切开复位内固定治疗后踝骨折的疗效分析

目的评价切开复位内固定治疗后踝骨折的手术方法及临床疗效。方法回顾分析2005年6月-2008年12月,46例采用切开复位内固定治疗并获完整随访的涉及后踝骨折的踝关节骨折患者临床资料。男29例,女17例;年龄19～76岁,平均47.7岁。扭伤17例,摔伤15例,交通事故伤12例,其他伤2例。左踝25例,右踝21例。单纯后踝骨折6例,外踝及后踝骨折13例,三踝骨折22例,外踝及后踝骨折伴三角韧带损伤5例。伴内踝或外踝骨折者根据Lauge-Hansen分型标准:旋后外旋Ⅲ度13例,Ⅳ度9例;旋前外旋Ⅳ度18例。后踝骨折按照Naoki分型:后外侧斜型29例,内侧延伸型11例,小块撕脱骨折型6例。7例急诊手术,39例择期手术。结果术后2例出现切口浅表感染,经加强换药后切口愈合;其余患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。46例均获随访,随访时间18～63个月,平均37个月。骨折均于术后3～6个月愈合,平均4.3个月。术后1个月1例出现腓肠外侧皮神经损伤症状,未作特殊处理;末次随访时9例负重或行走时出现踝关节疼痛不适,加强康复锻炼及止痛药物治疗。末次随访时根据美国矫形足踝协会(AOFAS)踝与后足评分标准进行功能评估,获优17例,良21例,中8例,优良率为83%。患者疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)为0～5分,平均1.9分。结论切开复位内固定治疗后踝骨折可获得较好疗效,但应根据骨折类型选择手术方式和固定方法。     

Management of posterior malleolus fractures: A multicentre cohort study in the United Kingdom

BackgroundThere is a need to assess clinical practice in light of increasing literature recommending fixation of posterior malleolus (PM) fractures. This multicentre study examines treatment approaches, within both Major Trauma Centres and District General Hospitals and role of radiographs and CT scanning.MethodsTrauma lists and databases were used to identify patients and data collected from electronic and paper medical records and imaging systems between August 2017−18. Analysis of treatment and outcomes was then conducted.ResultsOne-hundred-and-sixty ankle fractures were included in the study, only 68 ankle fractures underwent CT scanning following initial radiographs and of these, 65 were managed operatively, with 32 undergoing PM fixation. Syndesmotic stabilisation was performed in 9.6% where the PM was fixed.ConclusionCT is still under-utilised, PM fractures that appear to be anything other than small avulsion-type injuries should undergo CT scanning. Syndesmotic stabilisation is statistically less likely to be performed with fixation of the PM.     

The effect of computerised tomography on operative planning in posterior malleolus ankle fractures

BackgroundThe aim of this project was to analyse whether a CT influences surgical planning in ankle fracture involving the posterior malleolus.MethodsTwenty consecutive patients with fractures involving the posterior malleolus were retrospectively selected and had their plain radiographs and CT scan anonymised. Initially, radiographs alone were presented to nine trauma surgeons to formulate a surgical plan individually. After a minimum of 6 weeks, the same process was repeated with CT scans available.ResultsThe surgical approach for ankle fracture fixation changed in 32.7% of cases following CT scan review. A CT scan altered the decision to stabilise the posterior malleolus in 25.6% and the decision of whether to stabilise the syndesmosis in 16.6% of cases.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that a pre-operative CT scan changes the surgical approach in 32.7% of cases and therefore we recommend use of CT scanning in this subset of ankle injuries.     

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.

