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The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 4 | Pages 382 - 388
15 Mar 2023
Haque A Parsons H Parsons N Costa ML Redmond AC Mason J Nwankwo H Kearney RS

Aims. The aim of this study was to compare the longer-term outcomes of operatively and nonoperatively managed patients treated with a removable brace (fixed-angle removable orthosis) or a plaster cast immobilization for an acute ankle fracture. Methods. This is a secondary analysis of a multicentre randomized controlled trial comparing adults with an acute ankle fracture, initially managed either by operative or nonoperative care. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a cast immobilization or a fixed-angle removable orthosis (removable brace). Data were collected on baseline characteristics, ankle function, quality of life, and complications. The Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) was the primary outcome which was used to measure the participant’s ankle function. The primary endpoint was at 16 weeks, with longer-term follow-up at 24 weeks and two years. Results. Overall, 436 patients (65%) completed the final two-year follow-up. The mean difference in OMAS at two years was -0.3 points favouring the plaster cast (95% confidence interval -3.9 to 3.4), indicating no statistically significant difference between the interventions. There was no evidence of differences in patient quality of life (measured using the EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire) or Disability Rating Index. Conclusion. This study demonstrated that patients treated with a removable brace had similar outcomes to those treated with a plaster cast in the first two years after injury. A removable brace is an effective alternative to traditional immobilization in a plaster cast for patients with an ankle fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):382–388


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_21 | Pages 6 - 6
1 Dec 2017
O'Dowd D Brewer P Davies M leese K Chadwick C Howard D Blundell C
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Introduction. Standard teaching of dislocated ankles was always reduce then x-ray. However the 2016 BOAST guidelines stated “Reduction and splinting should be performed urgently for clinically deformed ankles. Radiographs should be obtained before reduction unless this will cause an unacceptable delay”. We aimed to audit our practice against the BOAST guidelines and look at time from attendance to reduction. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all case notes of patients admitted via A&E at the Northern General Hospital with a fractured ankle between August 2016 and January 2017. Time of arrival, time to x-ray and time to reduction were recorded in a database for analysis. Results. 65 patients with acute ankle fractured dislocations were identified from 140 acute fractured ankle referrals to the orthopaedic on-call team. 55 of these had a pre-reduction x-ray. Time from arrival to a radiograph of a reduced ankle in cast was 3hrs 59 minutes for those who had a pre-reduction radiograph compared with 1hr 3 minutes for those who didn't have a pre-reduction radiograph. 12.5% of those with no pre-reduction radiograph required re-manipulation compared with 31% of those who did have a pre-reduction radiograph. Conclusion. Having a pre-reduction x-ray significantly increases the time until there is radiological evidence of a reduced ankle. There was an associated higher risk of requiring a further manipulation in those who had a pre-reduction radiograph. A larger review is currently being undertaken to better understand the possible reasons for this


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_21 | Pages 25 - 25
1 Apr 2013
Bone J Rymaszewski L Kumar C Madeley N
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Introduction. Fifth metatarsal fracture is a common injury. Current practice supports conservative management, with surgery in the event of non-union. Early fracture clinic review is not perceived to improve patient experience or increased detection of non-union. A new protocol standardises treatment to symptom level and discharges patients from ED with advice but without any routine follow-up arranged. A leaflet advises on management, prognosis and helpline details and there is an open-access policy for those whose symptoms persist to investigate potential non-union. Method. A prospective audit evaluated the protocol, surveying patients at 8-weeks and 6-months post-injury. A minor injuries unit continued to refer to fracture clinic and was the control group. During 6-months 46 acute fractures were recorded in the new protocol(group 1) and 47 in the control(group 2). 1 patient in each group was known to experience non-union. 31 of group 1 and 22 of group 2 responded to at least one survey. Results. Satisfaction with information provided at initial presentation was high for both protocols. 87%(27/31) satisfied in group 1 and 90%(20/22) group 2(p=1.0000). At 8-weeks 82%(19/23) were satisfied with their progress following the new protocol compared to 89%(17/19) in the control(p=0.6729). At 6-months 88%(22/25) were satisfied compared to 76%(13/17) respectively(p=0.4133). The new protocol is not associated with a significant symptoms increase. At 8 weeks 22%(5/23) described their pain severity as >5/10 reducing to 8%(2/25) by 6-months. Compared to 10%(2/19) of the control at 8-weeks and 6%(1/17) at 6-months. Patients rating fracture management overall as ‘good or excellent’ were comparable between both new, 67%(21/31) and traditional, 77%(17/22) protocols(p=0.5441). Conclusion. No significant difference in patient satisfaction and symptom levels between the old and new protocol was found. The new protocol reduces unnecessary patient appointments. This reduces demands on fracture clinic while maintaining a safe, resource efficient service


