Early versus delayed surgery for ankle fractures: a comparison of results

A retrospective review of closed ankle fractures treated using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was undertaken. The aim was to investigate if the timing of surgery had any influence upon soft tissue complications and hospital stay. Sixty-two patients, 31 men and 31 women, were reviewed. Twenty-four (39%) underwent the surgery within 24 h (average 17.5 h) of injury, while the other 38 (61%) were operated at an average of 3.1 (2–9) days. The average length of stay (LOS) was 7.1 (range 2–15) days in patients who had the surgery within 24 h of injury as compared to 10.6 (range 4–64) days in those who had their surgery after 24 h of injury. The post-operative stay was 6.3 days as compared to 7.5 days in the two groups respectively. Fourteen complications were seen, including six infections all of which occurred in patients who underwent surgery after 24 h of injury. Three cases with delayed wound healing were also noted. A significantly higher complication rate was noted in patients aged 70 years or older (6/11). We conclude that delay in ORIF of ankle fractures is associated with increased complication, increased morbidity and increased hospital stay. These fractures should be surgically fixed within 24 h.     

移位性踝关节骨折延迟性手术的术式选择

目的探讨移位性踝关节骨折延迟性手术的术式选择及疗效。方法对23例移位性踝关节骨折患者施行延迟性手术,16例行切开复位内固定术,7例行踝关节融合术,并应用AOFAS评分系统进行评价。结果随访25－173个月,平均80个月。骨折全部愈合,均获得无痛性可负重关节。延迟1－3个月者,切开复位内固定组的术后AOFAS评分有较大的提高。延迟3个月以上者,两种术式AOFAS评分提高的幅度相差不大。结论延迟1～3个月的骨折,如踝穴恢复完整并获得解剖复位,应选择切开复位内固定术,否则,可采用关节融合术。延迟3个月以上的骨折由于软骨和软组织的退变,获得解剖复位的难度增大,宜采用关节融合术。     

Ungeplante Zweiteingriffe nach Frakturen des oberen Sprunggelenks

The purpose of the present study was to analyze the risk factors associated with unexpected second procedures and strategies of revision surgery. Within a 5 year period 647 patients with closed ankle fractures AO type 44 were identified of which 77 (11.9%) needed revision surgery. Complications were addressed to 4 main groups: deep infections (IG) were seen in 29 patients (4.5%), problems with primary wound closure (WG) in 22 patients (3.4%), insufficient reduction (KG) in 22 patients (3.4%) and other causes (RG) included 4 patients (0.6%). Significant predictive factors for soft tissue complications were higher age, comorbidities with peripheral arteriosclerosis, high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and diabetes mellitus. AO 44 type B2 and B3 fractures were often associated with soft tissue problems. The more complex fracture types AO 44 C1-C3 and A2-A3 were significantly associated with problems of insufficient congruency post-surgery. The distribution of the mean revision rate was significantly different (p<0.01) for all groups: IG 4.59, WG 3.5, KG 1.55, RG 1.25. In summary, we strongly recommend immediate reduction of displaced fractures and to consider a more detailed fracture classification. To reduce the amount of unexpected ankle procedures individual risk factors should be weighed against the advantages of optimal open reduction and internal fixation.     

陈旧性踝关节骨折手术治疗的远期疗效分析

目的：对陈旧性踝关节骨折手术治疗的远期疗效进行分析，确定恰当的治疗方案。方法：对46例陈旧性踝关节骨折患施行手术治疗，37例行切开复位内固定，9例行踝关节融合术，应用AOFAS评分系统进行评分。结果：随访26－121个月，平均87个月。远期疗效良好，骨折全部愈合，无痛可负重，但延迟1－3个月手术AOFAS评分术后较术前明显提高，延迟三个月以上术后较术前无明显提高。结论：延迟1－3个月手术的踝关节骨折如踝穴恢复完整并获得解剖复位或接近解剖复位宜行关节切开复位内固定术；否则宜行关节融合术。延迟三个月以上手术的骨折，由于软骨和软组织发生退变，难以获得解剖复位，宜行关节融合术。     

Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation of triplane fracture of the distal tibia

Triplane ankle fractures typically occur in the adolescent age group. Although many are minimally displaced and can be managed nonoperatively, some are displaced and difficult to reduce by closed methods and need open reduction and internal fixation. Traditionally satisfactory articular reduction is achieved through an open approach, which can be extensive. We describe our experience of treating displaced triplane fractures in four patients, assisted by ankle arthroscopy to ensure anatomical reduction and minimal soft tissue disruption. We achieved excellent reduction and stable fixation in all four cases. All patients regained full range of movement within 6 weeks.     

