Stable Weber B fractures are typically treated non-operatively without complications but require close monitoring due to concerns over potential medial deltoid ligament injuries and the risk of delayed talar shift. Following recent evidence suggesting this is unlikely, a functional protocol with early weight bearing was introduced at Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) following a pilot audit.

This study aims to evaluate the risk of delayed talar shift in isolated Weber B fractures managed with functional bracing and early weight-bearing, particularly if signs of medial ligament injury are present.

We conducted a retrospective review of 148 patients with isolated Weber B fractures without talar shift at presentation that were reviewed at the virtual fracture clinic at our institution between July 2019 and June 2020. The primary outcome was the incidence of delayed talar shift. Secondary outcomes were other complications and adherence to protocol.

48 patients had medial signs present and of these 1 (2%) showed possible talar shift on X-rays at 4 weeks, and was kept under review. This patient had a normal medial clear space at 3 months. No patients with medial signs not documented (n=19) or not present (n=81) had delayed talar shift. 10% of patients (n=15) had at least 1 complication: delayed union (n=2); non-union (n=3); ongoing pain (n=14).

Functional bracing with early weight-bearing is a safe, effective protocol for managing isolated Weber B fractures without initial talar shift. This study concludes that the risk of delayed talar shift is low in all patients, with or without medial signs.

The surgical care of extra-articular distal tibial fractures remains controversial. This study looks at the radiological outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with either a direct medial or anterolateral plate, with or without plating of the fibula, to assess the outcome and complications associated with these 2 approaches.

This is a retrospective review of 80 patients with distal tibial extra-articular fractures, treated with an open reduction and plating, between 2008 and 2019 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Case notes and x-rays were reviewed.

Of those tibial fractures fixed with only a medial plate, 78% united (28/36), 5% (2/36) had a non-union and 17% (6/36) a malunion. In the group treated with a combination of medial tibial and fibular plating, the figures were; 71% (15/21), 19% (4/21) and 10% (2/21). However, in the group treated with anterolateral plating of the tibia alone, only 53% (8/15) united, with a 20% (3/15) non-union and 13% (2/15) malunion rate. Additionally in this group, there were 2 patients (13%) with loss of fracture reduction within the first two months of fracture fixation, requiring revision surgery. Interestingly, of the 8 patients treated with anterolateral tibial and fibular plating, 88% (7/8) showed full union and only one (12%) had a non-union, with no malunions is this group.

It would appear that medial tibial and a combination of medial tibial and fibular plating, have superior outcomes compared to anterolateral plating. Results suggest, if anterolateral plating is done, this should be augmented by fixation of the fibular fracture as well.

Arthrodesis of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) is a common procedure used for the treatment of end stage arthritis. We studied a cohort of patients who underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ Fusion for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Here we report the 10-year clinical outcomes, complication rate, requirement for further surgery and patient experience.

All patients, who underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ Fusion for osteoarthritis from June 2008 until November 2011 were included. Demographics, clinical outcome data and subsequent procedures performed were collected from a departmental database (Bluespier). Patients were contacted and asked to complete the MOxFQ questionnaire and rate their satisfaction using pain, function and if they would undergo the surgery again. Mean follow up was 10.85 (range 9–12) years.

A total of 161 patients (183 feet) underwent an isolated 1st MTPJ fusion during this time period. 156 of the feet showed a successful arthrodesis (85.2% fusion rate); 27 patients required revision surgery, 19 (10.4%) for a symptomatic non-union and 8 (4.4%) for mal-union. Those patients with co-morbidities (diabetes and gout) required revision earlier than those without (p<0.01). Average MOxFQ score was 16.6 (0–64) and 28 out of the 38 (73.6%) said they would have the operation again.

Overall, the long-term results of the 1st MTPJ fusion had good outcomes with a successful fusion rate and minimal complications, both in line with the corresponding literature. In this series, fusion provided high patient satisfaction with the majority of patients opting to undergo fusion with the gift of hindsight.

