Complications of open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures

This article discusses the complications after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Complications are classified as perioperative (malreduction, inadequate fixation, and intra-articular penetration of hardware), early postoperative (wound edge dehiscence, necrosis, infection and compartment syndrome), and late (stiffness, distal tibiofibular synostosis, degenerative osteoarthritis, and hardware related complications). Emphasis is placed on preventive measures to avoid such complications.     

Complications after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures in the elderly

BackgroundOpen reduction with internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures is relatively predictable with excellent outcomes. However, the management of ankle fractures in the elderly remains less predictable secondary to the various co-morbidities associated with advanced age.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 216 patients over the age of 60 that sustained an ankle fracture, was performed to determine the incidence of complications after ORIF of ankle fractures in an elderly population in the perioperative course. Secondly, the incidence of complications in patients that had locking plate fixation compared to those that had non-locking plate fixation was determined. Lastly, the effect of early weight bearing on the incidence of complications was analyzed.ResultsThere was not a statistically significant difference in the complication rates between the group with co-morbidities (19.01%) and those without (11.96%). The postoperative complication with the highest incidence was wound dehiscence (9.7%), and only diabetes significantly predicted wound dehiscence. The fixation construct and weight-bearing protocol failed to significantly predict any of the indexed complications.ConclusionsOverall, the results suggest that surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly is fairly predictable with an acceptable complication rate. The complication rates are higher with increased age and diabetes, but they failed to reach statistical significance. Conventional plating appears to provide adequate stability without increased risk of hardware failure. In addition patients that were allowed to walk within the first 2 weeks postoperatively did not experience a higher rate of hardware failure.     

Early open reduction and internal fixation of Pilon fractures

After some general considerations concerning the blood supply to the bone and skin, and the timing of the surgery, the different approaches to Pilon fractures are presented. These approaches have to be planned according to 3D CT reconstructions to provide the best visual control over the reduction manoeuvres without creating supplementary damage to the blood supply to the bone and skin. This article then reviews in detail the steps of reduction and internal fixation for different types of fractures. As a principle, it is recommended to begin with the fixation of the fibular fracture unless it is comminuted. In these cases a bridge plate osteosynthesis is made after tibial reconstruction.Tibial articular reconstruction can be achieved “from outside” in case of simple large fragments (AO types B1 and C1), or under direct visual control in case of comminution. There are different options for fixation, from isolated screws, eventually combined with intramedullary nailing in some simple fractures, to locking plates for complex fractures. There is no place anymore for conventional plating in pilon fractures. Pre-shaped locking plates are frequently used. In contrast, the AO LCP pilon plate can be placed at any position around the distal tibia depending on the fracture anatomy and the approaches. It has to be cut and adapted individually to each case. The extremities of the plate have to be glided below the soft tissues and screws inserted through stab incisions when necessary, to avoid additional soft tissue damage. In the postoperative care a plaster cast for 6 weeks is a reliable option to avoid equinus and secondary rehabilitation problems.In conclusion, open reduction and internal fixation of pilon fractures remains a challenge, but preoperative 3D CT reconstructions for planning, and fixation with locking plates changed dramatically the way of treating and the prognosis of these severe fractures.     

踝关节骨折切开复位内固定术后踝关节镜手术的临床结果

目的研究踝关节骨折切开复位内固定(ORIF)手术后再次踝关节镜的疗效。 方法回顾性分析2011年1月至2014年12月在解放军第81集团军医院骨科因踝关节骨折ORIF手术后各种原因行踝关节镜手术66例患者,平均年龄(40±13)岁。纳入踝关节骨折ORIF术后因残余痛及其他各种原因行踝关节镜手术的患者,排除炎症性关节炎及下肢神经病变、合并精神疾病者。记录术前、术后4周、6月的疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及美国足踝骨科协会踝－后足(AOFAS)评分,记录并发症及处理方法。组间比较采用单因素ANOVA方差分析。 结果术后早期无关节镜相关并发症发生。术后4周、6月VAS评分比术前显著改善(t＝2.783, P<0.05), AOFAS评分与术前相比明显升高(t＝6.271, P <0.01)。术后4年再次手术率为19.7%。 结论踝关节骨折ORIF手术后因各种原因行踝关节镜手术早期可以减轻疼痛、改善功能,但中期再手术率高。     

