage and subchondral bone embedded in cancellous bone as part of an intra-articular fracture. Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with associated die-punch fragments are rare, and the appropriate surgical approach remains unclear. We determined outcomes, and the effect of die-punch fragment size on outcomes, for 32 patients with Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments between January 2015 and December 2017. Mean follow-up for all patients was 23.8 (range 20.0-30.0) months. At the final follow-up visit, mean ankle dorsal extension was 24.6° and plantar flexion was 40.0°; American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score was 88.6 ± 4.3; visual analog scale weightbearing pain score was 1.5 ± 0.6; and Bargon traumatic arthritis score was 0.8 ± 0.4. There were no severe complications. We divided patients into a small-fragment (≤3 mm) group (n = 12) and large-fragment (>3 mm) group (n = 20). The Bargon scores at final follow-up were 0.5 and 1, respectively (P=.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups for the other outcome scores at various time intervals. The posterolateral approach with distal locking plate internal fixation for Bartoní?ek type IV posterior malleolar fractures with die-punch fragments can result in excellent anatomical reduction of the collapsed articular surface and the displaced fragment from the tibial plafond, recovery of articular surface congruity, and maintenance of joint stability. Die-punch fragment size may not impact clinical and functional outcomes but may contribute to post-traumatic arthritis.     

内踝解剖型钩钢板治疗粉碎性内踝骨折的疗效分析

目的 评价内踝解剖型钩钢板治疗粉碎性内踝骨折的临床疗效。方法 对2015年3月至2017年6月采用内踝解剖型钩钢板治疗粉碎性内踝骨折的30例病人进行回顾性分析,其中男18例,女12例;年龄为21~50岁,平均34.5岁。受伤原因：扭伤10例,直接暴力骨折20例。左踝12例,右踝18例。30例病人均行切开复位内固定手术,内踝应用解剖型钩钢板固定,合并外踝及后踝骨折的病人,外踝应用解剖钢板固定,后踝应用空心螺钉或钢板固定。采用美国足踝外科医师协会（American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, AOFAS）踝与后足功能评分系统、踝关节活动度和疼痛视觉模拟评分量表（visual analogue scale, VAS）评价术前及末次随访时病人的踝关节功能。结果 所有30例病人的随访时间为6~18个月,平均13.1个月。术后切口均一期甲级愈合,无感染、皮瓣坏死、骨折移位、内固定松动、骨不愈合等并发症出现。手术前后的AOFAS踝-后足评分分别为（12.0±10.0）分、（90.0±3.1）分,VAS评分分别为（5.4±1.0）分、（1.3±0.3）分,差异均有统计学意义（P均＜0.05）。末次随访时平均踝关节活动度为60.2°±6.2°。结论 采用内踝解剖型钩钢板治疗粉碎性内踝骨折,固定牢固,操作方便,病人术后功能恢复好,是治疗粉碎性内踝骨折有效的固定方法。     

Deltoid ligament arthroscopic repair in ankle fractures: Case series

IntroductionDiagnosis and treatment of ankle medial ligament lesions in malleolar fractures has always been a matter of controversy. Even when deltoid involvement is clear, the direct repair of this structure is not a consensus. Recently, deltoid repair through an arthroscopic technique was described aiming to potentialize better clinical results and minimize complications.ObjectiveDemonstrate safety and functional results on patients with ankle fractures submitted to open reduction and internal fixation and arthroscopic deltoid repair.MethodsThis is a retrospective study in patients diagnosed with ankle fractures associated with acute deltoid injuries submitted to open malleolar fixation and deltoid arthroscopic repair between June 2016 and January 2020. All patients were evaluated for pain and functionality according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS) at a minimum of 6 months follow-up.ResultsFrom January 2016 to January 2020, 20 ankles with fractures or dislocations were operated and the deltoid ligament rupture was repaired arthroscopically. A mean follow-up of 14.45 months (6-48) was observed, and patients presented an average AOFAS of 93.5 (SD 7.25) and a VAS of 0.75 (SD 1.05). Three minor complications were noticed and no signs of medial chronic instability, loss of reduction or osteoarthritis were observed.DiscussionThe repair of the deltoid complex and the low morbidity of the arthroscopic technique used may improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. Additional studies, with a prospective and comparative methodology are required to sustain this proposal.DesignLevel IV. Retrospective case series.     

