Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and the complication rate after nail and plate fixation of unstable fractures of the ankle in elderly patients. Methods. In this multicentre study, 120 patients aged ≥ 60 years with an acute unstable AO/OTA type 44-B fracture of the ankle were randomized to fixation with either a nail or a plate and followed for 24 months after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score. Secondary outcome measures were the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, the Olerud and Molander Ankle score, the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire, a visual analogue score for pain, complications, the quality of reduction of the fracture, nonunion, and the development of osteoarthritis. Results. At 24 months, the median AOFAS score was equivalent in the two groups (nail 90 (interquartile range (IQR) 82 to 100), plate 95 (IQR 87 to 100), p = 0.478). There were statistically more complications and secondary operations after nail than plate fixation (p = 0.024 and p = 0.028, respectively). There were no other significant differences in the outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion. The functional outcome after nail and plate fixation was equivalent; however, the complication rate and number of secondary operations was significantly higher after nail fixation. These results suggest that plate fixation should usually be the treatment of choice for unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(1):72–81

Aims. No randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA. Methods. Between August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of motion (ROM), Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction. Results. Although four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):286–293

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcome of patients with intact, broken and removed syndesmosis screws after Weber B or C ankle fracture with an associated injury to the syndesmosis. We hypothesised that there would be no difference. Of a possible 142 patients who fulfilled our inclusion criteria, 52 returned for clinical and radiological assessment at least one year after surgery. Of these, 27 had intact syndesmosis screws, ten had broken screws, and 15 had undergone elective removal of the screw. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle/hindfoot score was 83.07 (. sd. 13.59) in the intact screw group, 92.40 (. sd. 12.69) in the broken screw group, and 85.80 (. sd. 11.33) in the removed screw group (p = 0.0466). There was no difference in clinical outcome of patients with intact or removed syndesmotic screws. Paradoxically, patients with a broken syndesmosis screw had the best clinical outcome. Our data do not support the removal of intact or broken syndesmosis screws, and we caution against attributing post-operative ankle pain to breakage of the syndesmosis screw

Fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed at initial presentation. This is a comparative cohort study over a period of five years comparing primary open reduction and internal fixation in 22 patients (23 feet) with secondary corrective arthrodesis in 22 patients (22 feet) who presented with painful malunion at a mean of 22 months (1.5 to 45) after injury. In the first group primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation for eight weeks with Kirschner-wires or screws was undertaken, in the second group treatment was by secondary corrective arthrodesis. There was one deep infection in the first group. In the delayed group there was one complete and one partial nonunion. In each group 20 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 36 months (24 to 89) after operation. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score was 81.4 (62 to 100) after primary treatment and 71.8 (35 to 88) after corrective arthrodesis (t-test; p = 0.031). We conclude that primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation of tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocations leads to improved functional results, earlier return to work and greater patient satisfaction than secondary corrective arthrodesis, which remains a useful salvage procedure providing significant relief of pain and improvement in function

We have compared the results at a mean follow-up of 13 years (11 to 14) of two groups of supination-external rotation type-4 fractures of the ankle, in one of which there was a fracture of the medial malleolus and in the other the medial deltoid ligament had been partially or completely ruptured. Of 66 patients treated operatively between 1993 and 1997, 36 were available for follow-up. Arthroscopy had been performed in all patients pre-operatively to assess the extent of the intra-articular lesions. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hind-foot score was used for clinical evaluation and showed a significant difference in both the total and the functional scores (p < 0.05), but not in those for pain or alignment, in favour of the group with a damaged deltoid ligament (p < 0.05). The only significant difference between the groups on the short-form 36 quality-of-life score was for bodily pain, again in favour of the group with a damaged deltoid ligament. There was no significant difference between the groups in the subjective visual analogue scores or in the modified Kannus radiological score. Arthroscopically, there was a significant difference with an increased risk of loose bodies in the group with an intact deltoid ligament (p < 0.005), although there was no significant increased risk of deep cartilage lesions in the two groups. At a mean follow-up of 13 years after operative treatment of a supination-external rotation type-4 ankle fracture patients with partial or complete rupture of the medial deltoid ligament tended to have a better result than those with a medial malleolar fracture

