Aims

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.

The June 2024 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Skin antisepsis before surgical fixation of limb fractures; Comparative analysis of intramedullary nail versus plate fixation for fibula fracture in supination external rotation type IV ankle injury; Early weightbearing versus late weightbearing after intramedullary nailing for distal femoral fracture (AO/OTA 33) in elderly patients: a multicentre propensity-matched study; Long-term outcomes with spinal versus general anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery; Operative versus nonoperative management of unstable medial malleolus fractures: a randomized clinical trial; Impact of smoking status on fracture-related infection characteristics and outcomes; Reassessing empirical antimicrobial choices in fracture-related infections; Development and validation of the Nottingham Trauma Frailty Index (NTFI) for older trauma patients.

Aims. 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. Methods. 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. Results. Four retrospective studies and eight case reports were accepted in this systematic review. Collectively there were 489 Pilon fractures, 77 of which presented with TP entrapment (15.75%). There were 28 trimalleolar fractures, 12 of which presented with TP entrapment (42.86%). All the case report studies reported inability to reduce the fractures at initial presentation. The diagnosis of TP entrapment was made in the early period in two (25%) cases, and delayed diagnosis in six (75%) cases reported. Using modified Clavien-Dindo complication classification, 60 (67%) of the injuries reported grade IIIa complications and 29 (33%) grade IIIb complications. Conclusion. TP tendon was the commonest tendon injury associated with pilon fracture and, to a lesser extent, trimalleolar ankle fracture. Early identification using a clinical suspicion and CT imaging could lead to early management of TP entrapment in these injuries, which could lead to better patient outcomes and reduced morbidity. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):252–259

Aims. The optimal management of posterior malleolar ankle fractures, a prevalent type of ankle trauma, is essential for improved prognosis. However, there remains a debate over the most effective surgical approach, particularly between screw and plate fixation methods. This study aims to investigate the differences in outcomes associated with these fixation techniques. Methods. We conducted a comprehensive review of clinical trials comparing anteroposterior (A-P) screws, posteroanterior (P-A) screws, and plate fixation. Two investigators validated the data sourced from multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science). Following PRISMA guidelines, we carried out a network meta-analysis (NMA) using visual analogue scale and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes included range of motion limitations, radiological outcomes, and complication rates. Results. The NMA encompassed 13 studies, consisting of four randomized trials and eight retrospective ones. According to the surface under the cumulative ranking curve-based ranking, the A-P screw was ranked highest for improvements in AOFAS and exhibited lowest in infection and peroneal nerve injury incidence. The P-A screws, on the other hand, excelled in terms of VAS score improvements. Conversely, posterior buttress plate fixation showed the least incidence of osteoarthritis grade progression, postoperative articular step-off ≥ 2 mm, nonunions, and loss of ankle dorsiflexion ≥ 5°, though it underperformed in most other clinical outcomes. Conclusion. The NMA suggests that open plating is more likely to provide better radiological outcomes, while screw fixation may have a greater potential for superior functional and pain results. Nevertheless, clinicians should still consider the fragment size and fracture pattern, weighing the advantages of rigid biomechanical fixation against the possibility of soft-tissue damage, to optimize treatment results. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(3):227–235

Aims

Machine-learning (ML) prediction models in orthopaedic trauma hold great promise in assisting clinicians in various tasks, such as personalized risk stratification. However, an overview of current applications and critical appraisal to peer-reviewed guidelines is lacking. The objectives of this study are to 1) provide an overview of current ML prediction models in orthopaedic trauma; 2) evaluate the completeness of reporting following the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement; and 3) assess the risk of bias following the Prediction model Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST) tool.

Aims

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.

The June 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Nail versus plate fixation for ankle fractures; Outcomes of first ray amputation in diabetic patients; Vascular calcification on plain radiographs of the ankle to diagnose diabetes mellitus; Elderly patients with ankle fracture: the case for early weight-bearing; Active treatment for Frieberg’s disease: does it work?; Survival of ankle arthroplasty; Complications following ankle arthroscopy.