Mimics软件重建距骨模型结合踝后内侧入路治疗距骨后突骨折

目的评价术前Mimics软件重建距骨后突骨折三维模型,结合踝后内侧入路治疗距骨后突骨折的优势。方法回顾性分析北京积水潭医院创伤骨科2015年5月至2019年2月采用术前Mimics软件重建距骨后突骨折三维模型结合踝后内侧入路治疗的7例距骨后突骨折患者资料。男5例,女2例;年龄20~70岁,平均39岁。术前常规行CT检查,应用Mimics软件基于CT扫描数据三维重建距骨后突以明确骨折块大小、数量和移位程度,踝后内侧入路切开复位螺钉内固定治疗距骨后突骨折。术后采用美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)的踝-后足评分系统评估功能恢复情况。结果本组患者手术时间70~105 min,平均87.1 min。术后早期伤口均愈合良好,无神经、肌腱损伤。所有患者术后随访4~24个月,平均12个月。10~16周复查X线片骨折愈合,未发现断钉、骨不连和畸形愈合及创伤性关节炎等并发症发生。末次随访时AOFAS的踝-后足评分为80~98分,平均87分。结论术前CT影像基于Mimics软件重建距骨后突骨折三维模型可精确定位进钉点和进钉方向,用于踝后内侧入路术中有清楚显露、骨折易复位、置钉方便的优势。     

Open reduction and internal fixation of the posterior malleolus fragment via the posterolateral approach is radiologically superior to ‘A to P’ screw fixation

PurposeFunctional outcome in trimalleolar fractures is largely correlated to the reduction of the posterior fragment. Until recently, fixation was mainly performed for large fragments, by percutaneous anterior to posterior (‘A to P’) screw placement after closed reduction. Nowadays, ORIF via a posterolateral approach seems to gain in popularity. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative photographs of operated trimalleolar fractures after either fracture treatment method, for fracture diastasis and step-off.Material and methodsAll consecutive patients with trimalleolar fractures, including posterior fragments of >5% of the articular surface and operated between 2007–2013 were analysed on size of posterior fragment, post-operative gap and step-off by three observers. The patients were divided into three groups; A to P screw fixation, ORIF via the posterolateral approach and no posterior fragment fixation at all.Results180 patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures were included for analyses. Twenty five posterior fragments were fixated percutaneously from anterior to posterior (group 1) and 51 underwent open reduction and internal fixation through a posterolateral approach (group 2). 104 patients underwent no posterior malleolus fixation (group 3). The average size of posterior fragment was 34% in group 1, 27% in group 2 and 16% in group 3. A postoperative step-off >1 mm was found in 40% (group 1), 9% (group 2) or 34% respectively (group 3).ConclusionsFixation of the posterior malleolus through an open posterolateral approach leads to better radiological results as compared to percutaneous ‘A to P’ screw fixation or no fixation at all.     

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.     

Does the Lauge-Hansen Injury Mechanism Predict Posterior Malleolar Fracture Morphology?

The Lauge-Hansen ankle fracture classification system is widely accepted and is utilized to describe and predict ankle fracture patterns based on the mechanism of injury. Multiple studies have shown inconsistencies in the Lauge-Hansen's ability to predict fracture patterns based on the mechanism of injury. We set out to determine if the posterior malleolar fracture pattern is associated with the fracture types described by Lauge-Hansen. In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 153 patients with trimalleolar ankle fractures as diagnosed using computed tomography scans. Timing of injury was from February 2013 to August 2017. Patient ages ranged between 18 and 89 years old. Each patient had a complete clinical and radiographic workup including a preoperative computed tomographic scan following initial fracture reduction in the emergency room. We classified each ankle fracture based on plain film radiographs using the Lauge-Hansen classification scheme. Each individual posterior malleolar fracture was evaluated on computed tomography imaging and described using both the Haraguchi and Bartonicek-Rammelt classification systems. Of the 153 patients identified with trimalleolar ankle fractures, 70% were female (±20%), the mean age was 51 y (±8 y), and the mean body mass index was 30 kg/m² (±3 kg/m²). We did not observe a significant association between the Lauge-Hansen injury mechanism and either the Bartonicek-Rammelt or the Haraguchi trimalleolar ankle fracture classification systems (chi-square correlation tests p > .05).     

Long-Term Results of Ankle Fractures With a Posterior Malleolar Fragment

The aim of this study was to evaluate 1) long-term results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment, and 2) the need for fixation of fragments smaller than 25%. Forty-five patients with ankle fractures and a posterior malleolar fragment were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 13 years (range, 2-24). The size and fixation of the fragment were registered. Outcome was assessed using an Ankle Fracture Scoring System (maximum: 150 points), a 10-point Numeric Scale for Pain (1 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain) and an OsteoArthritis Score (0 = no osteoarthritis, 3 = severe osteoarthritis). The mean Ankle Fracture Scoring System, Numeric Scale for Pain and Osteoarthritis-score were 124, 2.5, and 1.2, respectively. The mean size of fixated fragments was significantly larger than that of nonfixated fragments (30% versus 16%). Those patients in which the posterior malleolar fragment was fixated did not have a statistically significant better outcome than those patients in which the fragments were not fixated (Ankle Fracture Scoring System: 119 versus 126, Numeric Scale for Pain: 2.6 versus 2.4, Osteoarthritis-score: 1.0 versus 1.2). There was no significant correlation between outcome and size of unfixated fragments. Fracture-dislocation was seen more often in combination with larger fragments (24% versus 15%) and resulted in statistically significant worse long-term outcome than nondislocated fractures, except for pain (Ankle Fracture Scoring System: 115 versus 134, Osteoarthritis-score: 1.7 versus 0.8). In conclusion, patients showed good results after 13 years follow-up and there was no evidence for the need for fixation of fragments smaller than 25%.     