Retrospective cohort study of operatively treated ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus

BackgroundDirect fixation of the posterior malleolus through a posterolateral approach is increasing in popularity. However, data is limited, and no studies have stratified results by posterior malleolus size.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of patients with posterior malleolus (PM) fractures undergoing internal fixation over an 18-month period was conducted. Radiographic and patient reported outcomes measures (PROMs) were assessed. 75 patients were included, and 31 returned Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle (MOXFQ), EQ-5D-3 L, 5-point Likert satisfaction questionnaires. Mean age was 56.2 years, 68% were female, mean ASA was 1.72, 6.7% were diabetic, and average surgical time was 75.7 min (±40.9).ResultsOverall, the MOXFQ summary score was 26.9 (±25.8), with the pain domain showing the most severe score 32.4 (±24.0). The EQ-5D VAS index was 0.75 (±0.24). Larger PM size was associated with more anatomical reduction (58.8%, n = 20 of <10% vs. 90.9%, n = 10 of >30%) and larger sized fragments were more likely to be fixed posteriorly. Best PROMs were observed in PM fragments <10%, and the worst in fragments 10-20%. A tendency towards more secondary surgery was observed with posterior subluxation 21.9% (n = 7) vs. 7.0% (n = 3) (p = 0.06).ConclusionsPatients with fragments >10% have an intra-articular injury. We recommend direct anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative study.     

The effect of minimally displaced posterior malleolar fractures on decision making in minimally displaced lateral malleolus fractures

Purpose

Despite the high incidence of cases of minimally displaced lateral or posterior malleolus ankle fractures, treatment guidelines are still an issue of controversy. The purpose of this study was to delineate treatment preferences among orthopaedic surgeons in these fractures with and without concomitant posterior malleolus fractures. We hypothesized that concomitant minimally displaced fractures of the posterior malleolus can shift treatment preference towards operative intervention.

Methods

A questionnaire-based study was conducted among orthopaedic surgeons attending the 2012 European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Conference (EFORT) in Berlin, Germany. Treatment preferences were reported for minimally displaced lateral malleolus fractures seen on radiographs and were then compared with treatment preferences when computed tomography (CT) was added revealing a concomitant minimally displaced posterolateral fracture of the posterior malleolus.

Results

The cohort comprised 177 surgeons from all six continents. When radiographs showing a minimally displaced lateral malleolus fracture were presented, nonoperative management was indicated by 35 % (62) of participants, whereas 65 % (115) preferred operative intervention. After CT views were added showing an accompanying minimally displaced posterolateral posterior malleolus fracture, 79 % (140) suggested operative intervention and only 21 % (37) advocated nonoperative management (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Most surgeons prefer open reduction with internal fixation for minimally displaced lateral malleolar fractures. The presence of concomitant posterior malleolus fractures in these cases shifts treatment preference further towards open reduction with internal fixation. Because the posterior malleolus fragment might not be well delineated on standard ankle radiographs, a high index of suspicion is warranted, and the use of CT should be considered in these cases.     

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.     

Direct fixation of fractures of the posterior pilon via a posteromedial approach

The treatment of fractures of the posterior pilon is a timely issue. Restoration of the integrity of the incisura fibularis and subsequent anatomic reduction of the fibula are essential for reconstruction of the ankle mortise after trauma, and syndesmotic stability. Inappropriate treatment ultimately will lead to a poor functional outcome and quality of life. Open reduction and direct internal fixation through a posterolateral or posteromedial approach are increasingly preferred over indirect reduction and anteroposterior screw fixation. The posteromedial approach, although elegant, straightforward, and offering an excellent exposure of the fracture site, is used less frequently than the posterolateral approach. In this technical note we describe the posteromedial approach for the treatment of posterior pilon fractures in a step-by-step fashion. We will discuss the indications, its benefits and limitations.     

Biomechanical evaluation of medial malleolus fractures treated with headless compression screws