The April 2023 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Outcomes following a two-stage revision total ankle arthroplasty for periprosthetic joint infection; Temporary bridge plate fixation and joint motion after an unstable Lisfranc injury; Outcomes of fusion in type II os naviculare; Total ankle arthroplasty versus arthrodesis for end-stage ankle osteoarthritis; Normal saline for plantar fasciitis: placebo or therapeutic?; Distraction arthroplasty for ankle osteoarthritis: does it work?; Let there be movement: ankle arthroplasty after previous fusion; Morbidity and mortality after diabetic Charcot foot arthropathy.

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.

Aims. The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence. Methods. Radiological (absolute radiological measurements aided by computer software) and clinical (clinical interpretation of radiographs) definitions of malunion were compared within the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial cohort, including people aged ≥ 60 years with an unstable ankle fracture. Linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between radiological malunion (RM) at six months and changes in function at three years. Function was assessed with the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), with a minimal clinically important difference set as six points, as per the AIM trial. Piecewise linear models were used to investigate new radiological thresholds which better explain symptom impact on ankle function. Results. Previously described measures of RM and surgeon opinion of clinically significant malunion (CSM) were shown to be related but with important differences. CSM was more strongly related to outcome (-13.9 points on the OMAS; 95% confidence interval (CI) -21.9 to -5.4) than RM (-5.5 points; 95% CI -9.8 to -1.2). Existing malunion thresholds for talar tilt and tibiofibular clear space were shown to be slightly conservative; new thresholds which better explain function were identified (talar tilt > 2.4°; tibiofibular clear space > 6 mm). Based on this new definition the presence of RM had an impact on function, which was statistically significant, but the clinical significance was uncertain (-9.1 points; 95% CI -13.8 to -4.4). In subsequent analysis, RM of a posterior malleolar fracture was shown to have a statistically significant impact on OMAS change scores, but the clinical significance was uncertain (-11.6 points; 95% CI -21.9 to -0.6). Conclusion. These results provide clinical evidence which supports the previously accepted definitions. Further research to investigate more conservative clinical thresholds for malunion is indicated. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):841–849

Aims

Arthroplasty has become increasingly popular to treat end-stage ankle arthritis. Iatrogenic posterior neurovascular and tendinous injury have been described from saw cuts. However, it is hypothesized that posterior ankle structures could be damaged by inserting tibial guide pins too deeply and be a potential cause of residual hindfoot pain.

Aims

This is a multicentre, non-inventor, prospective observational study of 503 INFINITY fixed bearing total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs). We report our early experience, complications, and radiological and functional outcomes.

Aims. The morphology of medial malleolar fracture is highly variable and difficult to characterize without 3D reconstruction. There is also no universally accepeted classification system. Thus, we aimed to characterize fracture patterns of the medial malleolus and propose a classification scheme based on 3D CT reconstruction. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 537 consecutive cases of ankle fractures involving the medial malleolus treated in our institution. 3D fracture maps were produced by superimposing all the fracture lines onto a standard template. We sliced fracture fragments and the standard template based on selected sagittal and coronal planes to create 2D fracture maps, where angles α and β were measured. Angles α and β were defined as the acute angles formed by the fracture line and the horizontal line on the selected planes. Results. A total of 121 ankle fractures were included. We revealed several important fracture features, such as a high correlation between posterior collicular fractures and posteromedial fragments. Moreover, we generalized the fracture geometry into three recurrent patterns on the coronal view of 3D maps (transverse, vertical, and irregular) and five recurrent patterns on the lateral view (transverse, oblique, vertical, Y-shaped, and irregular). According to the fracture geometry on the coronal and lateral view of 3D maps, we subsequently categorized medial malleolar fractures into six types based on the recurrent patterns: anterior collicular fracture (27 type I, 22.3%), posterior collicular fracture (12 type II, 9.9%), concurrent fracture of anterior and posterior colliculus (16 type III, 13.2%), and supra-intercollicular groove fracture (66 type IV, 54.5%). Therewere three variants of type IV fractures: transverse (type IVa), vertical (type IVb), and comminuted fracture (type IVc). The angles α and β varied accordingly. Conclusion. Our findings yield insight into the characteristics and recurrent patterns of medial malleolar fractures. The proposed classification system is helpful in understanding injury mechanisms and guiding diagnosis, as well as surgical strategies. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):931–938

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.

