Predisposing factors for chronic syndesmotic instability following syndesmotic fixation in ankle fracture: Minimum 5-year follow-up outcomes

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify risk factors for chronic syndesmotic instability following syndesmotic fixation.MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who had sustained ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic fixation. Patients available for a minimum 5 years of follow-up were classified into 2 groups according to the presence of syndesmotic instability. Statistical binary logistic regression analyses were performed to investigate the significance of various risk factors. Functional outcomes were assessed using the FAOS.ResultsIn total, 166 patients who met the study inclusion criteria underwent analysis. The overall postoperative instability rate was 20.5%, which was significantly affected due to BMI (p = 0.018; OR 6.72), and concomitant posterior malleolar fracture (p = 0.032, OR 2.77). The mean scores in the syndesmotic instability (SI) group were significantly lower than those in the no syndesmotic instability (NSI) group (p = 0.021).ConclusionsObesity and concomitant posterior malleolar fracture were significant risk factors for postoperative syndesmotic instability.     

Ideal angle of syndesmotic screw fixation: A CT-based cross-sectional image analysis study

Without clear reference, the precision of syndesmotic screw placement cannot be guaranteed and malposition of these screws leads to poor results. Therefore, to prevent malpositioning of syndesmotic screws, an improved understanding of the orientation of tibiofibular syndesmosis is essential. We analyzed cross-sectional computed tomography (CT) scans of the foot and ankle to identify precise screw positions for the treatment of syndesmotic injuries. A total of 134 calcaneal fractures with intact tibiofibular syndesmosis were enrolled in this retrospective study. We measured the angle between the perpendicular line of the second proximal phalanx and the line start apex of the lateral cortex of the fibula bisecting the tibial incisura and crossing the center of the tibia in neutral ankle joints, with the second toe positioned anteriorly using a short leg splint. The second toe was used as the reference for clarity and applicability. The ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement in cross-sectional CT images was 18.8 ± 5.6° (mean ± standard deviation) and did not differ according to independent variables (P > 0.05). In neutral ankle joints with the second toe positioned anteriorly, the ideal angle of syndesmotic screw placement is 18.8°, which is less than that currently in used in conventional methods.     

The isolated posterior malleolar fracture and syndesmotic instability: A case report and review of the literature

IntroductionAnkle fractures are among the most common type of fractures in the lower extremity. A posterior malleolar fracture is frequently part of a more complex ankle fracture and only in rare cases it occurs as isolated injury. Posterior malleolar fractures often occur with associated injuries, such as a Maisonneuve fracture or with bi- or trimalleolar ligamentous injuries. Knowledge about these associated injuries is essential to prevent missed diagnoses. The aim of this article is to describe the isolated posterior malleolar fracture, the possible associated injuries, the diagnostic work-up and therapeutic consequences.Presentation of caseWe present a case of a 26-year-old male patient who sustained an isolated posterior malleolar fracture with 4.5 years follow-up.DiscussionIsolated fractures of the posterior malleolus are uncommon injuries. Diagnosis, treatment and outcome can seldom be extracted from large series. However, several cases have been described in literature, which we have summarized.ConclusionThis case report and literature review shows that isolated posterior malleolar fractures might occur as part of a more complex ankle injury, in combination with a fracture of the lower leg or after high energy trauma. Physicians should be aware of these associated injuries. Diagnostic work-up should include X-rays of the knee and lower leg and a CT scan of the ankle. If diagnosed and treated properly, isolated posterior malleolar fractures have a good long-term functional outcome.     

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。     

Overtightening of the syndesmosis revisited and the effect of syndesmotic malreduction on ankle dorsiflexion

BackgroundAnkle syndesmotic injuries are a significant source of morbidity and require anatomic reduction to optimize outcomes. Although a previous study concluded that maximal dorsiflexion during syndesmotic fixation was not required, methodologic weaknesses existed and several studies have demonstrated improved ankle dorsiflexion after removal of syndesmotic screws.The purposes of the current investigation are: (1) To assess the effect of compressive syndesmotic screw fixation on ankle dorsiflexion utilizing a controlled load and instrumentation allowing for precise measurement of motion. (2) To assess the effect of anterior & posterior syndesmotic malreduction after compressive syndesmotic screw fixation on ankle dorsiflexion.Material and methodsFifteen lower limb cadaveric leg specimens were utilized for the study. Ankle dorsiflexion was measured utilizing a precise micro-sensor system after application of a consistent load in the (1) intact state, (2) after compression fixation with a syndesmotic screw and (3) after anterior & (4) posterior malreduction of the syndesmosis.ResultsFollowing screw compression of the nondisplaced syndesmosis, dorsiflexion ROM was 99.7 ± 0.87% (mean ± standard error) of baseline ankle ROM. Anterior and posterior malreduction of the syndesmosis resulted in dorsiflexion ROM that was 99.1 ± 1.75% and 98.6 ± 1.56% of baseline ankle ROM, respectively. One-way ANOVA was performed showing no statistical significance between groups (p-value = 0.88).Two-way ANOVA comparing the groups with respect to both the reduction condition (intact, anatomic reduction, anterior displacement, posterior displacement) and the displacement order (anterior first, posterior first) did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect (p-value = 0.99).ConclusionMaximal dorsiflexion of the ankle is not required prior to syndesmotic fixation as no loss of motion was seen with compressive fixation in our cadaver model. Anterior or posterior syndesmotic malreduction following syndesmotic screw fixation had no effect on ankle dorsiflexion. Poor patient outcomes after syndesmotic malreduction may be due to other factors and not loss of dorsiflexion motion.Level of Evidence: IV     