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with trans-articular screws or dorsal plating is the standard surgical technique for displaced Lisfranc injuries. This aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of percutaneous reduction and internal fixation (PRIF) of low energy Lisfranc injuries with a matched, control group of patients treated with ORIF. Over a seven-year period (2012–2019), 16 consecutive patients with a low energy Myerson B2-type injury were treated with PRIF. Patient demographics were recorded within a prospectively maintained database at the institution. This study sample was matched for age, sex and mechanism of injury to a control group of 16 patients with similar Myerson B2-type injuries treated with ORIF. Clinical outcome was compared using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ). At a mean follow up of 43.0 months (95% CI 35.6 – 50.4), both the AOFAS and MOXFQ scores were significantly higher in the PRIF group compared to the control ORIF group (AOFAS 89.1vs 76.4, p=0.03; MOXFQ 10.0 vs 27.6, p=0.03). There were no immediate postoperative complications in either group. At final follow up, there was no radiological evidence of midfoot osteoarthritis in any patient in the PRIF group. Three patients in the ORIF group developed midfoot osteoarthritis, one of whom required midfoot fusion. PRIF is a technically simple, less invasive method of operative stabilisation of low energy Lisfranc injures which also appears to be associated with better mid-term clinical outcomes compared to ORIF

Between 1992 and 2000, 57 patients with 57 isolated fractures of the medial malleolus were treated conservatively by immobilisation in a cast. The results were assessed by examination, radiography and completion of the short form-36 questionnaire and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score. Of the 57 fractures 55 healed without further treatment. The mean combined dorsi- and plantar flexion was 52.3° (25° to 82°) and the mean short form-36 and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores 48.1 (28 to 60) and 89.8 (69 to 100), respectively. At review there was no evidence of medial instability, dermatological complications, malalignment of the mortise or of post-traumatic arthritis. Isolated fractures of the medial malleolus can obtain high rates of union and good functional results with conservative treatment. Operation should be reserved for bi- or trimalleolar fractures, open fractures, injuries which compromise the skin or those involving the plafond or for patients who develop painful nonunion

A high rate of complications is associated with open reduction and internal fixation of Sanders type 4 fractures of the calcaneum. We assessed the long-term outcome of 83 Sanders type 4 comminuted intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in 64 patients who underwent non-operative treatment between 1999 and 2005. Each fracture was treated by closed reduction and immobilisation in a long leg cast. Patients were reviewed every three months in the first year, and every six months thereafter. At each visit, the involved ankles were assessed by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) criteria. The degree of fracture healing and the presence of osteoarthritis were assessed. At a mean follow-up of 51 months (24 to 70) the mean AOFAS score was 72 (52 to 92). Osteoarthritis was scored radiologically using Graves’ classification and was evident in the subtalar joints of 75 ankles (90%) on x-ray and in all ankles on CT scans, of which 20 were grade 0 or 1, 39 grade 2, and 24 grade 3. A non-operative approach to treating these fractures may be simpler, less expensive, easier to administer with fewer complications, and may be better tolerated than surgery, by many patients

The late results of treatment of calcaneal fractures in 17 children (19 fractures) were reviewed at a mean of 16.8 years after injury. With the exception of one patient, all fractures had been treated conservatively. At follow-up there were few complaints. All but two patients had full or slightly reduced mobility of the subtalar joint and unrestricted foot function, including the ability to walk comfortably on uneven surfaces. Minor radiological abnormalities of the hindfoot were common; there were two cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Clinical scoring of the ankle and hindfoot using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society rating system averaged 96.2 points. The results suggest that up to 16.8 years after injury almost all children achieve excellent long-term functional results with conservative treatment of fractures of the os calcis. Open management may only be appropriate for adolescents with severe displacements

Introduction. End-stage ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating condition that results in functional limitations and a poor quality of life. Ankle arthrodesis (AAD) and total ankle replacement (TAR) are the major surgical treatment options for ankle arthritis. The purpose of the present study was to compare preoperative and postoperative participation in sports and recreational activities, assesses levels of habitual physical activity, functional outcome and satisfaction of patients who underwent eighter AAD or TAR. Methods. 41 patients (mean age: 60.1y) underwent eighter AAD (21) or TAR (20) by a single surgeon. At an average follow-up of 30 (AAD) and 39 (TAR) months respectively activity levels were determined with use of the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score, patients's satisfaction and pre- and postoperative participation in sports were assessed as well. Results. In the AAD group 90% and in the TAR group 76% were active in sports preoperatively. Postoperatively in both groups 76% were active in sports (AAD p=0.08). The UCLA score was 7.0 (± 1.9) in the AAD group and 6.8 (± 1.8) in the TAR group (p=0.78). The AOFAS score reached 75.6 (± 14) in the AAD group and 75.6 (± 16) in the TAR group (p=0.97). Conclusion. Our study revealed no significant difference between the groups concerning activity levels, participation in sports activities, UCLA and AOFAS score. After AAD the number of patients participating in sports decreased. However, this change was not statistically significant