Aims. We report the medium-term outcomes of a consecutive series of 118 Zenith total ankle arthroplasties (TAAs) from a single, non-designer centre. Methods. Between December 2010 and May 2016, 118 consecutive Zenith prostheses were implanted in 114 patients. Demographic, clinical, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) data were collected. The endpoint of the study was failure of the implant requiring revision of one or all of the components. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and the rate of failure calculated for each year. Results. Eight patients (ten ankles) died during follow-up, but none required revision. Of the surviving 106 patients (108 ankles: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), n = 15; osteoarthritis (OA), n = 93), 38 were women and 68 were men, with a mean age of 68.2 years (48 to 86) at the time of surgery. Mean follow-up was 5.1 years (2.1 to 9.0). A total of ten implants failed (8.5%), thus requiring revision. The implant survival at seven years, using revision as an endpoint, was 88.2% (95% CI 100% to 72.9%). There was a mean improvement in Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire (MOXFQ) from 85.0 to 32.8 and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores from 7.0 to 3.2, and overall satisfaction was 89%. The three commonest complications were malleolar fracture (14.4%, n = 17), wound healing (13.6%, n = 16), and superficial infection (12.7%, n = 15). The commonest reason for revision was aseptic loosening. No patients in our study were revised for deep infection. Conclusion. Our results show that Zenith survival rates are comparable with those in the literature for other implants and in the National Joint Registry (NJR). Overall patient satisfaction was high as were functional outcomes. However, the data highlight potential complications associated with this surgery. The authors believe that these figures support ankle arthroplasty as an option in the treatment of ankle arthritis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):696–703

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to address the hypothesis that fracture morphology might be more important than posterior malleolar fragment size in rotational type posterior malleolar ankle fractures (PMAFs). The secondary aim was to identify clinically important predictors of outcome for each respective PMAF-type, to challenge the current dogma that surgical decision-making should be based on fragment size. Methods. This observational prospective cohort study included 70 patients with operatively treated rotational type PMAFs, respectively: 23 Haraguchi Type I (large posterolateral-oblique), 22 Type II (two-part posterolateral and posteromedial), and 25 (avulsion-) Type III. There was no standardized protocol on how to address the PMAFs and CT-imaging was used to classify fracture morphology and quality of postoperative syndesmotic reduction. Quantitative 3D-CT (Q3DCT) was used to assess the quality of fracture reduction, respectively: the proportion of articular involvement; residual intra-articular: gap, step-off, and 3D-displacement; and residual gap and step-off at the fibular notch. These predictors were correlated with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at two-years follow-up. Results. Bivariate analyses revealed that fracture morphology (p = 0.039) as well as fragment size (p = 0.007) were significantly associated with the FAOS. However, in multivariate analyses, fracture morphology (p = 0.001) (but not fragment size (p = 0.432)) and the residual intra-articular gap(s) (p = 0.009) were significantly associated. Haraguchi Type-II PMAFs had poorer FAOS scores compared with Types I and III. Multivariate analyses identified the following independent predictors: step-off in Type I; none of the Q3DCT-measurements in Type II, and quality of syndesmotic reduction in small-avulsion Type III PMAFs. Conclusion. PMAFs are three separate entities based on fracture morphology, with different predictors of outcome for each PMAF type. The current debate on whether or not to fix PMAFs needs to be refined to determine which morphological subtype benefits from fixation. In PMAFs, fracture morphology should guide treatment instead of fragment size. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(9):1229–1241

Aims

This study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of fractures of the medial malleolus using lean, bioabsorbable, rare-earth element (REE)-free, magnesium (Mg)-based biodegradable screws in the adult skeleton.