Displaced ankle fractures in the geriatric population: Operative or non-operative treatment

In the current study we retrospectively reviewed the outcome and complications of 118 patients over 70 years of age, with displaced ankle fractures. Six patients had open ankle fractures, all treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The complication rate of these patients was very high: two below knee amputations and one death due to sepsis. From the 112 patients with closed ankle fractures included in the study, 72 were treated with ORIF and 40 patients were admitted for manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) and application of cast. The latter had 27.5% failure rate (patients requiring surgery at a later stage) and a 17.2% re-intervention rate (patients requiring re-manipulation to maintain fracture reduction).We report a 4.1% minor wound complication rate (delayed wound healing) and a similar rate of major wound complication (one below knee amputation and two wounds breakdown) in the group treated operatively. One patient in this group developed a non-union of the fracture, requiring arthrodesis of the ankle. Return to pre-injury mobility level was higher (72% versus 47%, p < 0.005) for the patients treated with ORIF. The results of our study indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures in geriatric patients is efficacious and safe in selected patients and age alone should not dictate the treatment of the ankle fractures in geriatric population.     

Temporary vertical transarticular-pin fixation of unstable ankle fractures with critical soft tissue conditions

Unstable ankle fractures are demanding injuries to treat. Open reduction and internal fixation are accepted as standard care, however, in patients with severe soft tissue damage or serious medical conditions, this approach may not always be advisable. Closed reduction with temporary fixation using vertical transarticular pins is one method to maintain joint alignment until an open technique is possible. Fourteen patients (median age: 59.5 years) with unstable ankle fractures, including three type-2 open fractures, were included in the study. Open reduction and fixation was delayed because of severe soft tissue damage, and a temporary transarticular pin fixation using two Kirschner wires was performed. After a median of 8.4 days, an open reduction and internal fixation was carried out in all patients. No complications related to the temporary arthrodesis were observed during the acute phase, and follow-up at 24 months revealed no damage to the articular surface attributable to the pin insertion. The median Olerud-score was 33.43, but three patients showed signs of early post-traumatic arthritis which we felt were due to the initial fracture. We conclude that closed reduction and temporary fixation using vertical transarticular pins of unstable ankle fractures is a safe method of maintaining joint alignment until a definitive open approach is feasible.     

A staged protocol for soft tissue management in the treatment of complex pilon fractures

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular pilon fractures using a staged treatment protocol results in minimal surgical wound complications. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Between January 1991 and December 1996, 226 pilon fractures (AO types 43A-C) were treated, of which 108 were AO type 43C. Fifty-six fractures were included in a retrospective analysis of a treatment protocol. Injuries were divided into Group I, thirty-four closed fractures, and Group II, twenty-two open fractures (three Gustilo Type 1, six Type II, eight Type IIIA, and five Type IIIB). METHODS: The protocol consisted of immediate (within twenty-four hours) open reduction and internal fixation of the fibula when fractured, using a one-third tubular or 3.5-millimeter dynamic compression plate and application of an external fixator spanning the ankle joint. Patients with isolated injuries were discharged after initial stabilization and readmitted for the definitive reconstruction. Polytrauma patients remained hospitalized and were observed. Formal open reconstruction of the articular surface by plating was performed when soft tissue swelling had subsided. Complications were defined as wound problems requiring hospitalization. All affected limbs were then evaluated via chart and radiograph review, patient interviews, and physical examination until surgical wound healing was complete, for a minimum of twelve months. RESULTS: Group 1 (closed pilon): Follow-up was possible in twenty-nine out of thirty fractures (97 percent). Average time from external fixation to open reduction was 12.7 days. All wounds healed. None exhibited wound dehiscence or full-thickness tissue necrosis requiring secondary soft tissue coverage postoperatively. Seventeen percent (five out of twenty-nine patients) had partial-thickness skin necrosis. All were treated with local wound care and oral antibiotics and healed uneventfully. There was one late complication (3.4 percent), a chronic draining sinus secondary to osteomyelitis, which resolved after fracture healing and metal removal. Group II (open pilon): Follow-up was possible in seventeen patients with nineteen fractures (86 percent). Average time from external fixation to formal reconstruction was fourteen days (range 4 to 31 days). By definition, all Gustilo Type IIIB fractures required flap coverage for the injury. Two patients experienced partial-thickness wound necrosis. These were treated with local wound care and antibiotics. All surgical wounds healed. There were two complications (10.5 percent), both deep infections. One Type I open fracture developed wound dehiscence and osteomyelitis requiring multiple debridements, intravenous antibiotics, subsequent removal of hardware, and re-application of an external fixator to cure the infection. One Type IIIA open fracture of the distal tibia and calcaneus developed osteomyelitis and required a below-knee amputation. CONCLUSION: Based on our data, it appears that the historically high rates of infection associated with open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fractures may be due to attempts at immediate fixation through swollen, compromised soft tissues. When a staged procedure is performed with initial restoration of fibula length and tibial external fixation, soft tissue stabilization is possible. Once soft tissue swelling has significantly diminished, anatomic reduction and internal fixation can then be performed semi-electively with only minimal wound problems. This is evidenced by the lack of skin grafts, rotation flaps, or free tissue transfers in our series. This technique appears to be effective in closed and open fractures alike.     