闭合复位经胫前空心加压螺钉内固定治疗后踝骨折

<正>2011年5月~2014年1月,我科应用闭合复位经胫前空心加压螺钉内固定治疗13例后踝骨折患者,疗效满意,报道如下。1材料与方法1.1病例资料本组13例,男8例,女5例,年龄20~70岁。后踝骨折块均超过关节面的1/4,均合并有内踝或外踝骨折。1.2治疗方法硬膜外麻醉。合并内、     

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。     

Anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament anatomical repair and augmentation versus trans-syndesmosis screw fixation for the syndesmotic instability in external-rotation type ankle fracture with posterior malleolus involvement: A prospective and comparative study

PurposeSyndesmosis injury is common in external-rotation type ankle fractures (ERAF). Trans-syndesmosis screw fixation, the gold-standard treatment, is currently controversial for its complications and biomechanical disadvantages. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new method of anatomically repairing the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and augmentation with anchor rope system to treat the syndesmotic instability in ERAF with posterior malleolus involvement and to compare its clinical outcomes with that of trans-syndesmosis screw fixation.Methods53 ERAFs with posterior malleolus involvement received surgery, and the syndesmosis was still unstable after fracture fixation. They were randomised into screw fixation group and AITFL anatomical repair with augmentation group. Reduction quality, syndesmosis diastasis recurrence, pain (VAS score), time back to work, Olerud–Molander ankle score and range of motion (ROM) of ankle were investigated.ResultsOlerud–Molander score in AITFL repair group and screw group was 90.4 and 85.8 at 12-month follow-up (P > 0.05). Plantar flexion was 31.2° and 34.3° in repair and screw groups (P = 0.04). Mal-reduction happened in 5 cases (19.2%) in screw group while 2 cases (7.4%) in repair group. Postoperative syndesmosis re-diastasis occurred in 3 cases in screw group while zero in repair group (P > 0.05). Pain score was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Overall complication rate and back to work time were 26.9% and 3.7% (P = 0.04), 7.15 months and 5.26 months (P = 0.02) in screw group and repair group, respectively.ConclusionsFor syndesmotic instability in ERAF with posterior malleolus involvement, the method of AITFL anatomical repair and augmentation with anchor rope system had an equivalent functional outcome and reduction, earlier rehabilitation and less complication compared with screw fixation. It can be selected as an alternative.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of the posterior malleolus fragment frequently restores syndesmotic stability

Aim

Comparison of unfixed, CRIF, and ORIF of the posterior malleolus fragment (PMF) regarding the frequency of trans-syndesmotic fixation and quality of reduction in trimalleolar (equivalent) fractures.

撬拨复位空心钉内固定治疗跟骨骨折

2010年3月～2013年1月,我科采用 C 臂机透视下闭合撬拨复位空心螺钉内固定术治疗19例跟骨骨折患者,疗效显著,报道如下。     

踝关节骨折手术治疗中后踝螺钉固定异常的表现

目的 总结在踝关节骨折手术治疗中后踝螺钉固定时位置异常的发生情况. 方法 回顾性分析2011年1月1日至12月31日收治的417例(421侧)踝关节骨折患者的临床资料,男217例219侧,女200例202侧;年龄14 ～85岁,平均41岁;右侧223例,左侧198例.术前进行CT检查的368侧骨折中有后踝骨折299侧,其中实际采用螺钉固定的后踝骨折有131侧.分析后踝骨折患者术后X线片和CT扫描图像等影像学资料,观察后踝螺钉固定位置异常的影像学表现. 结果 螺钉位置异常的CT图像表现为螺钉头和杆部进入下胫腓间隙内,X线片表现为螺钉头位于胫骨腓骨切迹后侧缘的外侧.在131侧采用螺钉固定的后踝骨折中,通过CT检查和X线片检查所发现的后踝螺钉固定位置异常分别为7侧和6侧(9.9％,13/131),其中9侧(69.2％,9/13)为经皮固定. 结论 手术固定后踝骨折存在螺钉固定位置不良的可能性,术中透视确认螺钉头位于胫骨后结节的胫骨侧可能有助于减少其发生.     