Aims

In a randomized controlled trial with two-year follow-up, patients treated with suture button (SB) for acute syndesmotic injury had better outcomes than patients treated with syndesmotic screw (SS). The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes for these treatment groups after five years.

Objectives

CT-based three-column classification (TCC) has been widely used in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). In its updated version (updated three-column concept, uTCC), a fracture morphology-based injury mechanism was proposed for effective treatment guidance. In this study, the injury mechanism of TPFs is further explained, and its inter- and intraobserver reliability is evaluated to perfect the uTCC.

Abstract. The medial malleolus, once believed to be the primary stabilizer of the ankle, has been the topic of conflicting clinical and biomechanical data for many decades. Despite the relevant surgical anatomy being understood for almost 40 years, the optimal treatment of medial malleolar fractures remains unclear, whether the injury occurs in isolation or as part of an unstable bi- or trimalleolar fracture configuration. Traditional teaching recommends open reduction and fixation of medial malleolar fractures that are part of an unstable injury. However, there is recent evidence to suggest that nonoperative management of well-reduced fractures may result in equivalent outcomes, but without the morbidity associated with surgery. This review gives an update on the relevant anatomy and classification systems for medial malleolar fractures and an overview of the current literature regarding their management, including surgical approaches and the choice of implants. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:512–521

Aims

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) surgery is complex and attracts a wide variety of complications. The literature lacks consistency in reporting adverse events and complications. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive analysis of each of these complications from a literature review, and to compare them with rates from our Unit, to aid clinicians with the process of informed consent.

The posterior malleolus of the ankle is the object of increasing attention, with considerable enthusiasm for CT scanning and surgical fixation, as expressed in a recent annotation in The Bone & Joint Journal. Undoubtedly, fractures with a large posterior malleolar fragment that allow posterior talar subluxation from the mortise are served better by fixation. However, in all other situations, the existing literature does not support this widespread change in practice. The available biomechanical evidence shows that the posterior malleolus has little part to play in the stability or contact stresses of the ankle joint. Radiographic studies have not shown that CT scanning offers helpful information on pathoanatomical classification, case selection, or prognosis, or that scanning improves the likelihood of an adequate surgical reduction. Clinical studies have not shown any improvement in patient outcome after surgical fixation, and have confirmed that the inevitable consequence of increased intervention is an increased rate of complications. A careful and thoughtful evaluation of indications, risks, and benefits of this fashionable concept is required to ensure that we are deploying valuable resources with efficacy, and that we do no harm.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:566–9.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a posterior malleolar fragment (PMF), with < 25% ankle joint surface, on pressure distribution and joint-stability. There is still little scientific evidence available to advise on the size of PMF, which is essential to provide treatment. To date, studies show inconsistent results and recommendations for surgical treatment date from 1940.

Aims. There has been an evolution recently in the management of unstable fractures of the ankle with a trend towards direct fixation of a posterior malleolar fragment. Within these fractures, Haraguchi type 2 fractures extend medially and often cannot be fixed using a standard posterolateral approach. Our aim was to describe the posteromedial approach to address these fractures and to assess its efficacy and safety. Patients and Methods. We performed a review of 15 patients with a Haraguchi type 2 posterior malleolar fracture which was fixed using a posteromedial approach. Five patients underwent initial temporary spanning external fixation. The outcome was assessed at a median follow-up of 29 months (interquartile range (IQR) 17 to 36) using the Olerud and Molander score and radiographs were assessed for the quality of the reduction. Results. The median Olerud and Molander score was 72 (IQR 70 to 75), representing a good functional outcome. The reduction was anatomical in ten, with a median step of 1.2 mm (IQR 0.9 to 1.85) in the remaining five patients. One patient had parasthaesiae affecting the medial forefoot, which resolved within three months. Conclusion. We found that the posteromedial approach to the ankle for the surgical treatment of Haraguchi type 2 posterior malleolar fractures is a safe technique that enables good visualisation and reduction of the individual fracture fragments with promising early outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1496–1501

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in patients with pre-operatively moderate and severe arthritic varus ankles to those achieved for patients with neutral ankles.