Timing of operative intervention in the management of acutely fractured ankles and the cost implications

A study of the length of the time between the diagnosis of an ankle fracture and operative intervention and the length of subsequent hospital stay was undertaken. The delay in operative fixation beyond 24 h from injury was associated with a lengthening of stay. The cost implication of a longer stay was assessed. Eighty-seven patients with 87 fractures fulfilled the inclusion criteria of having an acute closed fracture of the ankle requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). There were 34 unimalleolar, 35 bimalleolar and 18 trimalleolar fractures. Only 47 (54%) of the patients were operated on within 24 h of injury, even though 74 had presented by 6 h and a further five by 24 h. The mean inpatient stay was 9.6 days for this early operation group.The patients who had their operation delayed were in hospital for a mean of 14 days, a significant difference (P<0.0001) (using Wilcoxon's Signed Rank test). The cost per patient per day of an acute trauma bed is estimated at pound sterlings 225. This translates into an average cost of pound sterlings 990 more per patient whose operation is delayed.We recommend that policies be put in place to provide early operative intervention for patients with fractured ankles as this would result in significant financial savings.     

延期切开复位植骨钢板内固定治疗Pilon骨折

目的探讨延期切开复位结合植骨三叶草钢板内固定治疗Pilon骨折的疗效。方法 26例Pilon骨折患者,6例为开放性骨折,20例为闭合性骨折,对闭合性骨折先行跟骨牵引治疗,待肿胀消退后行切开复位结合植骨三叶草钢板内固定治疗。结果 26例均获术后随访,随访时间842个月。骨折临床愈合时间为1628周,患肢力线正常。术后有3例伤口感染,3例皮肤坏死,5例踝关节功能障碍;未见有骨折不愈合或畸形愈合,无窦道形成及骨髓炎。临床疗效按美国足与踝关节协会踝与后足功能评分：优6例（90100分）,良14例（7589分）,可3例（5074分）,差3例（小于50分）。结论正确评估局部软组织条件,根据Pilon骨折的类型和软组织损伤程度选择合适的手术方式和手术时机,三叶草钢板内固定维持骨折复位和下肢力线,干骺端缺损区充分植骨,修复关节面,早期功能锻炼,晚负重,可使P ilon骨折术后达到良好的临床疗效。     

Tibial pilon fractures

Tibial pilon fractures are severe injuries to the distal articular surface of the tibia. Such injuries frequently result from high-energy axial impact and are often associated with extended soft tissue injury. Various treatment methods are available, depending not only on the fracture type but mostly on the extent of the soft tissue injury; one of the most frequent procedures is a two-stage surgery: the initial closed reduction of the fracture via primary placement of an ankle joint-spanning external fixator, if possible in conjunction with open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured fibula followed by a secondary procedure after soft tissue recovery by open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial plafond. By now, new types of low-profile and locking plates are available for internal fixation allowing the anatomical reconstruction of the fractured articular surface while sparing the soft tissue. Nonetheless, the treatment of tibial pilon fractures is technically demanding because of their potential for severe complications.     

Use of emergency room external fixator in provisional reduction of posterior malleolar fractures

Closed reduction is an important initial step in managing ankle fractures. Although the majority of ankle fractures can be managed with closed reduction, the posterior malleolar fracture is often unstable. Posterior malleolar fractures may result in persistent posterior ankle dislocation with compromise of the soft tissue surrounding the joint. Persistent dislocation is best treated with urgent open reduction and fixation to protect the cartilage and surrounding soft tissues and to allow for ease of reduction at the time of surgery. We describe a technique for placing an emergency room external fixator for provisional reduction of the unstable posterior malleolar fracture. This technique allows for early reduction of unstable posterior malleolar fractures and avoids the need for urgent operative reduction.     

