Aims. The aim of this study was to report the outcome following primary
fixation or a staged protocol for type C fractures of the tibial
plafond. Patients and Methods. We studied all patients who sustained a complex intra-articular
fracture (AO type C) of the distal tibia over an 11-year period.
The primary short-term outcome was infection. The primary long-term
outcome was the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Results. There were 102 type C
Objectives.
In a series of 126 consecutive
Open reduction and internal fixation of high-energy
Aims. A
Tibial
Background: Tibial
Introduction: Tibial
Optimal treatment of articular fractures is open anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation. In
Introduction: Classification systems are useful in research and clinical practise as it provides a common mode of communication and evaluation. Tibial pilon injuries are a complex group of fractures, whose classification and radiological assessment in clinical practise remains undetermined. Methods: 50 CT scans and radiographs of tibial
Aims. Complex joint fractures of the lower extremity are often accompanied by soft-tissue swelling and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and soft-tissue complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) on soft-tissue conditioning in comparison with conventional elevation. Methods. A total of 100 patients were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled monocentre study allocated to the three subgroups of dislocated ankle fracture (n = 40),
Objective and Purpose:
Pilon injuries without fibula fractures may be associated with increased tibial plafond fracture severity. To evaluate this, we used the rank order technique, with traumatologists blinded to the fibular injury, who ranked the radiographic severity of forty pilon injuries with and without fibula
We aimed to investigate the treatment and outcome of patients over 65 years of age with tibial
Aims. Posterior malleolar (PM) fractures are commonly associated with ankle
Introduction. Tibial
This study investigated concurrent talar dome injuries associated with tibial
Tibial
Introduction.
Introduction. The BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma) guidelines do advise that open
The February 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: Joint inflammatory response in ankle and
Introduction and Objective. Despite the low incidence of
Purpose.
Abstract. Objectives. Current literature on
Introduction. Ashford and St Peter's Hospital (ASPH) is a district general hospital in Chertsey, Surrey. It is a tertiary referral unit offering a circular frame service to manage complex trauma patients in the South East of England. This study analyses the patient pathway in 66 consecutive tertiary referrals from 2015–2020. All patients were managed with an Ilizarov frame for either a tibial plateau
The anterolateral surgical exposure to the distal tibia for
Introduction. We present a case of a 49-year-old patient who initially presented in May 2020 with an open
Introduction. Intra articular distal tibia fractures can lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Joint distraction has shown promise in elective cases. However, its application in acute fractures remains unexplored. This pilot study aims to fill this knowledge gap by investigating the benefits of joint distraction in acute fractures. Materials & Methods. We undertook a restrospective cohort study comprising patients with intra-articular distal tibia and
Fractures of the ankle are common, and they mostly affect young adults. Wound complications are not uncommon following the fixation of these fractures. This study evaluated the impact of HIV on wound healing after plate osteosynthesis in patients with closed ankle fractures. This is an observational retrospective study of patients operated on at a tertiary level hospital. We reviewed hospital records for patients above 18 years of age who presented with wound breakdown following ankle open reduction and internal fixation. The patients’ hospital records were retrieved to identify all the patients treated for closed ankle fractures and those who developed wound breakdown. Patients with
Treatment of posterior malleolar (PM) ankle fractures remain controversial. Despite increasing recommendation for small PM fragment fixation, high quality evidence demonstrating improved clinical outcomes over the unfixated PM is limited. We describe the medium-to-long term clinical and radiographical outcomes in younger adult patients with PM ankle fractures managed without PM fragment fixation. A retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18–55 years old admitted under our orthopaedic unit between 1st of April 2009 and 31st of October 2013 with PM ankle fractures was performed. Inclusion criteria were that all patients must mobilise independently pre-trauma, have no pre-existing ankle pathologies, and had satisfactory bimalleolar and syndesmotic stabilisation. Open fractures, talar fractures, calcaneal
Aim. A prospective cohort of patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasrty for arthritis following
Purpose:
Clinical Problem.