Isolated Weber B fractures usually heal uneventfully but traditionally require regular review due to the possibility of medial ligament injury allowing displacement. Following recent studies suggesting that delayed talar shift is uncommon we introduced a functional treatment protocol and present the early results.

86 patients presenting acutely with Weber B fractures without talar shift between January and July 2015 were included. Patients were splinted in a removable boot and allowed to weight bear. ED notes and radiographs were reviewed by an Orthopaedic consultant. Patients without signs of medial injury were discharged with an information leaflet and advice. If signs of medial ligament injury were noted or the medial findings were not documented the patient was reviewed in fracture clinic at 4 weeks post-injury. If talar shift developed the patient was to be converted to operative treatment. MOXFQ and EDQ5 scores were collected.

50 patients had signs of medial ligament injury or no documented medial findings and of these 43 attended fracture clinic. Of 36 patients without signs of medial ligament injury 28 were discharged according to protocol and 8 patients attended fracture clinic. One discharged patient re-accessed care. Of 52 patients reviewed in the fracture clinic none developed delayed talar shift and all continued with non-operative treatment. The outcome scores were comparable to those in the published literature.

We conclude the risk of delayed talar shift is low and satisfactory outcomes can be safely achieved with our functional protocol. Additional tests/imaging to establish the integrity of the medial ligament may be unnecessary.

Calcaneal fracture fixation over the past decade has been practised via an extensile lateral incision. This can be complicated by infection and wound breakdown.

We have developed a new technique for fixation of the calcaneal fractures – MACO. We utilise a 4 cm sub fibular incision to aid joint visualisation and fracture reduction. Fixation is via percutaneous screws.

We analysed our prospectively collected database. 26 fractures were fixed over an 18 month period at Glasgow Royal Infirmary by three consultant surgeons. 22 patients were male and half were smokers. Mean follow up was 5 months (range 1.5 – 18 months).

The mean age of our patients is 41 (range 25–68). The mean pre operative Bohler's angle was 16.7 degrees. Gissane's angle was similarly abnormal with a mean of 129 degrees.

The average duration of surgery was 73 minutes (range 45–100 minutes). Post operatively, Bohler's angle was improved. The mean was 29 degrees. There was no significant difference with Gissane's angle. The mean was 128 degrees.

There were no superficial wound infections. One patient was troubled by wound breakdown with subsequent deep infection. There was no need for metalwork removal in our series of patients. Two patients developed post traumatic osteoarthritis of the sub talar joint. Only one has required sub talar joint fusion.

We conclude that the novel technique which we describe is successful in restoring calcaneal anatomy with few complications. Further follow up is needed to determine the long term outcomes of such surgery.

A series of 76 distal tibial pilon fractures treated with surgical fixation were retrospectively reviewed from case notes, plain radiographs and CT imaging. Patient demographics, injury and fracture patterns, methods and timing of fixation and clinical and radiological outcomes were assessed over a mean follow up period of 8.6 months (range 2–30).

Definitive fixation was most commonly performed through an open technique (71 cases) with plate fixation. CT imaging was used to plan the most direct approach to access the fracture fragments. Single or double incision techniques were used to access the tibia, with fixation of the fibular performed when necessary.

Superficial infection occurred in 5 cases (6.9%) and deep infection in 2 (2.8%). Aseptic wound breakdown occurred in 5 cases (6.9%). The rate of wound breakdown after three-incision technique was 37.5%.

There were 10 cases of non-union (13.9%) and 8 of mal-union (10.5%). Post-traumatic arthritis was present on the most recent x ray in 17 cases (23.4%). Further surgery was required in 20 cases (27.8%), most commonly for metalwork related problems and also for treatment of non-union, post-traumatic arthritis and infection.

This review gives comprehensive injury specific and surgical outcome data from one of the largest reported series of these complex and problematic injuries.