Aims. This study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of
There is an increasing acceptance that the clinical outcomes following posterior malleolar fractures are less than satisfactory. Current ankle classification systems do not account for differences in fracture patterns or injury mechanisms, and as such, the clinical outcomes of these fractures are difficult to interpret. The aim of this study was to analyse our posterior malleolar fractures to better understand the anatomy of the fracture. In a series of 42 consecutive posterior malleolar, who all underwent CT imaging, we have described anatomically different fracture patterns dictated by the direction of the force and dependent on talus loading. We found 3 separate categories. Type 1 – a rotational injury in an unloaded talus resulted in an extraarticular posterior avulsion of the posterior ligaments. This occurred in 10 patients and was most commonly associated with either a high fibular spiral fracture or a low fibular fracture with Wagstaffe fragment avulsion. The syndesmosis was usually disrupted in these patients. Type 2 – a rotational injury in a loaded talus resulting in a posterolateral articular fracture, of the posterior incisura. This occurred in 16 patients and was most commonly associated with a posterior syndesmosis injury, low fibular spiral fracture and an anterior collicular
Introduction: The SonicPin technology uses ultrasonic energy to weld polymer into bone (BoneWelding), thus forming a bond between implant and bone. The aim of this study was to determine the mechanical capabilities of the SonicPin in comparison to conventional techniques using generic mechanical load conditions. Methods: Blocks of cancellous bone served as test specimens for generic tests. Two blocks respectively were fixed using either the SonicPin, a titanium cancellous bone screw (ASNIS) or a PLLA pin-screw system (Inion OTPS). The samples were then clamped into a test device and mechanically tested. Tests included pull-out, shear and 4-point-bending. To examine the mechanical performance of the Son-icPin in a realistic fracture model 12 fresh frozen tibiae were osteotomized through the medial apex of the pla-fond, simulating a horizontal
Medial malleolar stress fractures are uncommon even in the sporting population. They tend to occur almost exclusively in athletes involved in sports involving running and jumping. We believe that stress fractures of the medial malleolus may be the end stage of chronic anteromedial ankle impingement in elite running and jumping athletes. Anterior impingement spurs are thought to be caused by repetitive microtrauma at the limit of dorsiflexion causing subperiosteal haemorrhage and subsequent ossification. More specifically the lower surface of the anterior tibia and the anterior part of the medial malleolus undergo similar trauma during severe supination injuries. Repetitive trauma to the cartilage from the kicking action in soccer is also thought to play a part, the cartilage responding by the formation of scar tissue and subsequent calcification. We present five cases of elite athletes (three AFLplayers, one sprinter and one A Grade cricketer) who presented to our establishment with vertical stress fractures of the medial malleolus over a three year period (2004–7). In each case preoperative imaging revealed an anteromedial bony spur on the tibia. All patients had the fractures internally fixed and at the same sitting had arthroscopic debridement of the impingement spur. Average time to union was 10.2 weeks (6–16). At most recent review (average 18 months (8–37)) all fractures had united and all patients had resumed sporting activity. No patient had suffered a further
Introduction and Objective. Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that poorer outcomes could be associated with non-weight bearing protocols and immobilisation. Traditional non-weight bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the complication rate and functional outcomes of early weight-bearing (EWB) versus late weight-bearing (LWB) following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures. Materials and Methods. We performed a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled trials and comparative cohort studies. MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase and the Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched inclusive of all date up to the search time. We included all studies that investigated the effect of weight-bearing following adults ankle fracture fixation by any means. All ankle fracture types, including isolated lateral