Stable fractures of the ankle can be safely treated non-operatively. It is also gradually being recognised that the integrity of the ‘medial column’ is essential for the stability of the fracture. It is generally thought that bi- and tri-malleolar fractures are unstable, as are pronation external rotation injuries resulting in an isolated high fibular fracture (Weber type-C), where the deltoid ligament is damaged or the medial malleolus fractured. However, how best to identify unstable, isolated, trans-syndesmotic Weber type-B supination external rotation (SER) fractures of the lateral malleolus remains controversial.

We provide a rationale as to how to classify SER distal fibular fractures using weight-bearing radiographs, and how this can help guide the management of these common injuries.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:851–5.

Aims

Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of wound complications after open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. A fibular nail avoids large surgical incisions and allows anatomical reduction of the mortise.

Aims

Involvement of the posterior malleolus in fractures of the ankle probably adversely affects the functional outcome and may be associated with the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Anatomical reduction is a predictor of a successful outcome.

The purpose of this study was to describe the technique and short-term outcome of patients with trimalleolar fractures, who were treated surgically using a posterolateral approach in our hospital between 2010 and 2014.

We prospectively assessed the diagnostic accuracy of the gravity stress test and clinical findings to evaluate the stability of the ankle mortise in patients with supination–external rotation-type fractures of the lateral malleolus without widening of the medial clear space. The cohort included 79 patients with a mean age of 44 years (16 to 82). Two surgeons assessed medial tenderness, swelling and ecchymosis and performed the external rotation (ER) stress test (a reference standard). A diagnostic radiographer performed the gravity stress test.

For the gravity stress test, the positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 5.80 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 2.75 to 12.27, and the negative LR was 0.15 (95% CI 0.07 to 0.35), suggesting a moderate change from the pre-test probability. Medial tenderness, both alone and in combination with swelling and/or ecchymosis, indicated a small change (positive LR, 2.74 to 3.25; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47), whereas swelling and ecchymosis indicated only minimal changes (positive LR, 1.41 to 1.65; negative LR, 0.38 to 0.47).

In conclusion, when gravity stress test results are in agreement with clinical findings, the result is likely to predict stability of the ankle mortise with an accuracy equivalent to ER stress test results. When clinical examination suggests a medial-side injury, however, the gravity stress test may give a false negative result.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:1126–31.

The August 2015 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360 . looks at: Is orthosis more important than physio in tibialis posterior deficiency?; Radiographic evaluation of ankle injury; Sciatic catheter quite enough!; A fresh look at avascular necrosis of the talus; Total ankle and VTE; Outcomes of posterior malleolar fracture; Absorbable sutures in the Achilles tendon; Lisfranc injuries under the spotlight

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures of the ankle is increasing. However, little is known about the outcome of treatment and their management remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of periprosthetic fractures on the functional and radiological outcome of patients with a total ankle arthroplasty (TAA).

A total of 505 TAAs (488 patients) who underwent TAA were retrospectively evaluated for periprosthetic ankle fracture: these were then classified according to a recent classification which is orientated towards treatment. The outcome was evaluated clinically using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and a visual analogue scale for pain, and radiologically.

A total of 21 patients with a periprosthetic fracture of the ankle were identified. There were 13 women and eight men. The mean age of the patients was 63 years (48 to 74). Thus, the incidence of fracture was 4.17%.

There were 11 intra-operative and ten post-operative fractures, of which eight were stress fractures and two were traumatic. The prosthesis was stable in all patients. Five stress fractures were treated conservatively and the remaining three were treated operatively.