Non-unions of
Introduction: The
Introduction and Objective. Lower limb fractures are amongst the most common surgically managed orthopaedic injuries, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as the conventional method of treatment of the fibula. In recent years, dedicated intramedullary implants have emerged for fibula fixation in tandem with the move towards minimally invasive surgery in high-risk patients. This is the largest multicentre review to date with the aim of establishing the clinical outcomes following intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of the fibula and to identify the absolute indication for fibula IMN fixation. Materials and Methods. A retrospective study of adult patients in all UK hospitals, who underwent fibula nail fixation between 01/01/2018 and 31/10/2020 was performed. Primary outcome measures included time to union, infection rate, other post-operative complications associated with the fixation and length of hospital stay. The secondary outcome measure was to identify the indication for fibula nailing. Data tabulation was performed using Microsoft Excel and analysis was performed using SPSS Version 23 (SPSS Statistics). Results. 2 Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) and 9 Trauma Units (TUs) were eligible for inclusion. 102 patients were included and 91% were classified as ankle fractures of 68% (n=69) were Weber B, 24% (n=24) Weber C and 8% (n=9) were either distal tibial fractures with an associated fibula
Fractures of distal femur and tibia treated with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (O.R.I.F.) are frequently complicated in the postoperative period. Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) is developing for subcutaneous plating. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the improvement in dropping the risks of complications following internal fixation of closed fractures of the lower limb using MIPO in comparison with conventional O.R.I.F. procedure. From January 1998 to May 1999 we collected 32 cases of lower limb fractures (10 distal femur, 15 pilon, 7 distal tibia) treated with O.R.I.F procedure (Group I). The mean age was 47.6 years (range 23–76). From June 1999 we started to perform MIPO in closed fractures of lower limb with conventional devices (36 cases). From March 2001 we performed part of our minimal invasive surgery (54 cases) with new devices with angular stability (Less Invasive Stabilization System, Synthes) that offer more tools for subcutaneous osteosynthesis and more mechanical stability of the implants. Our 90 cases formed Group II. The mean age was 53.2 years (range 21–80). The mean follow up was 18 months. We used bone grafts in only 1 case of severe
Background. The optimal treatment for
Background. Tibial
Introduction: The
Aims: Fibular plating comprises a major component in the treatment of
To review the results of the treatment of
Fibular plating comprises a major component in the treatment of
Background:.
The aim of this study was to document the outcome following either early or delayed fixation for complex (AO-OTA type 43.C) fractures of the tibial plafond. From our trauma database we identified all patients who sustained a complex intra-articular fracture of the distal tibia over an 11-year period. Demographic data, fracture classification, management, complications and subsequent surgeries were recorded. The primary outcome measure was the development of early complications following surgery. The secondary outcome measure was the long-term patient reported outcome. There were 102 type C
Ankle osteomyelitis after open pilon-fractures remain one of the most challenging scenarios. Ankle-fusion using an external frame is a classical option but in some cases of non-compliance patients could be not ideal. The purpose of this report was to evaluate our results using a new staged salvage protocol in cases where an external-frame arthrodesis is not recommended due to the issue of a non-compliance patient. During the first stage we resect all the infected tissues and an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer is used to obliterate the dead space, to reach some kind of stability and to achieve a high concentration of local antibiotic. A free or keystone flap is used if needed and a posterior splint is placed. After a course of targeted systemic antibiotics the second stage is schedule. During the second stage after the spacer removal, a self-made antibiotic coating retrograde hindfoot arthrodesis nail is used in order to achieve ankle fusion. We use a bone-substitute loaded with gentamicin (Cerament-G®) to fill the bone defects and to achieve high concentration of local gentamicin, to protect bone healing and to decrease the risk of relapse. We present four patients with ankle-osteomyelitis after open
Introduction. The treatment of posterior malleolar fractures is developing. Mason and Molloy (Foot Ankle Int. 2017 Nov;38(11):1229-1235) identified only 49% of posterior malleolar rotational
The October 2014 Foot &
Ankle Roundup360 looks at: multilayer compression bandaging superior for post-traumatic ankle oedema; compression stockings for ankle fractures; weight bearing ok in Achilles tendon ruptures; MRI findings can predict ankle sprain symptoms; salvage for malreduced ankle fractures; locking fibular plates are more expensive; is fixation better early or late in
A series of 49
Introduction:. In this cohort study, we present comprehensive injury specific and surgical outcome data from one of the largest reported series of distal tibial