关节镜辅助下切开复位内固定治疗踝关节骨折的临床观察

目的：探讨Lauge-HansenⅣ度踝关节骨折关节镜辅助下手术治疗的临床效结果。方法：自2008年1月至2009年12月,对42例踝关节骨折采用关节镜辅助下切开复位内固定治疗。骨折按Lauge-Hansen分类法：旋后外旋型Ⅳ度26例,女11例,男15例,平均年龄（36.8±11.7）岁;旋前外旋型Ⅳ度16例,女6例,男10例,平均年龄（37.6±11.2）岁。所有患者在关节镜辅助下行骨折切开复位内固定,镜下观察韧带及软骨损伤情况,下胫腓联合分离患者行下胫腓联合螺钉固定,软骨损伤按Cheng-Ferkel分期进行治疗。临床疗效采用AOFAS评分系统进行评价。结果：42例均获随访,时间1年。术后AOFAS评分为（92.00±9.32）分,临床疗效优28例,良11例,可3例,其中31例存在不同程度的软骨损伤。无软骨损伤患者的AOFAS评分高于软骨损伤患者,C级以下软骨损伤患者的AOFAS评分高于C级以上软骨损伤患者,无软骨损伤患者的AOFAS评分高于C级以上软骨损伤患者。下胫腓联合固定患者AOFAS评分低于未固定组患者。结论：Lauge-HansenⅣ度踝关节骨折常合并有关节内软骨及周围韧带损伤,其中下胫腓联合损伤及C级以上的软骨损伤是导致踝关节功能恢复欠佳的重要因素,关节镜辅助下切开复位内固定治疗不仅利于关节面的解剖复位,同时可以对合并的软骨和韧带损伤进行更好的诊治,从而提高手术的临床效果。     

后外侧入路切开复位内固定治疗三踝骨折

目的评价采用后外侧入路切开复位内固定治疗三踝骨折的价值。方法自2009-03—2012—06采用后外侧入路切开复位内固定治疗三踝骨折23例,处理外踝骨折时钢板放置于腓骨后侧或外侧,对后踝骨折行钢板或螺钉固定。观察术后切口及骨折愈合情况,术后3、12个月采用AOFAS踝一后足评分标准评价踝关节功能。结果术后3个月23例均获得随访,术后12个月2例失访。术后7d2例外侧和内侧切口周围同时出现张力性水泡．2例外侧切口周围出现张力性水泡,未出现切口感染。1例出现足背外侧麻木,术后3个月复诊时症状消失。术后3个月X线片显示23例骨折线均模糊,AOFAS评分：优12例,良8例,可2例,差1例,优良率86．96％。术后12个月X线片显示骨折线均消失,AOFAS评分：优17例,良2例,可2例,优良率90．48％。结论采用后外侧入路行切开复位内固定术治疗三踝骨折可以一次性复位固定外踝和后踝骨折,联合内侧切口可以一个体位下完成三踝骨折的治疗,对软组织破坏少,骨折可获得解剖复位,术后踝关节功能恢复佳、并发症少。     

踝部开放性骨折的急症手术治疗

目的探讨踝部开放性骨折的损伤特点及相关的急症手术技术特点。方法2001年8月至2006年4月，急症手术治疗踝部开放性骨折51例，男39例，女12例；年龄18-72岁，平均36岁。伤口Gustilo分度，Ⅰ度3例，Ⅱ度37例，ⅢA度7例，ⅢB度3例，ⅢC度1例。急诊给予有效抗生素治疗，尽早开始手术。冲洗及彻底清创后，根据骨折类型、粉碎程度及伤口情况制定骨折处理的顺序，依次完成骨折复位、固定。结果48例患者获得随访，随访时间8-48个月，平均26个月。无一例发生深部感染。12例伤口发生浅表皮缘坏死，2例伤口延迟愈合，2例伤口发生浅表感染。踝部骨折在10-18周（平均13周）愈合。采用AOFAS踝后足功能评分标准，48例评分在76-100分，平均90分。结论踝部开放性骨折在急症手术时应彻底清创，注意保护皮肤活力。在处理后踝骨折时，可采用胫骨远端脱出法。多数手术应先精确复位、固定外踝骨折，对旋后内收型、外踝严重粉碎的踝部骨折应先进行内踝骨折的复位、固定。对严重的下胫腓联合分离，应直视下复位且常规使用下胫腓螺钉固定。     

Immediate internal fixation of open ankle fractures

Seventy-six consecutive displaced open ankle fractures were treated by immediate internal fixation between 1983 and 1986 at Los Angeles County University of Southern California Medical Center. Sixty-two patients were available for clinical and radiological examination at an average of 16.4 months post-fixation. Seventy-two percent of the patients had a satisfactory result. Poor results (20%) were most commonly due to non-anatomic reductions, articular surface damage, or deep infection. Deep infection occurred in 5% of the patients while 8% required late ankle arthrodesis. We believe immediate internal fixation is the treatment of choice for displaced open ankle fractures, but this form of treatment does have a significant rate of complications.     