Background. Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures pose many complexities. This study assessed the outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with percutaneously inserted medial locking plates. Methods. Eighteen patients were selected based on the fracture pattern and classified using the AO classification and stabilised with an AO medial tibial locking plate. Time to fracture union, complications and outcomes were assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle score at 12 months. Results. Sixteen of the 18 patients achieved fracture union, with 1 patient lost to follow up. Twelve fractures united within 24 weeks, with an average union time of 23.1 weeks. Three delayed unions, two at 28 weeks and one at 56 weeks. The average time to union was 32 weeks in the smokers and 15.3 weeks in the non-smokers. Five of the 18 patients (27%) developed complications. One superficial wound infection and one chronic wound infection, resulting in non-union at 56 weeks, requiring revision. Two patients required plate removal, one after sustaining an open fracture at the proximal end of the plate 6 months after surgery (post fracture union) and the other for painful hardware. One patient had implant failure of three proximal diaphyseal locking screws at the screw head/neck junction, but successful fracture union. The average AOFAS ankle score was 88.8 overall, and 92.1 in fractures that united within 24 weeks. Conclusions. Distal tibial locking plates have high fracture union rates, minimum soft tissue complications, and good functional outcomes. The literature shows similar fracture union and complication rates in locking and non-locking plates

Objectives. Osteochondral ankle defects (OCDs) mainly occur in a young, active population. In 63% of cases the defect is located on the medial talar dome. Arthroscopic debridement and microfracture is considered the primary treatment for defects up to 15 mm. To treat patients with a secondary OCD of the medial talar dome, a 15-mm diameter metal implant (HemiCAP ®) was developed. The set of 15 offset sizes was designed to correspond with the anatomy of various talar dome curvatures. Recently, two independent biomechanical cadaver studies were published, providing rationale for clinical use. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the metal implantation technique for osteochondral lesions of the medial talar dome in a prospective study. Material and methods. Since October 2007, twenty patients have been treated with the implant. Four patients who did not meet the inclusion criteria and four patients who had less than one-year follow-up at the time of writing were left out of this analysis. Twelve patients are reported with one year (n=8) or two years (n=4) follow-up. All patients had had one or two earlier operations without success. On preoperative CT-scanning, the mean lesion size was 16 × 11 (range, 9–26 × 8–14) mm. Outcome measures were: Numeric Rating Scale pain (NRS) at rest and when walking, Foot Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, and clinical and radiographic complications. Data are presented as median and range. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used to calculate p-values. Results. All patients recovered well from surgery. The NRS at rest improved from 3 (0–7) preoperatively, to 0.5 (0–4) after 1 year and 1 (0–1) after 2 years follow-up (p < 0.05). The NRS when walking was 6.5 (4–8) preoperatively, improving to 1.5 (0–5) at 1 year and 1 (0–2) at 2 years follow-up (p < 0.05). The five subscales of the FAOS improved from 14–64 preoperatively, to 53–91 after 1 year and 63–100 after 2 years (p < 0.05). The AOFAS improved from 70 (42–75) before surgery to 86 (58–100) at 1 year, and 89 (82–90) at 2 years follow-up (p < 0.05). There were no clinical or radiographic complications. Conclusion. The metallic implantation technique appears to be a promising treatment for secondary OCDs of the talus, but more patients and longer follow-up are necessary to draw firm conclusions

The extended lateral L-shaped approach for the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum may be complicated by wound infection, haematoma, dehiscence and injury to the sural nerve. In an effort to reduce the risk of problems with wound healing a technique was developed that combined open reduction and fixation of the joint fragments and of the anterior process with percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of the tuberosity. A group of 24 patients with unilateral isolated closed Sanders type II and III fractures was treated using this technique and compared to a similar group of 26 patients managed by the extended approach and lateral plating. The operation was significantly shorter (p < 0.001) in the first group, but more minor secondary procedures and removal of heel screws were necessary. There were no wound complications in this group, whereas four minor complications occurred in the second group. The accuracy and maintenance of reduction, and ultimate function were equivalent.