Most of current literatures advise on thromboprophylaxis with injectable LMWH for trauma patients. Injectable anticoagulants have got inherent problems of pain, bruising and difficulty in administering the drug, which leads to low compliance. Clexane is derived from a pig's intestinal mucosa, hence could be objectionable to certain proportion of patients because of their religious beliefs. Oral anticoagulants have been used as thromboprophylactic agents in hip and knee arthroplasty. However there is not enough literature supporting their use as thromboprophylactic agent in ambulatory trauma patients with ankle fracture being managed non-operatively as out-patient. This study looks into the efficacy of oral anticoagulant in preventing VTE in ambulatory trauma patients requiring temporary lower limb immobilisation for management of ankle fracture. The end point of this study was symptomatic deep vein thrombosis (either proximal or distal) and pulmonary embolism. Routine assessment with a VTE assessment risk proforma for all patients with temporary lower limb immobilisation following lower limb injury requiring plaster cast is done in the fracture clinic at this university hospital. These patients are categorised as low or high risk for a venous thromboembolic event depending on their risk factor and accordingly started on prophylactic dose of oral anticoagulant (Rivaroxaban - Factor Xa inhibitor). Before the therapy is started these patients have a routing blood check, which includes a full blood count and urea and electrolyte. Therapy is continued for the duration of immobilisation. Bleeding risk assessment is done using a proforma based on NICE guideline CG92. If there is any concern specialist haematologist advice is sought. A total of 200 consecutive patients who presented to the fracture clinic with ankle fracture, which was managed in plaster cast non-operatively, were included in this study. They were followed up for three months following injury. This was done by checking these patients’ radiology report including ultrasound and CT pulmonary scan (CTPA) test on hospital's electronic system. Fracture of the lateral malleolus which include Weber-A, Weber-B and Weber-C fractures were included in the study. Also included were bimalleolar
Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons, and surgical treatment is often required to optimise the results. This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the TRIMED ankle fixation system in the treatment of malleolar fractures. During the last ten months, fifteen patients with an average age of 63 years underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a bimalleolar ankle fracture with the TRIMED fixation system. A standart surgical approach was used for both the medial and lateral malleolus. Regarding the lateral malleolus, a TRIMED Sidewinter plate which requires no additional interfragmentary screw was applied. Based on the morphology of the
Introduction: Operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures is a well recognised form of management. However controversy exists in the surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the very elderly age group of over 80 years. Operative fixation in these cases is challenging and the postoperative mortality and morbidity has discouraged surgical intervention in this population. However, the literature regarding the prognosis of surgery in this elderly group is very limited. The purpose of our study was to describe the results of 85 patients aged above 80 years, who underwent operative fixation for unstable ankle fractures. Methods: 92 consecutive patients aged above eighty years of age had open reduction and internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures during the period of January 1998 – August 2007. The data was collected retrospectively from the case records and radiographs. The mechanism of injury, fracture pattern, and medical co morbidities were recorded. A standard postoperative rehabilitation programme was followed. 5 patients were excluded as complete medical records were unavailable. The clinical and radiological outcomes following surgery were recorded and analysed in detail. The complications were noted and the risk factors for poor prognosis were analysed. Results: There were 71 women and 16 men in the study. The most common fracture pattern was pronation external rotation type. The average age was 85.2 (Range 80.1 – 95.1 yrs). The minimum duration of follow up was 9 months. The superficial wound infection rate was 5.7% (5 cases) which settled with oral antibiotic treatment for 1–2 weeks. The deep infection rate was 4.6% (4 cases) which required surgical debridement and implant removal. The 30 day postoperative mortality was 4.6 % (4 cases). Most patients demonstrated radiological
Purpose. Total Ankle Replacement (TAR) is increasingly being offered to patients as an alternative to arthrodesis for the operative management of debilitating end-stage ankle arthritis. The Mobility Total Ankle System is a third-generation design consisting of a three component, cementless, unconstrained, mobile-bearing prosthesis. This study reports the early results of a multi-centre prospective study of the Mobility prosthesis. This is the first such report by independent researchers. Method. The senior authors implanted 86 consecutive Mobility prostheses. The underlying diagnosis was primary OA in 24 ankles, secondary OA in 47 ankles and inflammatory arthritis in 15 ankles. There were 41 males (Mean age 67 / Range 51–87) and 44 females (Mean age 60 / Range 29–72). The mean BMI was 28 (Range 22–36) for males, and 28 (Range 20–39) for females. Previous ankle operations were performed