PurposeThe gold standard for fixation of medial malleolus fractures has yet to be determined. Most agree the best results of displaced unstable ankle fractures are with open reduction and internal fixation. Hardware irritation necessitating screw removal is a known complication. An alternative fixation method of medial malleolar fractures has been described using headless compression screws. There are currently no biomechanical studies that assess the stability of this method. The purpose of the study is to complete a biomechanical evaluation of partially threaded cancellous screws (PT) and headless compression screws (HC) in an external rotation ankle fracture model.MethodsComposite polyurethane sawbone models of tibia were obtained. A custom jig was created to ensure identical osteotomies. The models were fixed with either two partially threaded cancellous screws or two headless compression screws. The models were fitted into the Material Test System (MTS) machine and the force transducer was programed to apply axial offset. The two constructs were loaded until 5 mm of displacement occurred, our defined point of failure. The amount of force (Newtons) necessary to create fracture line displacement was recorded for each model.ResultsThe axial rotational force to create facture displacement between 1 mm and 3 mm, between 1 mm and 5 mm, and between 3 mm and 5 mm were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for both models. The mean axial rotational force measured in Newtons at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm of displacement for the PT was 149.32, 244.19 and 477.76 respectively. The mean axial rotational force measured in Newtons at 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm of displacement for the HC was 152.05, 224.07, and 498.31 respectively.ConclusionNo statistically significant difference was found between the biomechanical properties of partially threaded cancellous screws and headless compression screws used in the fixation of medial malleolus fractures. These results support HC screws as a viable alternative in a biomechanical model of medial malleolus fractures.     

A clinical evaluation of alternative fixation techniques for medial malleolus fractures

Background

Medial malleolus fractures have traditionally been managed using partially threaded screws and/or Kirschner wire fixation. Using these conventional techniques, a non-union rate of as high as 20% has been reported. In addition too many patients complaining of prominent hardware as a source of pain post-fixation. This study was designed to assess the outcomes of medial malleolar fixation using a headless compression screw in terms of union rate, the need for hardware removal, and pain over the hardware site.

Setting

Saint Louis University and Mercy Medical Center, Level 1 Trauma Centers, St. Louis, MO.

Methods

After IRB approval, we used billing records to identify all patients with ankle fractures involving the medial malleolus. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to identify patients with medial malleolar fractures treated with headless compression screw fixation. Our inclusion criteria included follow-up until full weight bearing and a healed fracture. Follow-up clinical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine union, complication rate and perception of pain over the site of medial malleolus fixation. Sixty-four ankles were fixed via headless compression screws and 44 had adequate follow-up for additional evaluation.

Results

Seven patients had isolated medial malleolar fractures, 23 patients had bimalleolar fractures, and 14 patients had trimalleolar fractures. One patient (2%) required hardware removal due to cellulitis. One patient (2%) had a delayed union, which healed without additional intervention. Ten patients (23%) reported mild discomfort to palpation over the medial malleolus. The median follow-up was 35 weeks (range: 12–208 weeks). There were no screw removals for painful hardware and no cases of non-union.

Conclusions

Headless compression screws provide effective compression of medial malleolus fractures and result in good clinical outcomes. The headless compression screw is a beneficial alternative to the conventional methods of medial malleolus fixation.     

Isolated posterior malleolus fracture: a rare injury mechanism

Isolated posterior malleolus fractures of the ankle are very rare, especially those without any associated ligamentous injury. The mechanism of injury is unique, and treatment depends on the displacement of the fracture and associated injuries. We present the case of a 46-year-old female car driver who sustained this injury. Axial loading of the plantar flexed foot most likely caused this fracture pattern. The fracture healed in 6 weeks with non-operative treatment in a below-knee plaster cast.The authors declare that this case study complies with the current laws in the United Kingdom.     

The Influence of Sagittal Angle of Posterior Malleolus Fracture on Ankle Joint Stability: A Retrospective Study of 120 Cases

Objective

Due to the different force exerted during the posterior malleolus fracture (PMF), the difference in sagittal angle (SA) between the fracture fragments may affect ankle stability. But this aspect is less well studied and the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SA and the stability of PMF.

Methods

The imaging data of 120 patients with PMFs from January 2014 to November 2022 were collected retrospectively and reconstructed. We first measured SA, posterior fragment area (PFA) and fragment area ratio (FAR), reanalyzing the correlation of SA with PFA and FAR, respectively. To better describe the morphological characteristics of the fracture fragments, we further measured the fragment width diameter ratio (FWR), the fragment length ratio (FLR), fragment height (FH), contact area (CA), and finally carried these data into the regression model of SA versus FAR to conduct the intermediary role.