A total of 17 patients (81%) were examined clinically and radiologically at a mean follow-up of 53.5 months (12 to 112). The mean AOFAS score at follow-up was 79.5 (21 to 100). The mean AOFAS score in those with an intra-operative fracture was 87.6 (80 to 100) and for those with a stress fracture, which were mainly because of varus malpositioning, was 67.3 (21 to 93). Periprosthetic fractures of the ankle do not necessarily adversely affect the clinical outcome, provided that a treatment algorithm is implemented with the help of a new classification system.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:950–6.

In this retrospective cohort study, we analysed the incidence and functional outcome of a distal tibiofibular synostosis. Patients with an isolated AO type 44-B or C fracture of the ankle who underwent surgical treatment between 1995 and 2007 were invited for clinical and radiological review. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons score and a visual analogue score for pain were used to assess outcome.

A total of 274 patients were available; the mean follow-up was 9.7 years (8 to 18). The extent of any calcification or synostosis at the level of the distal interosseous membrane or syndesmosis on the contemporary radiographs was defined as: no or minor calcifications (group 1), severe calcification (group 2), or complete synostosis (group 3).

A total of 222 (81%) patients were in group 1, 37 (14%) in group 2 and 15 (5%) in group 3. There was no significant difference in incidence between AO type 44-B and type 44-C fractures (p = 0.89). Severe calcification or synostosis occurred in 21 patients (19%) in whom a syndesmotic screw was used and in 31 (19%) in whom a syndesmotic screw was not used.(p = 0.70). No significant differences were found between the groups except for a greater reduction in mean dorsiflexion in group 2 (p = 0.004).

This is the largest study on distal tibiofibular synostosis, and we found that a synostosis is a frequent complication of surgery for a fracture of the ankle. Although it theoretically impairs the range of movement of the ankle, it did not affect the outcome.

Our findings suggest that synostosis of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis in general does not warrant treatment.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:945–9.

Ankle replacements have improved significantly since the first reported attempt at resurfacing of the talar dome in 1962. We are now at a stage where ankle replacement offers a viable option in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. As the procedure becomes more successful, it is important to reflect and review the current surgical outcomes. This allows us to guide our patients in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. What is the better surgical treatment – arthrodesis or replacement?

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 compared the clinical and radiographic results of total ankle replacement (TAR) performed in non-diabetic and diabetic patients. We identified 173 patients who underwent unilateral TAR between 2004 and 2011 with a minimum of two years’ follow-up. There were 88 male (50.9%) and 85 female (49.1%) patients with a mean age of 66 years (sd 7.9, 43 to 84). There were 43 diabetic patients, including 25 with controlled diabetes and 18 with uncontrolled diabetes, and 130 non-diabetic patients. The clinical data which were analysed included the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, as well the incidence of peri-operative complications.

The mean AOS and AOFAS scores were significantly better in the non-diabetic group (p = 0.018 and p = 0.038, respectively). In all, nine TARs (21%) in the diabetic group had clinical failure at a mean follow-up of five years (24 to 109), which was significantly higher than the rate of failure of 15 (11.6%) in the non-diabetic group (p = 0.004). The uncontrolled diabetic subgroup had a significantly poorer outcome than the non-diabetic group (p = 0.02), and a higher rate of delayed wound healing.

The incidence of early-onset osteolysis was higher in the diabetic group than in the non-diabetic group (p = 0.02). These results suggest that diabetes mellitus, especially with poor glycaemic control, negatively affects the short- to mid-term outcome after TAR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1674–80.

Our aim was to compare polylevolactic acid screws with titanium screws when used for fixation of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis at mid-term follow-up. A total of 168 patients, with a mean age of 38.5 years (18 to 72) who were randomly allocated to receive either polylevolactic acid (n = 86) or metallic (n = 82) screws were included. The Baird scoring system was used to assess the overall satisfaction and functional recovery post-operatively. The demographic details and characteristics of the injury were similar in the two groups. The mean follow-up was 55.8 months (48 to 66). The Baird scores were similar in the two groups at the final follow-up. Patients in the polylevolactic acid group had a greater mean dorsiflexion (p = 0.011) and plantar-flexion of the injured ankles (p < 0.001). In the same group, 18 patients had a mild and eight patients had a moderate foreign body reaction. In the metallic groups eight had mild and none had a moderate foreign body reaction (p <  0.001). In total, three patients in the polylevolactic acid group and none in the metallic group had heterotopic ossification (p = 0.246).