in 24 patients, 22 of which were for fracture fixation. Ankles were classified according to the COFAS end-stage ankle arthritis classification system. Coronal plane deformity was quantified pre-operatively. Clinical outcome was assessed using the AOFAS hindfoot score. Radiological assessment was performed from weight-bearing radiographs, documenting post-operative alignment, osseous integration, edge-loading and heterotopic bone formation. The mean follow-up time was 40 months (Range 30–60). Survival analysis was calculated according to the Kaplan-Meier method. Failure was defined as exchange of any component of the TAR, arthrodesis or amputation. Results. Type 1 ankle arthritis was demonstrated in 54 ankles (63%). No patient had pre-operative coronal plane angulation > 20. In 30 ankles (35%), the pre-operative coronal alignment was neutral, and in 32 ankles (37%), the deformity was < 10. The mean AOFAS hindfoot score improved from 37.4 (Range 12–59) pre-operatively to 77.9 (Range 51–100) post-operatively. 78 (90%) of prosthetic components were implanted within 5 of the optimal position. Bone-implant interface abnormalities were identified in 16 ankles (18%). In total, 5 TARs required revision, 4 for aseptic loosening and one for component malpositioning. There was one conversion to arthrodesis, and one BKA for CRPS. 30 simultaneous procedures were performed in 28 patients. The most common was gastrocnemius recession. There were 8 re-operations, most commonly for impingement due to peri-articular ossifications. Delayed wound healing occurred in 3 patients, and there was one case of deep infection. There were 5 patients that sustained
Purpose: The purpose of this work was to assess results of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for rheumatoid arthritis and determine the technical difficulties. Material and methods: Between 1993 and 1999, 32 TAA were performed for rheumatoid arthritis: 26 women and 16 men, mean age at implantation 55 years, age range 32 – 81 years, disease duration 17 years (range 2 – 35 years), long-term corticosteroid treatment 18, metotrex-ate 17. Non-cemented prostheses with a mobile insert were implanted: Buechel-Pappas (n=7), STAR (n=5), Salto (n=20). For 21 patients, subtalar and mediotarsal arthrodesis was associated with the TAA because of associated subtalar deterioration or valgus tilt due to tendiopathy of the posterior tibial tendon. All patients were seen at three, six and twelve months then every year for physical examination and x-rays. None of the patients were lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 57 months (range 26 – 90 months). Clinical outcome was assessed with the AOFAS. Results: There were two failures requiring revision: one loose talar piece migrated four years after implantation requiring arthrodesis; one over-sized talar piece leading to pain had to be changed after one year with good results (AOFAS = 92). Among the other 30 patients, the mean overall score and the pain score were 82/100 (73–92) and 35/40 (20–40) respectively. Several complications were observed: wound necrosis (n=2), impaction of the talar piece (n=1), and impaction of the tibial piece (n=2) which developed at weight bearing then remained unchanged. One anterior translation of the tibial piece was asymptomatic at two years,
Purpose: A prospective study was conducted in 160 children presenting varus trauma of the ankle. The purpose of the study was to validate the Ottawa ankle rules in children. Application of the Ottawa rules can reduce the number of x-rays by 25% but little work has been reported concerning their validation (Chande 1995). Material and methods: One hundred sixty children, 71 boys and 89 girls, mean age eleven years three months (range 3 – 15 years) were included in this study conducted between February 2001 and December 2001. Clinical presentations with an obvious diagnosis of ankle fracture were excluded (six patients). Epidemiological and clinical data and the initial Ottawa criteria were recorded on a data sheet with a specific number of assigned items. A standard radiographic work-up with an anteroposterior, lateral and oblique view of the ankle was obtained in all cases. All patients were seen at a second consultation on day 8 by another physician to confirm diagnosis. The x-rays were read three times: by the emergency care physician, and by a second physician and a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at the 8-day consultation. Results: Diagnosis which were confirmed were: benign sprains (BS) (n=71), moderately severe sprains (MS) (n=47), severe sprains (SS) (n=2), type I epiphyseal detachment (ED) (n=21), fractures (n=13) (8 fifth metatarsal, 1 triple