Introduction: High energy tibial
Axial loading of the foot/ankle complex is an important injury mechanism in vehicular trauma, responsible for severe injuries such as calcaneus, talus and tibial
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to review our results in patients with
Aims: Ankle fractures are injuries with intraarticular imapct. Therefore the treatment must be very precise (meticilous). Numerous and heterogenous factors inßuence the late results in both conservativelly and operatively treated ankle fractures. So the aim of the study was to determine the list of prognosticaly and statistically signiþcant factors in the ankle fractures. Material and methods: 504 patients who were treated for ankle fractures for 5 year period were followed for 3 to 10 years. All fractures were clasiþed according to Lauge Hansen clasiþcation. Conservative treatment consists of reduction and plaster imobilisation for 5–7 weeks, while in operative treated patients internal þxation were performed for most fractures while in pronation dorsißexion-
Introduction: The Staffordshire Orthopaedic Reduction Machine (STORM) was developed to assist in the reduction of tibial shaft fractures prior to the application of an external fixator. Its use has now been extended to fractures of the tibial plateau and plafond, where it has been utilised to gain and hold a good reduction prior to the application of various internal and external fixation techniques. Methods: The STORM was used sterile within the operative field on a standard radiolucent operating table. It was applied with two tensioned 2 mm wires: the distal through the calcaneum; the proximal through the proximal tibia for shaft and
Purpose: Fractures of the distal tibia are high energy fractures, associated with marked soft-tissue trauma. Management of these fractures is challenging. The purpose of this study is to present our experience on the treatment of these fractures using hybrid external fixation, with or without open reduction and minimal internal fixation of the fibular fracture. Patients and Methods: Forty eight patients with a distal tibial fracture were admitted to the authors’ institution since 2005. There were 33 men and 15 women. According to AO there were 24 A, 10 B and 14 C fractures. The mean age of the patients was 45.6 years. Eight patients had an open
Aims: To determine the results of Òbiologic þxationÒ with a minimally invasive plating technique using a newly designed low proþle ÒScallopÒ plate in the treatment of
Introduction: Locking plate technology for fixation of periarticular fractures has been adopted widely since its development. Distal tibial/
Introduction:
There is an ongoing revolution in the use of data within orthopaedics and medicine in general, with an imperative for surgeons to be involved from the bottom up and better define the data collection culture. The use of registries plays a major role in the development of “big data” in orthopaedics. There are multiple examples that are already set up and running, both those inspired and set up by clinicians or those where the main stakeholders may lay people, with some input from clinicians. The British Limb Reconstruction society is no exception, with registries for lengthening nails and
Purpose: We report a series of 50
Aim. The incidence of deep infections after internal fixation of ankle and lower leg fractures is estimated 1 to 2%. Hindfoot arthrodesis by retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) is a potential alternative to external fixation for post-infectious ankle destruction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical results, complications and effects of soft tissue management with this treatment modality. Method. This is a single-center retrospective review of routine hospital data from 21 patients (15 men, 6 women, median age 65 [range, 21 to 87] years) undergoing IMN arthrodesis of the hindfoot for post-traumatic infections between January 1st, 2012 and March 15, 2018. We observed four bimalleolar, eight trimalleolar, three
Care of complex and open fractures may provide better results if undertaken in larger units, typically Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) or Orthoplastic units. Some ‘complex injuries’ may still be admitted to units lacking specialist services potentially delaying definitive treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse the referral pattern for acute inpatient transfer in an adult limb reconstruction unit for one calendar year. Prospectively collected data from an electronic database for 2016 was reviewed. All records were evaluated for, diagnosis, time from injury to referral, nature of initial treatment, time to transfer, details of definitive surgery, and time to repatriation. There were 91 formal electronic referrals, 84 of which considered appropriate for inpatient transfer. 74 were for fresh complex fractures, including 22
Decreased ankle dorsiflexion is common after injury and may result in patient complaints of stiffness and subsequent injury. The weight-bearing lunge test (WBLT) is a simple clinical measure of dorsiflexion. Previous study has defined a 2.0cm side-to-side discrepancy in WBLT as likely significant. With review of current literature, ankle stiffness is a concept largely undefined; we aim to relate patient complaints of stiffness to WBLT. This was a population-based inception cohort with longitudinal follow-up. Patients between ages 18–65 receiving surgical fixation for ankle fracture were screened.