We conclude that both screws provide adequate fixation and functional recovery, but polylevolactic acid screws are associated with a higher incidence of foreign body reactions.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:548–54.

The April 2014 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: is it safe to primarily close dog bite wounds?; conservative transfusion evidence based in hip fracture surgery; tibial nonunion is devastating to quality of life; sexual dysfunction after traumatic pelvic fracture; hemiarthroplasty versus fixation in displaced femoral neck fractures; silver VAC dressings “Gold Standard” in massive wounds; dual plating for talar neck fracture; syndesmosis and fibular length easiest errors in ankle fracture surgery; and dual mobility: stable as a rock in fracture.

The February 2014 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: optimal medial malleolar fixation; resurfacing in the talus; predicting outcome in mobility ankles; whether mal-aligned ankles can be successfully replaced; cartilage colonisation in bipolar ankle grafts; CTs and proof of fusion; recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy; and recurrent fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

Little is known about the long-term outcome of mobile-bearing total ankle replacement (TAR) in the treatment of end-stage arthritis of the ankle, and in particular for patients with inflammatory joint disease. The aim of this study was to assess the minimum ten-year outcome of TAR in this group of patients.

We prospectively followed 76 patients (93 TARs) who underwent surgery between 1988 and 1999. No patients were lost to follow-up. At latest follow-up at a mean of 14.8 years (10.7 to 22.8), 30 patients (39 TARs) had died and the original TAR remained in situ in 28 patients (31 TARs). The cumulative incidence of failure at 15 years was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11 to 28). The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle–hindfoot score of the surviving patients at latest follow-up was 80.4 (95% CI 72 to 88). In total, 21 patients (23 TARs) underwent subsequent surgery: three implant exchanges, three bearing exchanges and 17 arthrodeses. Neither design of TAR described in this study, the LCS and the Buechel–Pappas, remains currently available. However, based both on this study and on other reports, we believe that TAR using current mobile-bearing designs for patients with end-stage arthritis of the ankle due to inflammatory joint disease remains justified.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1656–61.

The AO Foundation advocates the use of partially threaded lag screws in the fixation of fractures of the medial malleolus. However, their threads often bypass the radiodense physeal scar of the distal tibia, possibly failing to obtain more secure purchase and better compression of the fracture. We therefore hypothesised that the partially threaded screws commonly used to fix a medial malleolar fracture often provide suboptimal compression as a result of bypassing the physeal scar, and proposed that better compression of the fracture may be achieved with shorter partially threaded screws or fully threaded screws whose threads engage the physeal scar. We analysed compression at the fracture site in human cadaver medial malleoli treated with either 30 mm or 45 mm long partially threaded screws or 45 mm fully threaded screws. The median compression at the fracture site achieved with 30 mm partially threaded screws (0.95 kg/cm. 2. (interquartile range (IQR) 0.8 to 1.2) and 45 mm fully threaded screws (1.0 kg/cm. 2 . (IQR 0.7 to 2.8)) was significantly higher than that achieved with 45 mm partially threaded screws (0.6 kg/cm. 2. (IQR 0.2 to 0.9)) (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). The fully threaded screws and the 30mm partially threaded screws were seen to engage the physeal scar under an image intensifier in each case. The results support the use of 30 mm partially threaded or 45 mm fully threaded screws that engage the physeal scar rather than longer partially threaded screws that do not. A 45 mm fully threaded screw may in practice offer additional benefit over 30 mm partially threaded screws in increasing the thread count in the denser paraphyseal region. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1662–6

Most posterior hindfoot procedures have been described with the patient positioned prone. This affords excellent access to posterior hindfoot structures but has several disadvantages for the management of the airway, the requirement for an endotracheal tube in all patients, difficulty with ventilation and an increased risk of pressure injuries, especially with regard to reduced ocular perfusion.