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_21 | Pages 7 - 7
1 Dec 2017
Ahluwalia R Rhamen F Kavarthapu V
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Diabetes is a poor prognostic indicator after an ankle fracture. Many surgeons avoid operating due to concerns regarding complications. We performed a retrospective analysis of complication rates for acute ankle fractures in diabetics with a control non-diabetic patient treated by all surgeons in our unit and assessed factors for success including long-segment fixation. Patient records were cross-referenced with departmental databases and a review of all ankle fractures managed in our department was conducted from 2012. All patients subjected to a retrospective-review of their follow-up for at least 6-months. Radiographs were assessed of the ankle before and at completion of treatment being reviewed independently (RA & FR). We identified the HB1Ac (diabetic-control) and systematic co-morbidities. Fractures were classified into unimalleolar, bi malleolar and trimalleolar and surgery grouped into standard or long-segment-rigid fixation. Statistical analysis was conducted using absolute/relative risk (RR); numbers needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. We compared a control-group, a diabetic group managed conservatively, and undergoing surgery; comparing the concept of rigid fixation and prolonged imobilisation in isolation or combined. Further sub-analysis conducted assessing diabetic neuropathy, retinopathy and nephropathy. Ethics approval was granted as per our institutional policy by our governance lead. We identified 154 diabetic ankle fractures, seventy-six had conservative-treatment; 78 had operative fixation of which 23 had rigid-long-segment-fixation. The diabetic-groups had a higher risk-relative-risk of complication − 3.2 (P< 0.03) being linked to systematic complications of diabetes e.g. neuropathy 5.8 (P< 0.003); HBA1c 4.6 P< 0.004); and neuropathy or retinopathy 6.2 (P< 0.0003). Relative-risk reduction of complications occurred following surgery with prolonged immobilization (0.86) and rigid-fixation (0.65). The Number-Needed-to-Treat required to see a benefit from rigid fixation was 7. Diabetics have a higher risk for complications, however the risk is not as great as previously reported. We provide evidence of rigid-long-segment-fixation with prolonged-immobilization improving-outcomes


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1349 - 1353
3 Oct 2020
Park CH Song K Kim JR Lee S

Aims

The hypothesis of this study was that bone peg fixation in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus would show satisfactory clinical and radiological results, without complications.

Methods

Between September 2014 and July 2017, 25 patients with symptomatic osteochondritis of the talus and an osteochondral fragment, who were treated using bone peg fixation, were analyzed retrospectively. All were available for complete follow-up at a mean 22 of months (12 to 35). There were 15 males and ten females with a mean age of 19.6 years (11 to 34). The clinical results were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score preoperatively and at the final follow-up. The radiological results were evaluated using classification described by Hepple et al based on the MRI findings, the location of the lesion, the size of the osteochondral fragment, and the postoperative healing of the lesion.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 101-B, Issue 2 | Pages 140 - 146
1 Feb 2019
Humphrey JA Woods A Robinson AHN

Aims

This paper documents the epidemiology of adults (aged more than 18 years) with a calcaneal fracture who have been admitted to hospital in England since 2000. Secondary aims were to document whether publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial (UK HeFT) influenced the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture who underwent surgical treatment, and to determine whether there has been any recent change in the surgical technique used for these injuries.

