Evaluation of Transsyndesmotic Fixation and Primary Deltoid Ligament Repair in Ankle Fractures With Suspected Combined Deltoid Ligament Injury

The present prospective study examined the utility of the intraoperative tap test/technique for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in the diagnosis of deltoid ligament rupture and compared the outcomes of transsyndesmotic fixation to deltoid ligament repair with suture anchor. This diagnostic technique was performed in 59 ankle fractures with suspected deltoid ligament injury. The width of the medial clear space of 59 cases was evaluated to assess the sensitivity and specificity. Those with deltoid ligament rupture were randomly assigned to 2 groups and treated with deltoid ligament repair with a suture anchor or with syndesmosis screw fixation. All the patients were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, short-form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36), and visual analog scale (VAS). The tap test was positive in 53 cases. However, surgical exploration demonstrated that 51 cases (86.4%) had a combined deltoid ligament injury and fracture. The sensitivity and specificity of the tap test was 100.0% and 75.0%, respectively. Finally, 26 cases (96.3%) in the syndesmosis screw group and 22 (91.7%) in the deltoid repair group were followed up. No statistically significant differences were found in the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale score, SF-36 score, or VAS score between the 2 groups. The malreduction rate in the syndesmosis screw group was 34.6% and that in the deltoid repair group was 9.09%. The tap test is an intraoperative diagnostic method to use to evaluate for deltoid ligament injury. Deltoid ligament repair with a suture anchor had good functional and radiologic outcomes comparable to those with syndesmotic screw fixation but has a lower malreduction rate. We did not encounter the issue of internal fixation failure or implant removal.     

The Hyperplantarflexion Ankle Fracture Variant

Various patterns of ankle fractures that are not accounted for by common classification systems have been the subject of case reports. The first difficulty with these variant patterns is recognizing all associated pathology, followed by the successful application of stable fixation. The purpose of this study was to describe the common morphologic features and ligamentous injuries of a unique variant fracture pattern, as well as the surgical treatment technique and the short-term functional and radiographic outcomes. Of 121 consecutive unstable ankle fractures over a 2-year period, 7 patients were found to have a similar constellation of injuries around the ankle. A vertical shear fracture of the posteromedial tibial rim was the main feature. Six of the 7 also had a fracture of the posterior malleolus. On magnetic resonance imaging, the deltoid and posterior tibiofibular ligaments were intact in all cases. Fractures were treated with open anatomic reduction of the posteromedial and posterior fragments with antiglide plate fixation. All fractures healed at 2 months without loss of reduction, fixation failure, or surgical complications. The average American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lower extremity score was 79 at an average of 8 months' follow-up. The common radiographic and morphologic features associated with this posteromedial fracture indicate that it likely occurs through a common mechanism that involves hyperplantarflexion. The characteristics of this fracture pattern have not been fully described previously, but this ankle fracture variant may occur in up to 6% of cases. Unstable ankle fractures should be evaluated carefully for evidence of posteromedial involvement so appropriate treatment may proceed.     

应用Lauge-Hansen分型手术治疗踝关节骨折

目的探讨应用Lauge-Hansen分型手术治疗踝关节骨折的临床疗效。方法对30例踝关节骨折患者按Lauge-Hansen分型行手术治疗。术中按分型的损伤机制进行复位,根据骨折特征选择合适内固定。对踝关节术后疗效使用Baird-Jackson评分标准评价。结果术后X线片显示骨折复位良好,踝穴形态恢复正常,内固定位置满意。患者均获得随访,时间3~46个月。按踝关节Baird-Jackson评分标准评价:优20例,良7例,可2例,差1例,优良率90%。结论应用Lauge-Hansen分型手术治疗踝关节骨折,可指导术中骨折复位,选择合适内固定,判断下胫腓联合损伤情况,提高手术疗效。     

Foresight交锁髓内钉在踝关节骨折中的应用

目的探讨ForesigHT交锁髓内钉治疗踝部骨折的临床疗效。方法对我院2006年5月至2008年1月的18例踝关节骨折（AO分型B型和C1型）的患者应用该交锁髓内钉治疗并进行随访。结果经过6～24个月的随访,18例患者全部骨性愈合,2例患者出现浅表皮肤的感染,二次清创后伤口愈合,1例患者出现创伤性关节炎,采用Baird-Jackson评分系统进行评分,其中优6例,良9例,可2例,差1例,优良率达到了83%。结论正确应用Fore-sigHT交锁髓内钉并严格掌握其适应证治疗B型和C1型踝关节骨折是一种简单、安全、有效的微创手术方法。     