肱骨近端解剖接骨板治疗骨质疏松型后踝骨折

目的 探讨肱骨近端解剖接骨板(anatomy of the proximal humerus plate,APHP)治疗骨质疏松型后踝骨折的临床疗效.方法 选取我院2010年1月至2013年1月的18例骨质疏松型后踝骨折患者(其中1例为螺钉内固定失败患者行二次固定),采用小腿后内侧入路,应用肱骨近端接骨板内固定治疗,术后石膏固定4周,早期分阶段行功能康复锻炼.根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分标准评估治疗效果.结果 伤口均一期愈合,无伤口感染、皮肤坏死等严重并发症,随访时间为12～24个月,平均16个月.X线检查示骨折于术后6.0～16.0个月愈合,平均9.2个月;根据AOFAS踝与后足评分标准进行功能评估:优12例,良5例,中1例,优良率为94.4％.结论 肱骨近端接骨板符合胫骨远端后外侧的解剖形态,接骨板与后踝贴合良好,覆盖面积大,通过加压,使得接骨板的作用力较均匀地分散在后踝骨折块上,避免了拉力螺钉内陷、松动等并发症,效果良好.     

Does intra-articular load distribution change after lateral malleolar fractures? An in vivo study comparing operative and non-operative treatment

PurposeThe impact of isolated malleolar fractures on the intra-articular load distribution within the ankle joint has been studied in several biomechanical cadaver studies during the last decades. Recently, computed tomography osteoabsorptiometry (CT-OAM) has been proposed as a valuable tool to assess intra-articular joint load distribution in vivo. The purpose of this retrospective matched pair analysis was to apply CT-OAM to evaluate in vivo changes of talar load distribution after lateral malleolar fractures in patients treated with open anatomic reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) compared to patients treated non-operatively.MethodsTen matched pairs of patients with isolated lateral malleolar fractures with a maximum fracture dislocation of 3 mm and a median follow-up of 42 month were included into the study. Patients were matched for age, gender, and fracture dislocation. Range of ankle motion (ROM), the AOFAS hindfoot score and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) were evaluated.CT-OAM analysis of the injured and the uninjured contralateral ankles were performed.ResultsPatients treated with ORIF showed a significant lower ROM compared to the uninjured contralateral ankle. No differences were found regarding clinical scores between patients treated by ORIF and those treated non-operatively.CT-OAM analysis showed symmetrical distribution of subchondral bone mineralization in comparison to the uninjured contralateral ankles for both groups of patients.ConclusionsThe data of this study suggest that isolated lateral malleolar fractures with fracture gaps up to 3 mm are not associated with a change of the tibio-talar joint load distribution in vivo. Therefore, patients with isolated minimally displaced lateral malleolar fractures may achieve good clinical long-term outcome following non-operative treatment.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study     

后外侧联合内侧入路急诊内固定治疗三踝骨折

目的 探讨后外侧联合内侧入路急诊内固定治疗三踝骨折的疗效.方法 对23例三踝骨折患者急诊采用后外侧入路行后踝骨折复位空心螺钉或支撑钢板内固定、外踝骨折复位钢板内固定,内侧入路行内踝骨折复位空心螺钉内固定.末次随访时采用AOFAS踝-后足功能评分标准评价疗效.结果 患者均获得随访,时间10～32个月.切口均一期愈合.骨折...     

Combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screw fixation of osteoporotic fractures: a clinical evaluation of operative strategy

BACKGROUND: Internal fixation of osteoporotic ankle fractures is technically difficult and may fail because of unreliable purchase. This study was undertaken to determine if a combination of a hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws can provide secure fixation until fracture union. METHODS: Thirty-one patients between the ages of 55 and 90 years had open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures between April, 2001, and April, 2003. Sixteen patients with an average age of 71.4 years had ankle fracture fixation with a combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws for the distal fibular fracture, and 15 patients with an average age of 71.9 years had fixation of their ankle fractures with standard fixation technique using AO/ASIF principles but no tibial pro-fibular screws. All patients were followed with clinical and radiologic assessment at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks postoperatively. At an average of 15.8 months after injury, patients also completed a mailed questionnaire with the Olerud-Molander ankle score and the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score for preoperative and postoperative status. RESULTS: All patients who had tibial pro-fibular screw fixation had fracture union without hardware failure or complications. In the standard fixation group two patients had wound breakdown and one had a valgus malunion with screw pull out. The AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores for the standard open reduction and internal fixation were 57.3 and 82.8 before injury and 37 and 43.8 postoperatively, respectively. The AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores for the hook plate and tibial pro-fibular fixation group were 55.9 and 81.3 before injury and 42.4 and 50.3 postoperatively, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of hook plate and tibial pro-fibular screws in osteoporotic ankle fractures in a series of patients has not been reported before. This novel technique provides stable fixation for osteoporotic ankle fractures in elderly patients until union is achieved with good clinical scores.