后踝骨折手术复位内固定的疗效分析

背景：随着对踝关节损伤的进一步认识,后踝骨折逐渐被临床医师所重视,越来越多的后踝骨折采用手术治疗。目的：评价手术复位内固定治疗后踝骨折的手术指征、方法及疗效。方法：回顾性分析2008年4月至2012年5月采用后外侧入路支撑接骨板或（和）空心拉力螺钉治疗并获完整随访的37例后踝骨折患者的临床资料,男23例,女14例;年龄21~68岁,平均（43±1.3）岁。根据Lauge-Hansen分型：旋后外旋Ⅲ度14例,Ⅳ度10例;旋前外旋Ⅳ度13例。全部患者均由同一组骨科医师进行择期手术,采用后外侧入路行后踝及外踝骨折内固定,有内踝骨折者联合内侧入路行内踝内固定。术后随访,观察骨折愈合情况、内固定稳定情况和踝关节功能情况。结果：手术时间为65~120 min,平均（85±3）min;住院时间为5~14 d,平均（9.3±0.8）d。患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。随访时间为13~36个月,平均（24.7±1.1）个月,无一例发生畸形愈合、骨折再移位及内固定失败。骨折愈合时间为2~4个月,平均（2.9±0.4）个月。根据美国矫形足踝协会（AOFAS）踝-后足评分标准进行功能评估,优20例,良13例,中4例,优良率为89%。结论：手术复位内固定治疗后踝骨折可获得解剖复位和坚强固定,早期功能锻炼利于患者获得良好的功能结果。     

不同内固定方式对踝关节骨折的疗效分析

目的比较不同内固定方式对踝关节骨折的疗效,以期为临床提供依据。方法回顾性分析治疗的踝关节骨折患者38例,其中接受闭合复位内固定手术的患者22例,设为闭合复位组;接受传统切开复位内固定手术的患者16例,设为切开复位组。术后对患者进行随访,比较两组患者治疗优良率及术后并发症发生率。结果闭合复位组患者术后优良率86.36%(19/22),并发症发生率9.09%(2/22);切开复位组术后优良率为75%(12/16),并发症发生率为18.75%(3/16)。闭合复位组治疗优良率显著高于切开复位组,闭合复位组并发症发生率显著低于切开复位组,两组比较差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论与传统的切开复位内固定术相比,闭合复位经皮空心螺钉内固定法能够有效提升治疗效果并减少并发症发生率,减轻患者负担、提高患者生存质量,值得在临床上推广应用。     

To compare the efficacy between fixation with tightrope and screw in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries: A meta-analysis

Background

To compare the efficacy between fixation with suture-button and screw in the treatment of syndesmotic injuries: a meta-analysis.

复位前与复位后伤椎置钉固定胸腰椎骨折比较

[目的]比较复位棒辅助复位后伤椎置钉与常规复位前伤椎置钉短节段固定治疗Magerl A3型胸腰椎骨折的临床疗效.[方法] 2018年12月-2020年6月收住本院的59例Magerl A3型胸腰椎骨折患者随机分为两组.所有患者均接受短节段椎弓根钉固定,其中,32例采用自制复位棒复位后,再行伤椎置钉(复位置钉组);27例...     

Biomechanical comparison of suture-button,bioabsorbable screw,and metal screw for ankle syndesmotic repair: A meta-analysis

BackgroundTo compare biomechanically metal screw fixation to suture-button or bioabsorbable screw fixation for ankle syndesmotic injuries.MethodsA literature search of the comparison studies in Pubmed and Google Scholar was conducted. The biomechanical outcomes of interest were syndesmotic stability in the coronal, sagittal, and axial planes as well as torque and rotation at failure.ResultsA total of 11 cadaveric studies were included. In the suture-button group, coronal displacement (MD 1.72 mm, p = 0.02) and sagittal displacement (MD 2.65 mm, p = 0.0003) were increased relative to the metal screw group. In contrast, no difference was found with axial rotation (MD 0.35 degrees, p = 0.57). Bioabsorbable screws exhibited equivalent failure torque (MD ?3.04 Nm, p = 0.53) and rotation at failure (MD 3.77 degrees, p = 0.48) in comparison to metal screws.ConclusionsSuture-button provide less rigidity when compared to metal screw fixation. They afford flexible syndesmotic micromotion which may more closely resemble a physiological state and be helpful for ligament healing. Bioabsorbable screws demonstrate similar mechanical strength properties to metal screws.     