Patients and Methods

In England, the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data are recorded annually. Between 2000/01 and 2016/17, the number of adults admitted to an English NHS hospital with a calcaneal fracture and whether they underwent surgical treatment was determined.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 100-B, Issue 2 | Pages 176 - 182
1 Feb 2018
Petrie MJ Blakey CM Chadwick C Davies HG Blundell CM Davies MB

Aims

Fractures of the navicular can occur in isolation but, owing to the intimate anatomical and biomechanical relationships, are often associated with other injuries to the neighbouring bones and joints in the foot. As a result, they can lead to long-term morbidity and poor function. Our aim in this study was to identify patterns of injury in a new classification system of traumatic fractures of the navicular, with consideration being given to the commonly associated injuries to the midfoot.

Patients and Methods

We undertook a retrospective review of 285 consecutive patients presenting over an eight- year period with a fracture of the navicular. Five common patterns of injury were identified and classified according to the radiological features. Type 1 fractures are dorsal avulsion injuries related to the capsule of the talonavicular joint. Type 2 fractures are isolated avulsion injuries to the tuberosity of the navicular. Type 3 fractures are a variant of tarsometatarsal fracture/dislocations creating instability of the medial ray. Type 4 fractures involve the body of the navicular with no associated injury to the lateral column and type 5 fractures occur in conjunction with disruption of the midtarsal joint with crushing of the medial or lateral, or both, columns of the foot.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1299 - 1311
1 Oct 2016
Hong CC Pearce CJ Ballal MS Calder JDF

Injuries to the foot in athletes are often subtle and can lead to a substantial loss of function if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. For these injuries in general, even after a diagnosis is made, treatment options are controversial and become even more so in high level athletes where limiting the time away from training and competition is a significant consideration.

In this review, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries affecting the foot including updates on their management and outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1299–1311.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 12 | Pages 1629 - 1636
1 Dec 2017
Sheth U Wasserstein D Jenkinson R Moineddin R Kreder H Jaglal S

Aims

To determine whether the findings from a landmark Canadian trial assessing the optimal management of acute rupture of the Achilles tendon influenced the practice patterns of orthopaedic surgeons in Ontario, Canada.

Materials and Methods

Health administrative databases were used to identify Ontario residents ≥ 18 years of age with an Achilles tendon rupture from April 2002 to March 2014. The rate of surgical repair (per 100 cases) was calculated for each calendar quarter. A time-series analysis was used to determine whether changes in the rate were chronologically related to the dissemination of results from a landmark trial published in February 2009. Non-linear spline regression was then used independently to identify critical time-points of change in the surgical repair rate to confirm the findings.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 99-B, Issue 2 | Pages 225 - 230
1 Feb 2017
Olsen LL Møller AM Brorson S Hasselager RB Sort R

Aims

Lifestyle risk factors are thought to increase the risk of infection after acute orthopaedic surgery but the evidence is scarce. We aimed to investigate whether smoking, obesity and alcohol overuse are risk factors for the development of infections after surgery for a fracture of the ankle.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent internal fixation of a fracture of the ankle between 2008 and 2013. The primary outcome was the rate of deep infection and the secondary outcome was any surgical site infection (SSI). Associations with the risk factors and possible confounding variables were analysed univariably and multivariably with backwards elimination.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 2 | Pages 164 - 171
1 Feb 2014
Hannon CP Smyth NA Murawski CD Savage-Elliott BA Deyer TW Calder JDF Kennedy JG

Osteochondral lesions (OCLs) occur in up to 70% of sprains and fractures involving the ankle. Atraumatic aetiologies have also been described. Techniques such as microfracture, and replacement strategies such as autologous osteochondral transplantation, or autologous chondrocyte implantation are the major forms of surgical treatment. Current literature suggests that microfracture is indicated for lesions up to 15 mm in diameter, with replacement strategies indicated for larger or cystic lesions. Short- and medium-term results have been reported, where concerns over potential deterioration of fibrocartilage leads to a need for long-term evaluation.

Biological augmentation may also be used in the treatment of OCLs, as they potentially enhance the biological environment for a natural healing response. Further research is required to establish the critical size of defect, beyond which replacement strategies should be used, as well as the most appropriate use of biological augmentation. This paper reviews the current evidence for surgical management and use of biological adjuncts for treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:164–71.