Results

SA was negatively correlated with PFA(s) (r = −0.583, P < 0.001), with regression equation s = −0.063SA + 3.066; SA was negatively correlated with FAR (r = −0.204, P < 0.05), with regression equation FAR = −0.002SA + 0.198; A significant correlation was found between FWR, FLR, FH, CA and SA (P < 0.05), as well as between FWR, FLR, FH and FAR (P < 0.05); Further intermediary role analysis showed that FWR, FLR, FH had a partial intermediary role between SA and FAR.

Conclusions

As SA increased, PFA and FAR decreased, so the larger the SA was due to the effect of vertical shear force, reflecting higher ankle stability, meanwhile, FWR, FLR and FH should also be considered on the fixation method of fracture fragments.     

胫骨中下1/3骨折合并后踝骨折两种手术方法比较

目的比较胫骨中下1/3骨折合并后踝骨折2种手术方法的疗效。方法手术治疗33例胫骨中下1/3骨折伴后踝骨折,其中胫骨骨折采用钢板内固定,后踝采用空心钉内固定18例(空心钉组)和切开复位钢板固定15例(钢板组)。采用AOFAS评分评价踝关节功能。结果术后33例获随访10~28个月,平均18.5个月。骨折均愈合,无骨折延迟愈合或不愈合。踝关节功能按照AOFAS评分标准评定:空心钉组优9例,良6例,可2例,差1例,优良率83.3%;钢板组优8例,良5例,可1例,差1例,优良率86.7%。两组AOFAS评分优良率差异无统计学意义(P=0.18>0.05)。结论胫骨中下1/3骨折常合并后踝骨折,后踝骨折采用空心钉和钢板内固定治疗临床疗效上无明显差异,空心钉内固定损伤小,而钢板内固定更加切实可靠。     

What’s new in ankle fractures

The diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Recent topics of interest have included indications for operative treatment of isolated lateral malleolus fractures, need for fixation of the posterior malleolus, utilization of the posterolateral approach, treatment of the syndesmosis, and the potential role of fibular nailing. In this update, we concisely review these topics and what to expect in the future literature.     

Selective fixation of the medial malleolus in unstable ankle fractures

BackgroundWhilst the lateral malleolus appears to be crucial in controlling anatomical reduction of the talus, the role of the medial malleolus is less clear. Medial sided complications including infection, damage to local structures and symptomatic hardware are not without morbidity. This study compares the outcomes of patients with bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fractures who underwent fibular nail stabilisation with or without medial malleolar fixation.MethodsFrom a prospective single-centre trauma database, we identified 342 patients over a nine-year period who underwent fibular nail insertion to stabilise a bimalleolar or trimalleolar ankle fracture. Isolated lateral malleolar fractures were excluded. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, radiographic evaluation, return to work and sport, and patient reported outcomes, including Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) were collected.ResultsThis study included 247 patients with a mean age of 66.7 years (range, 25–96 years), of whom 200 were female (81%). Medial malleolar fixation was not performed in 54 cases (22%). There was no significant difference between groups with respect to failure of fixation (p = 0.634) or loss of talar reduction (p = 0.157). No patient required surgery for a symptomatic medial malleolar non-union. Medial sided complications occurred in 32 (16%) of the fixation group, of whom 20 (10%) required further surgery. At a mean mid-term follow-up of 4.8 years (range, 8 months – 9 years) there was no significant difference between the non-fixation and fixation groups with respect to the median OMAS (85 vs 80; p = 0.885) or median EQ-5D (0.80 vs 0.81; p = 0.846). Patient satisfaction was not significantly different between the two groups (85/100 vs 87/100; p = 0.410).ConclusionNon-operative management of the medial malleolar component of an unstable ankle fracture treated with a fibular nail may reduce the rate of post-operative complications without compromising the patient reported outcome.     