Background:. The aim of this study was to review the surgical complications and clinical outcomes of patients with
Musculoskeletal diseases are having a growing impact worldwide. It is therefore crucial to have an evidence base to most effectively and efficiently implement future health services across different healthcare systems. International trials are an opportunity to address these challenges and have many potential benefits. They are, however, complex to set up and deliver, which may impact on the efficient and timely delivery of a project. There are a number of models of how international trials are currently being delivered across a range of orthopaedic patient populations, which are discussed here. The examples given highlight that the key to overcoming these challenges is the development of trusted and equal partnerships with collaborators in each country. International trials have the potential to address a global burden of disease, and in turn optimize the benefit to patients in the collaborating countries and those with similar health services and care systems. Cite this article:
Triplane ankle fractures are complex injuries typically occurring in children aged between 12 and 15 years. Classic teaching that closure of the physis dictates the overall fracture pattern, based on studies in the 1960s, has not been challenged. The aim of this paper is to analyze whether these injuries correlate with the advancing closure of the physis with age. A fracture mapping study was performed in 83 paediatric patients with a triplane ankle fracture treated in three trauma centres between January 2010 and June 2020. Patients aged younger than 18 years who had CT scans available were included. An independent Paediatric Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon assessed all CT scans and classified the injuries as n-part triplane fractures. Qualitative analysis of the fracture pattern was performed using the modified Cole fracture mapping technique. The maps were assessed for both patterns and correlation with the closing of the physis until consensus was reached by a panel of six surgeons.Aims
Methods
The February 2024 Trauma Roundup360 looks at: Posterior malleolus fractures: what about medium-sized fragments?; Acute or delayed total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture fixation?; Intrawound antibiotics reduce the risk of deep infections in fracture fixation; Does the VANCO trial represent real world patients?; Can a restrictive transfusion protocol be effective beyond initial resuscitation?; What risk factors result in avascular necrosis of the talus?; Pre-existing anxiety and mood disorders have a role to play in complex regional pain syndrome; Three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures at ten years.
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 fractures and isolated medial malleolus
We treated 60 patients with type III
A series of 76 distal tibial
Introduction:. The Best Practice Tariff (BPT) for hip fractures was introduced in April 2010 to promote a number of quality markers, including surgery within 36 hours. We conducted an audit to see whether the introduction of the BPT has had an inadvertent adverse effect on delay to fixation of unstable ankle fractures. Method:. We compared the delay to surgery for 50 consecutive patients with unstable ankle fractures in the 2009 financial year with another 50 patients treated in the 2011 financial year, ie one year after the introduction of the BPT. There were no other changes in service in our department in this period. All radiographs were reviewed and classified using the Lauge-Hansen system by 2 surgeons. Excel was used for data analysis using unpaired T-Test and chi-squared test to assess significance. Results:. 2 patients with
Purpose of the study:. Is circular external fixation a safe and effective method of managing closed distal third tibia fractures. These fractures are conventionally treated with plaster casts, intramedullary nails or plate fixation. These treatment modalities have complication rates in the literature of up to 16% malunion, 12% non-union, and 17% deep infections. Description and Methods:. Retrospective review of 18 patients with closed distal third tibia fractures, with or without extension into the ankle joint, treated with circular fixator systems and minimal percutaneous internal fixation of the intra-articular fragment if required. Patients were followed up for time to union, malunion incidence as well as incidence of pin tract and deep infection. Distal third fractures which were extra articular or with simple intra articular extension were included. (AO 43 A, B1, C1, C2 + AO 42 in distal third) Patients with
Introduction. The optimal treatment of high-energy tibia fractures remains controversial. The role of external fixators has been shown to be crucial. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using either Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) or Ilizarov frames in treatment of high-energy tibia fractures in a tertiary trauma referral centre. Methodology. Retrospective review of consecutive series identified two treatment groups; Group 1(TSF) and Group 2 (Ilizarov). Time in frame (healing time) was defined as time from insertion to removal of frame. All patients with incomplete data secondary to loss to follow-up or death were eliminated. Results. Data was available for 112 patients (Group 1 N37 and Group 2 N85) with average ages for of 46.43 and 44.64 years respectively and a male to female ratio of 23:14 and 63:22. 7 open tibial fractures and 24 distal tibia fractures were treated in Group 1 with 18 open tibia fractures and 24
Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to hip fracture patients. They have a higher risk of complications, such as wound infections, malunion, hospital-acquired infections, pressure sores, veno-thromboembolic events, and significant sarcopaenia from prolonged bed rest. A modified Delphi method was used and a group of experts with a vested interest in best practice were invited from the British Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS), British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS), British Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS), British Geriatric Society (BGS), and the British Limb Reconstruction Society (BLRS).Aims
Methods
The treatment of very distal tibial fractures and
Paediatric triplane fractures and adult trimalleolar ankle fractures both arise from a supination external rotation injury. By relating the experience of adult to paediatric fractures, clarification has been sought on the sequence of injury, ligament involvement, and fracture pattern of triplane fractures. This study explores the similarities between triplane and trimalleolar fractures for each stage of the Lauge-Hansen classification, with the aim of aiding reduction and fixation techniques. Imaging data of 83 paediatric patients with triplane fractures and 100 adult patients with trimalleolar fractures were collected, and their fracture morphology was compared using fracture maps. Visual fracture maps were assessed, classified, and compared with each other, to establish the progression of injury according to the Lauge-Hansen classification.Aims
Methods
The upper and lower thirds of the tibia are areas of peculiar anatomy and pose a lot of problems in their treatment. Purpose We present a method of hybrid external fixation used in a wide variety of these fractures. Material and method: Between 2000 and 2004, 29 patients with fractures of the tibia (16 fractures of the lower third and 13 fractures of the upper third) were treated with hybrid external fixation ORTHOFIX. Most of the fractures involved the adjacent joints, 12 fractures of the tibial condyles and 9
We describe a new surgical approach designed for use with minimally invasive fixation and a circular frame. Tibial pilon injuries are often associated with significant soft tissue injury, which may not be evident at the time of injury. In such cases standard surgical approaches can lead to problems with wound healing, thus increase the risk of deep infection. AO Type C valgus fractures are commonly associated with fibula fractures. We found that the anterior syndesmotic ligaments are often disrupted with sparing of the lateral soft tissue envelope. Our technique utilizes a direct lateral approach to expose the lateral malleolus/distal fibula, which is reflected postero-laterally through the fracture and intact posterior syndesmotic ligaments. This creates a direct view of posterolateral and anterolateral comminution and talar dome allowing direct fixation of fragments with minimal internal fixation. Fibula fixation is performed with a 1/3. rd. tubular plate and the anterior syndesmotic ligaments are repaired. From 2007–2009, we used this approach in 12 patients (Male 9: Female 3; age 19–42) with AO Type C3 fractures with significant soft tissue injury (open = 2/ closed = 10; Tscherne Grade 1 = 4; Grade 2 = 8). We used circular frame stabilization in all cases (in four patients an additional foot frame was applied to protect the articular surface). All fractures united in satisfactory alignment. Wound healed well in all cases. One case of gouty arthritis developed superficial infection, which went on to heal after wound wash out and oral antibiotic therapy. Follow-up (minimum 3 months and maximum 2 years) showed no ankle instability. Clinical evaluation revealed a mean dorsiflexion of 10° (5–15°) and mean plantar flexion of 35° (15–60°). We conclude that transfibular approach gives good exposure of lower tibial articular surface in selected cases of
32 consecutive patients who suffered open [Gustilo grade IIIB] distal tibial [AO type 43B and C] ‘Pilon’ fractures were prospectively studied in order to assess long-term functional outcome. All patients had radical debridement with immediate [within 24hrs] skeletal stabilisation and early soft tissue cover with a vascularized muscle flap as per our hospital’s protocol for management of severe open tibial fractures. The minimum follow-up was one year [range 1–8 years]. The superficial infection rate was 13% [4/32], deep infection rate was 6% [2/32] and the amputation rate as 6% [2/32]. There were no long-term problems with union and none of the patients required an ankle fusion. Patients were assessed using the SF-36 questionnaire. There were sig-nificant differences from the US norm in physical function score [p<
0.01], role physical score (p<
0.05) and physical component score (p<
0.01). Physical component score of 38.5 was significantly better (p<
0.01) when compared with amputees from severe lower extremity trauma. Our protocol for management of severe open
Fractures of lower limb treated with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (O.R.I.F.) are frequently complicated in the postoperative period. Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) is developing for subcutaneous plating. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the improvement in dropping the risks of complications following internal fixation using MIPO. From January 1998 to May 1999 we collected 32 cases of lower limb fractures treated with O.R.I.F (Group I). From June 1999 we started to perform MIPO in closed fractures of lower limb with conventional and new devices with angular stability that offer more mechanical stability (Group II 90 cases). In Group I we got 2 infections in