Angle bisector method to determine the accurate angle for tibiofibular syndesmotic fixation: A validation study with 3D-printed anatomical models

PurposeThis study aimed to validate the angle bisector method on 3D-printed ankle models to reveal whether it aids in placing syndesmotic screws at an accurate trajectory that is patient- and level-specific and also not surgeon-dependent.MethodsDICOM data of 16 ankles were used to create 3D anatomical models. Then the models were printed in their original size and two trauma surgeons performed the syndesmotic fixations with the angle bisector method at 2 cm and 3.5 cm proximal to joint space. Afterward, the models were sectioned to reveal the trajectory of the screws. The photos of the axial sections were processed in a software to determine the centroidal axis which is defined as true syndesmotic axis and analyze its relationship with the screws inserted. The angle between the centroidal axis and syndesmotic screw was measured by two-blinded observers 2 times with 2 weeks interval.ResultsThe average angle between the centroidal axis and screw trajectory was 2.4° ± 2° at 2 cm-level and 1.3° ± 1.5° at 3.5 cm-level, indicating a reliable direction with minimal differences at both levels. The average distance between fibular entry points of the centroidal axis and screw trajectory was less than 1 mm at both levels indicating that the angle bisector method can provide an excellent entry point from fibula for syndesmotic fixation. The inter- & intra-observer consistencies were excellent with all ICC values above 0.90.ConclusionThe angle bisector method provided an accurate syndesmotic axis for implant placement which is patient- & level-specific and not surgeon-dependent, in 3D-printed anatomical ankle models.     

计算机导航下空心钉内固定治疗股骨颈骨折

目的 探讨计算机导航技术在股骨颈骨折空心钉内固定治疗中的应用，为骨折内固定提供一个新的手术技术。方法 8例股骨颈骨折，术前Garden分型为Ⅰ型3例，Ⅱ型4例，Ⅲ型1例。术中牵引复位后，通过一次C臂机透视正侧位，即可在计算机导航下完成内固定。术后常规透视复查。结果 8例病例全部在导航下完成空心钉的内固定，平均透视时间为15s，远远少于常规内固定所须的时间。结论 计算机导航技术成功应用于空心钉内固定手术，有效减少了手术中X射线的辐射，同时提高了手术的精度，可避免机械引导器的误差，随时反映操作的过程，使手术过程更方便、直观。     

肠道准备对经皮横向骶髂关节螺钉固定的影响

[目的]探讨肠道准备对经皮横向骶髂螺钉固定的影响。[方法]2015年8月~2018年12月,30例骶骨骨折行经皮横向S1骶髂关节螺钉置入治疗的患者纳入本研究,采用随机数字表法将患者分为两组,每组15例,准备组患者术前接受肠道准备,无准备组患者术前未接受肠道准备。比较两组手术时间、术中透视次数和曝光时间,以及影像测量的置钉偏差。[结果]准备组的手术时间显著短于无准备组,差异有统计学意义[(32.31±4.92)min vs(40.54±5.83)min,P<0.05)];准备组的术中X线暴露时间显著短于无准备组,差异有统计学意义[(62.59±5.79)s vs(83.19±6.41)s,P<0.05];准备组的术中透视次数显著少于无准备组,差异有统计学意义[(3.71±0.58)次vs(5.21±1.11)次,P<0.05]。术后CT三维重建测量螺钉与术前测量偏移方面,准备组的水平偏移小于无准备组,但差异无统计学意义[(5.53±2.21)°vs(5.63±1.97)°,P>0.05];准备组矢状位偏移小于无准备组,但差异无统计学意义[(4.32±2.08)°vs(4.52±1.91)°,P>0.05]。术后随访6~12个月,所有患者均未发生骶髂关节螺钉松动及断裂等并发症。[结论]肠道准备虽不能提高置钉准确率,但能够缩短手术时间和术中X线暴露时间。     

Traumatic rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon after closed ankle fractures: A report of two cases

Summary We report two cases of posttraumatic complete rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon that occurred during closed fractures of the medial malleolus. A low located fracture of the medial malleolus and an intense forced pronation, external rotation and dorsiflexion of the foot have been involved in the physiopathogeny of that rupture. At each intervention, the tibialis posterior tendon had been disrupted above the upper edge of the groove of the medial retinaculum of the ankle. After tendon suture concomitant with osteosynthesis, the evolution was favourable. Failing to appreciate this tendon rupture, although rare, can be at the origin of residual pains and a functional deficit of foot reversion.