Delayed open reduction and fixation of ankle fractures

Because of clinical circumstances in the period from 1970-1980, 26 consecutive ankle fractures were treated by delayed (14-31 days after injury) open reduction and internal fixation. Follow-up examination (two to 12 years) was obtained in 25 patients. Based on clinical performance index, outcome was judged satisfactory in 17 patients (68%). Seventeen (68%) had an anatomic reduction, and 15 (88%) of these 17 had a satisfactory result. Compared to a group of 26 similar patients treated within 24 hours after injury, the major effect of delay was an adverse influence on the probability of achieving an anatomic reduction (p less than 0.08). When anatomic reduction was obtained, the performance index in the delayed-treatment group (78.8) was comparable to that in the immediate-treatment group (78.4%). Thus, when immediate fixation is not possible, delayed reduction and fixation of displaced ankle fractures is a reasonable option in some instances and can be seriously considered by the surgeon. Displaced fractures should not be left in a malreduced position because this provides virtually no opportunity for a satisfactory result.     

Arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis after tibial pilon open reduction internal fixation

Ankle arthrodesis is an essential tool in the foot and ankle surgeon's armamentarium. Despite the evolving technology and ongoing research in ankle arthroplasty, arthrodesis continues to be a proven and safe option for the majority of patients with ankle arthritis refractory to conservative management. Here, the authors present their technique of an arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis specifically in the setting of a previous open-reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for a tibia plafond type fracture. They have found this to be a reliable technique to achieve a solid ankle arthrodesis while minimizing soft-tissue trauma and dissection in an already compromised soft-tissue envelope.     

Outcome after open reduction and internal fixation of capitellar and trochlear fractures

BACKGROUND: Capitellar and trochlear fractures are uncommon fractures of the distal aspect of the humerus. There is limited information about the functional outcome of patients managed with open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: The functional outcome of twenty-eight patients, with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 43 +/- 13 years, who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar and trochlear fractures was evaluated at a mean duration of follow-up of 56 +/- 33 months. Patient outcomes were assessed with physical and radiographic examination, range-of-motion measurements, strength testing, and self-reported questionnaires (Short Form-36, Mayo Elbow Performance Index, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Assessment Form, and Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation scales). RESULTS: Eleven fractures involved the capitellum with or without fracture of the lateral ridge of the trochlea, four involved the capitellum and trochlea as one piece, and thirteen involved the capitellum and trochlea as separate fragments. These fractures were further characterized by the presence or absence of posterior comminution. Fourteen patients had isolated fractures, and fourteen had other elbow, forearm, or wrist injuries. Patients with more complex fractures required more extensive surgery, had more complications resulting in secondary procedures, and had poorer outcomes compared with those with simple fractures. The average score on the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (91 +/- 11), the average quality-of-life scores (46 on the physical component and 50 on the mental component of the Short Form-36), and the average range of motion (19 degrees to 138 degrees ) suggest favorable patient outcomes overall. Two comminuted fractures did not unite and required conversion to a total elbow arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated noncomminuted capitellar and/or trochlear fractures have better results than those with more complex fractures. A classification system based on the radiographic patterns of these fractures is recommended.     

Operative costs associated with arthroscopic assisted open reduction and internal fixation of acute ankle fractures

BackgroundAnkle fractures are a common orthopedic injury that frequently involves associated cartilage lesions, soft tissue damage, and a significant inflammatory burden. Despite studies revealing intra-articular pathology in up to 79% of ankle fractures, only 1% of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) procedures undergo arthroscopic evaluation. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of ankle arthroscopy performed at time of ORIF for ankle fracture.MethodsAn IRB approved retrospective review of patients who sustained ankle fractures and underwent ORIF with and without concomitant arthroscopic surgery between 2015 and 2020 were investigated. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, outcomes, and cost data were collected and analyzed.ResultsThere were 567 total ORIF and 28 ORIF and scope included for cost analysis purposes. Total surgical costs averaged $6,537.62 and $6,886.46 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. Total direct costs, including operating room time, for the same procedures were found to average $6,212.34 and $7,312.10 for the ORIF only and ORIF and scope procedures respectively. The cost difference between the ORIF only and with arthroscopy was not statistically significant (p = 0.1174). Twelve of the 28 arthroscopic patients (42.86%) had grade 3 or full thickness chondral lesions, and 11/28 (39.28%) arthroscopic patients were found to have grade 1–2 cartilage changes.ConclusionIn the acute treatment of ankle fractures, concurrent arthroscopic evaluation does not add a significant cost to the procedure and may result in improved short and long term benefits for the patient. With improved arthroscopic efficiency, the cost differential can be further reduced.LOEIV.     