This paper describes the outcome of type III
This paper describes the outcome of type III
Objective: To evaluate retrospectivelly the outcome of periarticular tibial
Introduction The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the role of MDCT (multislice or multi-detector row computerised tomography) in the acquisition of information in musculoskeletal pathology and the subsequent manipulation of this data in obtaining 3D reconstruction to aid surgical planning. Methods Numerous CT studies were performed on patients who had sustained significant and often complex injuries, including pelvic, acetabular, femoral head, proximal tibial and
Aims: The evaluation of indications and results of the treatment of C fractures (according to AO) of the distal tibia with hybrid external þxation. Method: Between 1998–2001 thirty-one patients (22 men and 9 women), all available to follow-up, with 31 tibial
Ten patients, who underwent treatment for complex fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint of finger and one patient for that of the interphalangeal joint of thumb with a modified pins and rubbers traction system, were reviewed to evaluate the clinical and functional results. Two patients had open fracture-dislocation, 5 had
Purpose: To evaluate the appropriateness of posterior blade plate ankle arthrodesis as a salvage procedure, in a complex subgroup of ankle trauma patients. Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients who underwent an ankle arthrodesis from our prospectively collected trauma database at Vancouver General hospital from 1997 to 2005. We then extracted those who had blade plate arthrodesis via the posterior approach for previous failed fracture fixation or failed previous fusion. Demographics, pre arthrodesis diagnosis, previous surgeries, deformity and complications were recorded. Clinical examination was based on outpatient evaluation and physical evaluation. This was supplemented with radiological follow up to confirm union and outcome scoring using the AOFAS and SF36 systems. Results: Sixteen patients were identified from the trauma database who had undergone posterior blade plate ankle arthrodesis. Of these thirteen were available for follow up. There average age was 47 years (range 23–63 years). The male to female ratio was 3:1. Three cases were for failed previous ankle fusion by other means. Of the remaining ten patients with post traumatic osteoarthritis, seven had previous
A prospective study on the management of 23 patients with complex high energy tibial fractures was carried out to assess the outcome following the use of different external fixators. They were all followed up clinically and radio logically till fracture union. The average age 42 years (range 13–77 years) 17 male &
6 females. Fourteen were closed and 9 open. Eight were falls from height, 9 RTAs, one crush injury and one assault. All of the open fractures were grade 3. Six patients had proximal tibial fractures (one Schatzker Type-II, one Type-IV, two Type-V and two Type-VI) They united at an average of 20 weeks (range 10–40 weeks). Seven were Shaft fractures average duration to union 30 weeks (range 8–104 weeks), and eight were
Introduction: Ankle fractures are among the commonest orthopaedic injuries. A delay in operating is often due to the swelling associated with such fractures. On the other hand, the delay in operative fixation beyond 24 h from injury is associated with a lengthening of hospital stay which costs approximately £225 per patient per day for an acute trauma bed. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between the delay in surgical intervention of open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures from presentation due to ankle swelling, and the length of hospital stay and postoperative complications. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 145 consecutive patients treated for ankle fractures over a period of 12 months between January and December 2008. results were collated excluding talar and
This study of surgically treated distal tibia fractures was undertaken to compare the internal fixation with the two external fixation methods. There were 40 patients with 41
AIMS. Pure tibial plafond traumatic pathology (excluding trimalleolar fractures) is rare but troublesome, considering the surgical challenges and the long term disability perspective. Treatment involves a wide variety of implants and techniques, and the procedures choice and timing is highly dictated by the soft tissue damage. We designed this study to assess the status of our patients operated with internal, external or combined procedures. METHODS. In a retrospective study, between July 2008 and July 2010 we reviewed 24 patients with available follow-up data. We reviewed the pre- and post-operative imaging available and the immediate follow-up data. A form is currently mailed to the patients to self-evaluate the general physical, mental and employment status, and also the affected limb, using general approved questionnaires. Data from this form is still in process. RESULTS. In this clinic we recorded 24 patients with tibial plafond fractures (17 male, 7 female, 2.43 sex ratio), with ages between 18 and 82 years (average 46.5, median 39 years). According to AO/OTA classification, we noted 8 type A (2 A1, 3 A2, 3 A3) extra-articular tibial fractures, 9 type B (4 B1, 4 B2, 1 B3) intra-articular