Treatment of Weber B ankle fractures that are stable on weightbearing radiographs but unstable on concomitant stress tests (classified SER4a) is controversial. Recent studies indicate that these fractures should be treated nonoperatively, but no studies have compared alternative nonoperative options. This study aims to evaluate patient-reported outcomes and the safety of fracture treatment using functional orthosis versus cast immobilization. A total of 110 patients with Weber B/SER4a ankle fractures will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive six weeks of functional orthosis treatment or cast immobilization with a two-year follow-up. The primary outcome is patient-reported ankle function and symptoms measured by the Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOxFQ); secondary outcomes include Olerud-Molander Ankle Score, radiological evaluation of ankle congruence in weightbearing and gravity stress tests, and rates of treatment-related adverse events. The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research (approval number 277693) has granted ethical approval, and the study is funded by South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority (grant number 2023014).Aims
Methods
Ankle fracture is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries sustained in the UK. Many patients experience pain and physical impairment, with the consequences of the fracture and its management lasting for several months or even years. The broad aim of ankle fracture treatment is to maintain the alignment of the joint while the fracture heals, and to reduce the risks of problems, such as stiffness. More severe injuries to the ankle are routinely treated surgically. However, even with advances in surgery, there remains a risk of complications; for patients experiencing these, the associated loss of function and quality of life (Qol) is considerable. Non-surgical treatment is an alternative to surgery and involves applying a cast carefully shaped to the patient’s ankle to correct and maintain alignment of the joint with the key benefit being a reduction in the frequency of common complications of surgery. The main potential risk of non-surgical treatment is a loss of alignment with a consequent reduction in ankle function. This study aims to determine whether ankle function, four months after treatment, in patients with unstable ankle fractures treated with close contact casting is not worse than in those treated with surgical intervention, which is the current standard of care. This trial is a pragmatic, multicentre, randomized non-inferiority clinical trial with an embedded pilot, and with 12 months clinical follow-up and parallel economic analysis. A surveillance study using routinely collected data will be performed annually to five years post-treatment. Adult patients, aged 60 years and younger, with unstable ankle fractures will be identified in daily trauma meetings and fracture clinics and approached for recruitment prior to their treatment. Treatments will be performed in trauma units across the UK by a wide range of surgeons. Details of the surgical treatment, including how the operation is done, implant choice, and the recovery programme afterwards, will be at the discretion of the treating surgeon. The non-surgical treatment will be close-contact casting performed under anaesthetic, a technique which has gained in popularity since the publication of the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial. In all, 890 participants (445 per group) will be randomly allocated to surgical or non-surgical treatment. Data regarding ankle function, QoL, complications, and healthcare-related costs will be collected at eight weeks, four and 12 months, and then annually for five years following treatment. The primary outcome measure is patient-reported ankle function at four months from treatment.Aims
Methods
Introduction. We performed a longitudinal outcome study involving the operative management of ankle fractures at two university teaching hospitals. This was a retrospective review of the quality of reduction and a prospective study into the functional outcome. Methods. All patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation of the ankle between November 2006 and November 2007 at one centre, and January to December 2009 at the other were included. Adequacy of reduction was assessed on the initial post-operative radiographs using Pettrone's criterion. The post-operative functional outcome was recorded using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), completed by postal or telephone follow-up at 64 months post injury (60–74 months). Results. There were 261 patients in the cohort, with a mean age of 47 years (17–91). Weber B fractures were sustained in 193 patients compared to 68 Weber C
Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle fractures, pilon fractures, and to a lesser extent tibial shaft fractures. The tibialis posterior (TP) tendon entrapment is a rare complication associated with PM fractures. If undiagnosed, TP entrapment is associated with complications, ranging from reduced range of ankle movement to instability and pes planus deformities, which require further surgeries including radical treatments such as arthrodesis. The inclusion criteria applied in PubMed, Scopus, and Medline database searches were: all adult studies published between 2012 and 2022; and studies written in English. Outcome of TP entrapment in patients with ankle injuries was assessed by two reviewers independently.Aims
Methods