不稳定性踝部骨折的手术治疗分析

目的 分析100 例不稳定性踝部骨折的手术治疗方法和疗效.方法 选取2010年8月至2012年11月,对100 例成人不稳定性踝关节骨折切开复位内固定手术组患者进行随访分析.本组入选病例中排除踝部开放性骨折和Pilon骨折.其中男49 例,女51 例;年龄18～81 岁,平均50 岁.按Danis-Weber分型,A型7 例,B型58 例,C型35 例.按Lauge-Hansen分型,旋前-外旋型21 例（Ⅲ度7 例,Ⅳ度14 例）,旋前-外展型Ⅲ度8 例,旋后-外旋型64 例（Ⅲ度9 例,Ⅳ度55 例）,旋后-内收型Ⅱ度7 例.根据美国矫形足踝协会踝与后足评分标准进行功能和疗效评估.结果 随访时间4～26个月,平均14个月,骨折愈合时间12～16周,平均为12.6周.本组评分68～100分,平均88.6分;优（90～100分）37 例,良（80～89分）49 例,一般（70～79分）13 例,小于等于69分为差1 例,优良率为86%.结论 正确手术方案制定和操作是不稳定性踝关节骨折外科手术治疗成功的关键.     

Gradual Reduction of Chronic Fracture Dislocation of the Ankle Using Ilizarov/Taylor Spatial Frame

With the advances in trauma care, chronic fracture dislocation of the ankle is not a condition commonly seen in modern clinical practice. When encountered, it can be difficult to preserve the ankle joint. We present a case of a 65-year-old female, with a chronic fracture dislocation of the ankle. The ankle joint was subluxated with posterior translation of the talus, displacement of the posterior malleolus fragment, and a distal fibula fracture. A minimally traumatic approach was devised to treat this complex fracture dislocation which included gradual reduction of the ankle with a Taylor spatial frame, followed by stabilization with internal fixation and removal of the frame. Bony union and restoration of the ankle joint congruency was achieved.     

Post-Traumatic Periprosthetic Tibial and Fibular Fracture After Total Ankle Arthroplasty: A Case Report

Periprosthetic fractures after total ankle arthroplasty are uncommon, with most cases occurring intraoperatively. We describe a post-traumatic periprosthetic fracture of the distal tibia and fibula after total ankle arthroplasty that was treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. It is important for orthopedic surgeons not only to recognize the risk factors for postoperative periprosthetic total ankle arthroplasty fractures, but also to be familiar with the treatment options available to maximize function and minimize complications. The design of the tibial prosthesis and surgical techniques required to prepare the ankle joint for implantation are important areas of future research to limit the risk of periprosthetic fractures.     

Short‐Term Outcomes of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) for Ankle Fracture Patients: A Single‐Center Retrospective Cohort Study

ObjectiveEnhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been successfully adopted for the improvement of medical quality and efficacy in many diseases, but the effect thereof for ankle fracture patients can vary. The aim of the present study was to explore the short‐term postoperative outcomes of ERAS among ankle fracture patients.MethodsThe present study was a retrospective cohort study conducted between January 2019 and May 2019. One hundred and sixty ankle fracture participations (58 males and 102 females, aged 41.71 ± 14.51 years) were included. The participants treated with open reduction and internal fixation were divided into two groups (non‐ERAS vs. ERAS) depending on whether ERAS was applied. Postoperative outcomes included American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, length of stay (LOS), hospital cost, complications, and consumption of opioids. To assess the association between the groups and outcomes, generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling and multivariable linear regression analysis were performed.ResultsThe average follow‐up periods of the participations were 24 months postoperatively. No significant differences were detected between the non‐ERAS group and ERAS group with respect to the demographic of patients in terms of gender, age, Danis‐Weber classification of fracture, dislocation of ankle joint, and comorbidity (P > 0.05). Significant differences in terms of a higher AOFAS score were found in the ERAS group compared with the non‐ERAS group (6.73, 95% CI, 5.10–8.37, p < 0.001) at 3 months postoperatively (PO3M) and (4.73, 95% CI, 3.02–6.45, p < 0.001) at 6 months postoperatively (PO6M). However, similar AOFAS scores were found at 12 months postoperatively (PO12M) (0.28, 95% CI, −0.32 to 0.89, P > 0.05) and at 24 months postoperatively (PO24M) (0.56, 95% CI, −0.07 to 1.19, P > 0.05). Additionally, the GEE analysis and group‐by‐time interaction of AOFAS score revealed that the ERAS protocol could facilitate faster recovery for ankle fracture patients, with higher PO3M and PO6M (both P < 0.05). At the same time, significant differences in terms of a shorter length of stay (−3.19, 95% CI, −4.33 to −2.04, P < 0.01) and less hospital cost (−6501.81, 95% CI, −10955.21 to −2048.42, P < 0.01) were found in the ERAS group compared with the non‐ERAS group.ConclusionBy reducing LOS and hospital cost, the ERAS protocol might improve the medical quality and efficacy. The present study can provide a realistic evaluation and comparison of the ERAS protocol among ankle fracture patients, and ultimately guide clinical decision making.     