Incidence of hardware-related pain and its effect on functional outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures

OBJECTIVES: To document the incidence of late pain and hardware removal after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of ankle fractures. To test the hypothesis that late pain overlying the distal tibial and fibular hardware is associated with poorer functional outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level II trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-six skeletally mature patients undergoing ORIF of unstable malleolar fractures who were followed up for at least six months from injury were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Analog pain score, Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Short Form Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA). RESULTS: Thirty-nine (31 percent) of the 126 patients had lateral pain overlying their fracture hardware. Twenty-nine patients (23 percent) had had their hardware removed or desired to have it removed. Of the twenty-two patients with hardware-related pain who had undergone hardware removal, only eleven had improvement in their lateral ankle pain; the mean analog pain score decreased from 6 +/- 3.16 (mean +/- standard deviation) before hardware removal to 3 +/- 2.9 after hardware removal (p = 0.008). In general, SF-36 and SMFA scores at final follow-up were significantly lower for patients who had pain overlying their lateral hardware than for those who had no pain. For the group of patients who had lateral ankle pain, no significant difference was noted in SMFA or SF-36 scores for patients who had and who had not had their lateral hardware removed (p > 0.5). CONCLUSION: The incidence of late pain overlying the distal tibial and fibular plate or screws is not insignificant. Although pain is generally decreased after hardware removal, nearly half of patients continue to have pain even after hardware removal. Functional outcome scores are poorer for patients with pain overlying lateral ankle hardware than in those with no pain at this location; this poorer outcome seems to be independent of whether the hardware was removed. Although the results of this study do not support or condemn the routine removal of fracture hardware after healing of unstable ankle fractures, they give orthopaedic surgeons some information that may assist them in counseling patients as to the expected functional outcome after ORIF of ankle fractures and the likelihood of relief of pain after removal of fracture hardware from the distal tibia and fibula.     

Surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for surgical site infections and to quantify the contribution of independent risk factors to the probability of developing infection after definitive fixation of tibial plateau fractures in adult patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed at a level I trauma center between January 2004 and December 2010. Data were collected from a review of the patient’s electronic medical records. A total of 251 consecutive patients (256 cases) were divided into two groups, those with surgical site infections and those without surgical site infections. Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared between these groups, and risk factors were determined by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Variables analyzed included age, gender, smoking history, diabetes, presence of an open fracture, presence of compartment syndrome, Schatzker classification, polytrauma status, ICU stay, time from injury to surgery, use of temporary external fixation, surgical approach, surgical fixation, operative time, and use of a drain.

Results

The overall rate of surgical site infection after ORIF of tibial plateau fractures during the 7 years of this study was 7.8 % (20 of 256). The most common causative pathogens was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 15, 75 %). Independent predictors of surgical site infection identified by multivariate analyses were open tibial plateau fracture (odds ratio = 3.9; 95 % CI = 1.3–11.6; p = 0.015) and operative time (odds ratio = 2.7; 95 % CI = 1.6–4.4; p < 0.001). The presence of compartment syndrome (odds ratio = 3.4; 95 % CI = 0.7–15.9; p = 0.119), use of temporary external fixation (odds ratio = 0.5; 95 % CI = 0.2–1.7; p = 0.298), and ICU stay (odds ratio = 1.0; 95 % CI = 1.0–1.1; p = 0.074) were not determined to be independent predictors of surgical site infection.

Conclusions

Both open fracture and operative time are independent risks factors for postoperative infection.     

关节镜辅助复位内固定与切开复位内固定治疗胫骨平台骨折的疗效比较

目的:比较关节镜辅助复位内固定（ARIF）和切开复位内固定（ORIF）治疗胫骨平台骨折的疗效。方法:回顾性分析2016年1月至2018年8月华中科技大学附属协和医院骨科收治的75例胫骨平台骨折患者的资料。男58例,女17例;年龄20~54岁,平均47岁。左侧42例,右侧33例。骨折根据Schatzker分型：Ⅰ型23例...     

Late open reduction internal fixation of lateral condyle fractures

To study the effects of late open reduction of lateral condyle fracture (LCF) on avascular necrosis (AVN), amount of displacement, and improvement, the records of 11 children with an open capitellar physis and a malunion or a nonunion treated >3 weeks after injury were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative displacement amounts were recorded. Radiographs were reviewed for AVN, lateral overgrowth, or fishtail deformity. There were no cases of AVN. Three patients had occasional pain. Four patients had displacement of >10 mm before surgery. In fractures with >1 cm of displacement, fragment position was minimally improved surgically, but final alignment and range of motion were good. These fractures showed more radiographic deformities at the time of late open reduction. The risk of AVN with late open reduction of LCF at >3 weeks is reduced if no tissue is stripped off the fracture fragment posteriorly. Even children without anatomic reduction had functional arms with little or no pain.