Cost of Surgical Treatment of Closed Ankle Fractures

Background: Assessment of costs following open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fractures has not been reported previously. Patients and Methods: All 224 patients admitted to Ulleval University Hospital with an ankle fracture during two 12-month periods in 1995 and 1998 were evaluated for inclusion, 191 patients (118 women, 73 men) treated by open reduction and internal fixation were followed up for a minimum of 3 months. Patients with multiple injuries (n = 10), open fractures (n = 10) and a clinical observation time < 3 months (n = 13) were excluded. The costs of surgery, hospitalization, follow-up appointments, and sickness benefits during the 1st postoperative year were assessed. Results: The overall cost of treatment in the 1st postoperative year was calculated at Euro 12,498.- (SD 8,728.-). The expenses did not significantly differ when comparing age, sex and fracture types. The difference in the total cost for the patients with no, minor and major soft tissue problems was highly significant (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures are costly. Efforts should be made to avoid major complications as these increase the costs considerably.     

踝关节骨折的手术治疗

目的探讨踝关节移位骨折切开复位内固定的疗效。方法手术治疗踝关节移位骨折患者132例,根据Weber-Danis分型。整复固定顺序为后踝、外踝、内踝、下胫腓联合。结果随访6个月~3年,平均1·5年。骨折临床愈合时间12~18周。结论采取切开复位内固定治疗移位的踝关节骨折,可获得稳定固定;早期进行适当的功能锻炼,多数患者可恢复正常的踝关节功能。     

Percutaneous calcaneoplasty in displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures

The ideal treatment for displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures is still under debate. Open reduction and internal fixation is the most popular surgical procedure; however, wound complications, hardware failure and infection remain a major concern. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of a new minimally-invasive surgical procedure: closed reduction technique combined with balloon-assisted fracture augmentation with cement or calcium phosphate (minimally-invasive percutaneous calcaneoplasty). We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients that sustained Sander’s type II and III calcaneal fractures treated in our institution from January 2008 to June 2010. The same approach and technique was utilized in all cases. Conventional X-rays and CT scan have been performed pre- and post-operatively. The average follow-up was 24 months. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot score has been utilized for clinical evaluation and Bohler’s angle to assess bone reduction. All cases obtained bony union in 2/3 months, with average Bohler’s angle of 22.97° (from 14.21° to 32.83°). No skin complications or adverse reactions were observed, with only one patient complaining of residual pain in the hindfoot. Minimally-invasive percutaneous calcaneoplasty can represent an alternative to open reduction internal fixation in the treatment of calcaneal fractures, allowing stable reduction without plating, early function recovery and short hospital stay.     

The juvenile fracture of Tillaux

The juvenile fracture of Tillaux is an ankle joint avulsion fracture of the anterior distal tibial tubercle in adolescents, produced by external rotation force applied to the foot. Data from five patients with the juvenile fracture of Tillaux were reviewed. In four of the patients, an initial closed reduction was unsuccessful and had to be followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced fragment. The fifth patient's treatment was nonoperative. All patients had an excellent functional and radiographic result at follow-up evaluation one to nine years after the injury. Results were compared with data from five major series of patients who had sustained this fracture. Nonoperative treatment was indicated for the undisplaced fractures but may give less than optimal results in initially displaced fractures. In cases where there was displacement of the fragment after closed reduction, open reduction and internal fixation of the displaced fracture gave excellent functional result.     

后外侧入路在老年性踝关节骨折中的应用

[目的]评价后外侧入路在老年踝关节骨折中的临床应用.[方法]2005年3月-2007年8月对13例老年踝关节骨折采取后外侧入路行外后踝骨折切开复位内固定,同一切口中外踝骨折钢板内固定放置于腓骨远端后侧、后踝骨折行螺钉或钢板固定.观察术后伤口愈合、骨折恢复及内固定情况,同时按Olerud和Molander踝关节骨折术后评分系统对踝关节功能进行评估.[结果] 13例均获随访,随访时间6～23个月,平均15个月.伤口无裂开、坏死,1例出现症状不甚严重的腓骨肌腱炎,骨折愈合后取出钢板后症状消失.术后4～6个月X线片显示骨折均愈合,无内固定松动、断裂.踝关节骨折术后功能评分平均为91分,其中优9例,良3例,可1例,优良率为92.3％.[结论]后外侧入路能同时完成后外踝骨折的治疗,可减少老年患者的手术创伤、创面感染及坏死等并发症,对伴骨质疏松老年患者的外踝骨折能进行牢靠安全固定.     