后踝骨折钢板内固定治疗16例临床疗效分析

目的探讨一种有效内固定后踝骨折的方法使踝关节能够早期功能锻炼,恢复踝关节功能。方法 2007年1月至2009年12月收治三踝骨折中的后踝骨折患者16例行钢板内固定,手术疗效做回顾性分析总结。16例患者,男10例,女6例;年龄19～70岁,平均55岁。车祸伤2例,重物砸伤2例,高处坠落伤10例,扭伤2例。闭合性骨折14例,开放性骨折2例。按Denis-Weber的AO分型,B型10例,C型6例。结果 16例患者均得到较完整的随访,随访时间为6～18个月,平均12个月。按Leeds标准进行功能评定,优15例,良1例,优良率100%。结论良好的复位和坚强的内固定是踝关节早期功能锻炼的必要条件之一。     

Measuring Recovery After Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Psychometric Properties of Scoring Systems

Recovery after ankle fractures places a considerable burden on patients both short and long term. Numerous tools called patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed to measure the outcome of ankle fractures. They can assist clinicians to measure the effect, guide intervention, and assess the rate of recovery. We identified and evaluated the psychometric properties of PROMs used in the assessment of ankle fractures. In a systematic search, we examined 4 databases from inception to December 4, 2016. Search terms included ankle fracture, ankle pain, disability, gait, questionnaire, and PROMs. Reference lists were also examined. The inclusion criteria were English studies and adult populations. The psychometric properties of the identified PROMs were examined, including internal consistency, test–retest reliability, validity, floor–ceiling effects, and minimally important clinical differences. We identified 22 PROMs relating to ankle pain and disability. Only 5 were specifically used for ankle fractures. The 36-item short-form health survey and short musculoskeletal functional assessment reported floor–ceiling effects, and the lower extremity functional scale reported good responsiveness and content validity, although these are not tools specifically related to ankle fractures. The ankle-fracture outcome of rehabilitation measure (A-FORM) and the Olerud and Molander questionnaire were ankle fracture specific and assessed for internal consistency and validity. Clinicians should use the most appropriate PROM to evaluate patients' recovery from ankle fractures. The A-FORM currently has the most appropriate evidence supporting its use as a PROM for ankle fracture management and rehabilitation.     

Investigation of the Association Between the Acute Ankle Injury Caused by Fall From Own Height and Body Mass Index

In the emergency settings, increased body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for traumatic orthopedic injuries. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the acute ankle injuries (sprain or fracture) and BMI. This prospective cohort study included patients ≥18 years of age with acute traumatic ankle injuries (either sprain or fracture) caused by fall from own height when walking at ground level and who received primary treatment at the emergency room of a university hospital between May and October 2017. Of the 107 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 58 (54%) patients experienced acute ankle sprains and 49 (46%) experienced acute ankle fractures. No significant association was detected between fracture severity (as assessed by the Danis–Weber classification) and BMI (p?=?.860). The most frequent ankle injury in patients with normal BMI was ankle sprain. In our cohort, obesity was not the primary determinant of the severity of ankle injury. However, age was a key determinant of the type of injury; patients >30 years of age were 20% more likely to suffer an ankle fracture.     

Risk Factors for Ankle Fracture

Ankle fractures are frequently observed in postmenopausal women although the pattern of incidence and risk factor profile suggest that ankle fracture may not be a typical osteoporotic fracture. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and vertebral fracture and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry, lifestyle and reproductive factors in women who have sustained an ankle fracture. We studied 103 women aged 50–80 years (mean 63.2, 7.9 SD) with ankle fracture. These were compared with 375 women aged 50–86 years (mean 64.5, 9.1 SD) from a population-based cohort. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and contralateral proximal femur (including femoral neck (FN), Ward’s triangle (WT) and trochanteric region (TR)) was measured by DXA. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus and proximal digits was measured using three different devices. Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were taken (anteroposterior and lateral views). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of osteoporosis (T<–2.5 level) at the LS, FN and WT sites. The population-based cohort had lower TR BMD than the ankle fracture cohort. Age-and weight-adjusted Z-scores of FN BMD were significantly lower in the ankle fracture group. Age- and weight-adjusted Z-scores of QUS gave contradictory results. There were no differences in the receiver operating characteristics of DXA compared with QUS. Twenty-seven women (7%) of the population-based cohort and 10 women (10%) of the ankle fracture cohort were found to have prevalent vertebral fractures; these were not significantly different. Nine percent of the population-based cohort and 26% of the ankle fracture cohort reported previous distal forearm fracture (p<0.001). The ankle fracture cohort had a higher weight and body mass index than the controls. All other lifestyle, medical and reproductive variables did not differ between the two groups. In summary, ankle fracture is not a typical osteoporotic fracture since the BMD was not decreased and the prevalence of vertebral fractures was not increased (although it may be associated with other limb fractures). It is likely that the increased body weight, by increasing the forces applied to the ankle in a fall, is a major risk factor for ankle fracture. Received: 18 April 2000 / Accepted: 25 July 2000