预置阻挡钉在治疗胫骨螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折中的作用

目的 探讨预置阻挡钉在治疗胫骨中下1/3 螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折中的作用.方法 回顾性分析2018 年5月至2020 年6 月收治的24 例胫骨中下1/3 螺旋形骨折合并后踝骨折患者临床资料.所有患者均采用预置阻挡钉技术,并进行髓内钉及空心钉内固定治疗.术后记录胫骨正位 X 线片上冠状面力线(胫骨远端外侧角)、膝关节疼...     

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.     

The role of the posterior malleolus in the treatment of unstable upper ankle joint injuries - A biomechanical study

BackgroundThis biomechanical study aimed to test if the fixation of the posterior malleolus (PM) only with screws inserted from posterior to anterior (PA) restores stability comparable with the natural condition. The extent of stability was also compared with that of anterior to posterior (AP) screw osteosynthesis (OS) with an additional syndesmotic screw (SS).MethodsFirst, the stability of the upper ankle joint in seven pairs of intact lower legs were examined. Subsequently, half of the lower legs were treated with PA screw fixation of a PM fracture without SS and the other half with AP screw fixation with additional tricortical SS.ResultsPA OS without SS showed significantly more diastasis (p = 0.027). The AP OS with an SS revealed a diastasis that was comparable with the intact condition (p = 0.797). The use of SS led to significantly higher stability compared to OS without SS (p = 0.019).ConclusionsThe Fixation of the PM alone without an additional syndesmotic screw cannot achieve intact upper ankle stability. Fixation of a PM fracture with an SS helps in nearly achieving the natural condition.     

Posterior malleolar fractures: A CT guided incision analysis

AimThe aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate approaches for fixation of each type and fragment of posterior malleolar fractures.Materials and methodsA retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was performed on 141 posterior malleolar fractures. On the CT scan axial slice, a clock face was drawn using the posterolateral corner of the tibia as the centre and the Achilles tendon as the 6 o’clock axis. A box was then drawn from the fracture plane, with 90-degree lines corresponding to the medial perpendicular line (MPL) and lateral perpendicular line (LPL) extremity of the fracture and a central perpendicular line (CPL) (i.e. orthogonal central plane, for optimum screw placement). It was recorded where the MPL, LPL and CPL exited the clock face. All fracture patterns were further assessed by both senior authors regarding their choice of approach based on CPL and all variances resolved by discussion.ResultsThe LPL was equivalent across the groups (except for the 2B medial fragments), indicating a consistent posterolateral corner fragment throughout the posterior malleolar sub types (p = 0.25). The medial aspect (MPL) of the type 1, type 2A and posterolateral fragments of type 2B were equivalent. The MPL of type 3 fractures was significantly more medial than type 1 and 2A fractures (p < 0.05), with the medial extremes of the type 2B posteromedial fragment being further medial. The majority of type 2B fractures (2/3rds) were determined to be best accessed through a combined posterolateral and medial posteromedial approach, with the other third via the posteromedial approach. Almost all type 3 fractures could be appropriately accessed through the PM approach.ConclusionThis study concludes that the extent of each subtype of posterior malleolar fractures are consistent. To fully expose each fracture differing incisions are necessary and should be in the skill mix for surgeons treating these fractures.Level of evidence4.     

胫骨远端后内侧解剖接骨板固定后踝治疗三踝骨折

目的探讨胫骨远端后内侧解剖接骨板固定后踝治疗三踝骨折的临床效果。方法2007年2月至2009年1月采用胫骨远端后内侧解剖接骨板固定后踝治疗三踝骨折患者11例,男7例,女4例;年龄23～58岁,平均41岁;左踝5例,右踝6例;开放骨折2例,闭合骨折9例。根据Lauge-Hansen分型均为旋前外旋型Ⅳ度,后踝骨折均超过关节面的25%。结果全部获得随访,随访时间为11～26个月,平均15.8个月。伤口均一期愈合,无一例发生感染。骨折愈合时间为10～15周,平均11.6周。术后采用AOFAS踝关节-后足评分标准,评分为83～100分,平均87.2分。结论胫骨远端后内侧解剖接骨板固定后踝是治疗三踝骨折的有效方法之一。