Operative treatment of displaced lateral malleolar fractures: the Knowles pin technique

OBJECTIVES: To assess the use of Knowles pin fixation for isolated displaced lateral malleolar fractures and to present our surgical experience using this method. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation. SETTING: The study was carried out at a municipal teaching hospital. The senior surgeons were all orthopedic trauma subspecialists. PATIENTS: A total of 168 patients meeting our inclusion criteria, an isolated displaced lateral malleolar fracture surgically treated by a Knowles pin between 1995 and 2000, were studied. All the patients had a stable syndesmosis, less than 50% comminution, and had no other operations in the same extremity. Patients were assigned into 4 groups according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of ankle fractures. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation with a Knowles pin fixation of the lateral malleolus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Functional results were evaluated using the Baird and Jackson ankle scoring system. RESULTS: There was a 100% union rate. The average satisfactory outcome of the 4 groups was 88.1%. No instrumentation problems were encountered. Three complications occurred, but resolved with nonoperative therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Knowles pin fixation for displaced lateral malleolar fractures is a useful and effective method. This implant offers several advantages, including easy application, less soft tissue dissection, less palpable instrumentation, stable fixation, and a short operating time.     

Surgical options for the treatment of severe tibial pilon fractures: a study of three techniques

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether long-term results of one of three different management protocols for severe tibial pilon fractures offer advantages over the other two. DESIGN: In a retrospective study, patients were examined clinically and radiologically after internal fixation of severe tibial plafond fractures (i.e., 92 percent Type C fractures according to the AO-ASIF classification). SETTING: Department of Traumatology, Hanover Medical School. Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Fifty-one of seventy-seven patients treated between 1982 and 1992 were examined clinically and radiologically at an average of sixty-eight months (range 13 to 130 months) after injury. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were treated in three different ways: primary internal fixation with a plate following the AO-ASIF principles (n = 15), which was reserved for patients with closed fractures without severe soft tissue trauma; one-stage minimally invasive osteosynthesis for reconstruction of the articular surface with long-term transarticular external fixation of the ankle for at least four weeks (n = 28); and a two-stage procedure entailing primary reduction and reconstruction of the articular surface with minimally invasive osteosynthesis and short-term transarticular external fixation of the ankle joint followed by secondary medial stabilization with a plate using a technique requiring only limited skin incisions (a reduced invasive technique) (n = 8). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Objective evaluation criteria were infection rate, amount of posttraumatic arthritis, range of ankle movement, and number of arthrodeses. Subjective criteria were pain, swelling, and restriction of work or leisure activities. RESULTS: Because only closed fractures were treated by primary internal fixation with a plate, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.005) in the distribution of open fractures between the three treatment groups. Fracture classification in these groups were not significantly different. All but four fractures were classified as Type C lesions according to the AO-ASIF system. The soft tissue was closed in 63 percent (n = 32) and open in 37 percent (n = 19). No significant relationship could be found between the soft tissue damage and degree of arthritis or between the type of surgical treatment and extent of posttraumatic arthritis. However, none of the patients who required secondary arthrodesis (23 percent of all cases) were in the group who had undergone two-step surgery (p < 0.05). The range of ankle movement was much greater in the two-step group than in the others; these patients also had less pain, more frequently continued working in their previous profession, and had fewer limitations in their leisure activities. These differences did not reach statistical significance. The incidence of wound infection did not differ significantly among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our results, we now prefer a two-step procedure for the treatment of severe tibial pilon fractures with extensive soft tissue damage. In the first stage, primary reduction and internal fixation of the articular surface is performed using stab incisions, screws, and K-wires. Temporary external fixation is applied across the ankle joint. After recovery of the soft tissues, the second stage entails internal fixation with a medial plate using a reduced invasive technique.     

Internal fixation of ankle fractures in the very elderly

The management of ankle fracture in the elderly remains controversial. A review of the early results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in 74 patients over the age of 70 years (average 76 years) was undertaken to identify the early complications, length of stay, return to pre-injury mobility and residential status. This revealed 1% deep infection, 9% delayed wound healing, 5% malunion, and 3% mortality. In 12% of patients, soft bone and comminution precluded fixation of one malleolus. The average length of stay for patients who walked with Zimmer frame (116+/-65 days) before injury was significantly longer than those who walked independently or with sticks (19+/-15 days; P<0.01). The inability of the patients to weight-bear early led to lengthy hospital stays and difficult socio-economic problems. However, the majority (85%) of patients regained their pre-injury mobility and residential status. We conclude that ORIF of ankle fractures in the elderly carries a significant risk of wound edge necrosis with delayed wound healing but the incidence of deep infection is relatively low. Poor bone quality presents technical difficulties but the majority of patients can expect good outcome.