Many orthopaedic surgeons believe that obese patients have a higher rate of peri-operative complications and a worse functional outcome than non-obese patients. There is, however, inconsistency in the literature supporting this notion.

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of body mass index (BMI) on injury characteristics, the incidence of complications, and the functional outcome after the operative management of unstable ankle fractures.

We retrospectively reviewed 279 patients (99 obese (BMI ≥ 30) and 180 non-obese (BMI < 30) patients who underwent surgical fixation of an unstable fracture of the ankle. We found that obese patients had a higher number of medical co-morbidities, and more Orthopaedic Trauma Association type B and C fracture types than non-obese patients. At two years from the time of injury, however, the presence of obesity did not affect the incidence of complications, the time to fracture union or the level of function.

These findings suggest that obese patients should be treated in line with standard procedures, keeping in mind any known associated medical co-morbidities.

Our aim was to compare the one-year post-operative outcomes following retention or removal of syndesmotic screws in adult patients with a fracture of the ankle that was treated surgically. A total of 51 patients (35 males, 16 females), with a mean age of 33.5 years (16 to 62), undergoing fibular osteosynthesis and syndesmotic screw fixation, were randomly allocated to retention of the syndesmotic screw or removal at three months post-operatively. The two groups were comparable at baseline.

One year post-operatively, there was no significant difference in the mean Olerud–Molander ankle score (82.4 retention vs 86.7 removal, p = 0.367), the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score (88.6 vs 90.1, p = 0.688), the mean American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons foot and ankle score (96.3 vs 94.0, p = 0.250), the mean visual analogue pain score (1.0 vs 0.7, p = 0.237), the mean active dorsiflexion (10.2° vs 13.0°, p = 0.194) and plantar flexion (33.6° vs 31.3°, p = 0.503) of the ankle, or the mean radiological tibiofibular clear space (5.0 mm vs 5.3 mm, p = 0.276) between the two groups. A total of 19 patients (76%) in the retention group had a loose and/or broken screw one year post-operatively.

We conclude that removal of a syndesmotic screw produces no significant functional, clinical or radiological benefit in adult patients who are treated surgically for a fracture of the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1699–1705.

We carried out a retrospective review of 47 intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum treated by open reduction and internal fixation in 45 patients by a single surgeon between 1993 and 2001. The fractures were evaluated before operation by plain radiographs and a CT scan using Sanders’ classification. Osteosynthesis involved a lateral approach and the use of the AO calcaneal plate. The mean follow-up was for ten years (7 to 15). Clinical assessment included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Score (AOFAS), the Creighton-Nebraska Score, the Kerr, Prothero, Atkins Score and the SF-36 Health Questionnaire. The radiological evaluation consisted of lateral and axial views of the os calcis. Arthritic changes in the subtalar joint were assessed with an internal oblique view and were graded using the Morrey and Wiedeman scale.

There were 18 excellent (38.3%), 17 good (36.2%), three fair (6.3%) and nine poor (19.2%) results. Five patients had a superficial wound infection and five others eventually had a subtalar arthrodesis because of continuing pain. Restoration of Böhler’s angle was associated with a better outcome. The degree of arthritic change in the subtalar joint did not correlate with the outcome scores or Sanders’ classification. Prompt osteosynthesis should be considered for intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum in order to restore the shape of the hindfoot and Böhler’s angle.

We have treated 14 patients (15 fractures) with nonunion of an intra-articular fracture of the body of the calcaneum. The mean follow-up was six years (2 to 8.5). A total of 14 fractures (93%) had initially been treated operatively with 12 (86%) having non-anatomical reductions. Four feet (27%) had concomitant osteomyelitis. Of the nonunions, 14 (93%) went on to eventual union after an average of two reconstructive procedures. All underwent bone grafting of the nonunion. The eventual outcome was a subtalar arthrodesis in ten (67%) cases, a triple arthrodesis in four (27%) and a nonunion in one (6%). Three patients had a wound dehiscence; all required a local rotation flap. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score at latest follow-up was 69, and the mean Visual analogue scale was 3. Of those who were initially employed, 82% (9 of 11) eventually returned to work. We present an algorithm for the treatment of calcaneal nonunion, and conclude that despite a relatively high rate of complication, this complex surgery has a high union rate and a good functional outcome.