Aim. A prospective cohort of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasrty for arthritis following pilon fractures was included in the present study. This group of patients generally have poor soft tissue envelope and have had previous surgical interventions prior to the ankle arthroplasty, making the arthroplasty more difficult as well as prone to complications. Methods. The data collected included patient demographics, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) and patient reported outcomes (FAOS, SF-36, patient satisfaction) The data was collected preoperatively and at 1 & 2 years postoperatively. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years post-operatively. Results. A total of 167 total ankle arthroplasties were performed by the senior author between Jan 2006 and June 2010. Of this cohort, the indication for 12 arthroplasties was arthritis following pilon fractures of the distal tibia. The average of the patients at the time of the surgery was 64.2yrs. The average number of previous surgeries prior to the ankle arthroplasty was 1.5. There were significant improvements in the AOFAS scores from an average of 18 to 75 at final review. The WOMAC scores improved from 31 to 71 for pain, stiffness improved from 31 to 60 and function improved from 33 to 63. The improvement of the SF36 and patient satisfaction score is similar to the ones for primary ankle osteoarthritis. The complications were: 1 case of superficial wound infection which settled with antibiotics, one
Introduction: Ankle Arthroplasty is an alternative to arthrodesis for patients with disabling ankle arthritis. It aims to remove pain and preserve joint motion. We aimed to review the outcome of all total ankle replacements carried out in our institution between 2002 and 2006. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the results of all patients who underwent the Agility ankle replacement performed by a single surgeon. Case notes and radiographs were reviewed and outcome assessment included standardised questionnaires. Results: 30 arthroplasties were performed in 30 consecutive patient. 11 males, 19 females, Pre operative diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis (16), primary osteoarthritis (12) and post-traumatic osteoarthritis (2) with a mean age of 61.8 yrs. 8 patients required an additional procedure at the time of arthroplasty : tendoachilles lengthening (6); Calcaneal osteotomy (2); triple arthrodesis (2); tip post reconstruction (1). Intra operative technical complications included:
From October 1999 to April 2003, 123 patients (127 ankles) underwent an Agility total ankle replacement. Prospective data were collected preoperatively, at 6 and 12 months after surgery, and thereafter annually, and included the AOFAS Ankle and Hindfoot Scale (AHS), Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Injury and Arthritis Survey (MFA), Visual Analogue Pain Scale, patient satisfaction and standardised radiographs. Fifty-six percent of the operations were performed for post-traumatic degenerative joint disease, 41% for primary degenerative joint disease, 1% for rheumatoid arthritis and 2% for avascular necrosis. At least one previous surgical procedure had been performed on 62% of ankles. In 6% there were intra/perioperative complications, including seven wound problems (one major, six minor), five lateral
For many decades ankle fusion has been the only option for treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle joint. From the late 60’s on the crusade of joint replacement for hip and knee led to successful functional restoration for severe destruction of these joints. Because of a lack of understanding the biomechanical principals of the ankle a similar approach in reconstructing the ankle arthritis was doomed to fail. On the other side very good functional outcome after fusion of the ankle seemed to make needless further development. Although first encouraging results with non-constrained designs and cementless fixation were obtained in mid-late 70’s a wider acceptance within the orthopaedic society was found only almost 20 years later whereas today many surgeons wouldn’t give up the ankle arthroplasty for several indications. Despite good and very good midterm results we still need to understand limits and further develop operative techniques especially soft-tissue balancing. In our institution we have been using TAR since 1995 on a regular basis and by now overlook a total of almost 400 TAR’s. The experience with different designs (Agility, S.T.A.R. and Buechel-Pappas) led to the development of the Mobility-TAR in collaboration with two surgeons from England and the U.S. It is a 3-component TAR, non-constrained. As a unique feature the instrumentation allows an accurate centring of the implants both in the frontal and the saggital plane. In a prospective trial in Wrightington and Zurich we clinically and radiographically evaluate the outcome. The first 42 cases in Zurich with a follow-up of more than 1 year showed a significant pain reduction from av. 8.1 on a visual analogue scale to av. 1.4 after one year. The ROM assessed radiographically could be improved from 26° preoperatively to 33° after one year. We have seen 4