We describe use of the ‘recovery position’, which affords equivalent access to the posterior aspect of the ankle and hindfoot without the morbidity associated with the prone position. A laryngeal mask rather than endotracheal tube may be used in most patients. In this annotation we describe this technique, which offers a safe and simple alternative method of positioning patients for posterior hindfoot and ankle surgery.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1317–19.

In a retrospective study we compared 32 HINTEGRA total ankle replacements (TARs) and 35 Mobility TARs performed between July 2005 and May 2010, with a minimum follow-up of two years. The mean follow-up for the HINTEGRA group was 53 months (24 to 76) and for the Mobility group was 34 months (24 to 45). All procedures were performed by a single surgeon.

There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the mean AOFAS score, visual analogue score for pain or range of movement of the ankle at the latest follow-up. Most radiological measurements did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, the most common grade of heterotopic ossification (HO) was grade 3 in the HINTEGRA group (10 of 13 TARs, 76.9%) and grade 2 in the Mobility group (four of seven TARs, 57.1%) (p = 0.025). Although HO was more frequent in the HINTEGRA group (40.6%) than in the Mobility group (20.0%), this was not statistically significant (p = 0.065).The difference in peri-operative complications between the two groups was not significant, but intra-operative medial malleolar fractures occurred in four (11.4%) in the Mobility group; four (12.5%) in the HINTEGRA group and one TAR (2.9%) in the Mobility group failed (p = 0.185).

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1075–82.

It has previously been suggested that among unstable ankle fractures, the presence of a malleolar fracture is associated with a worse outcome than a corresponding ligamentous injury. However, previous studies have included heterogeneous groups of injury. The purpose of this study was to determine whether any specific pattern of bony and/or ligamentous injury among a series of supination-external rotation type IV (SER IV) ankle fractures treated with anatomical fixation was associated with a worse outcome. We analysed a prospective cohort of 108 SER IV ankle fractures with a follow-up of one year. Pre-operative radiographs and MRIs were undertaken to characterise precisely the pattern of injury. Operative treatment included fixation of all malleolar fractures. Post-operative CT was used to assess reduction. The primary and secondary outcome measures were the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the range of movement of the ankle. There were no clinically relevant differences between the four possible SER IV fracture pattern groups with regard to the FAOS or range of movement. In this population of strictly defined SER IV ankle injuries, the presence of a malleolar fracture was not associated with a significantly worse clinical outcome than its ligamentous injury counterpart. Other factors inherent to the injury and treatment may play a more important role in predicting outcome

Techniques for fixation of fractures of the lateral malleolus have remained essentially unchanged since the 1960s, but are associated with complication rates of up to 30%. The fibular nail is an alternative method of fixation requiring a minimal incision and tissue dissection, and has the potential to reduce the incidence of complications.

We reviewed the results of 105 patients with unstable fractures of the ankle that were fixed between 2002 and 2010 using the Acumed fibular nail. The mean age of the patients was 64.8 years (22 to 95), and 80 (76%) had significant systemic medical comorbidities. Various different configurations of locking screw were assessed over the study period as experience was gained with the device. Nailing without the use of locking screws gave satisfactory stability in only 66% of cases (4 of 6). Initial locking screw constructs rendered between 91% (10 of 11) and 96% (23 of 24) of ankles stable. Overall, seven patients had loss of fixation of the fracture and there were five post-operative wound infections related to the distal fibula. This lead to the development of the current technique with a screw across the syndesmosis in addition to a distal locking screw. In 21 patients treated with this technique there have been no significant complications and only one superficial wound infection. Good fracture reduction was achieved in all of these patients. The mean physical component Short-Form 12, Olerud and Molander score, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle outcome scores at a mean of six years post-injury were 46 (28 to 61), 65 (35 to 100) and 83 (52 to 99), respectively. There have been no cases of fibular nonunion.

Nailing of the fibula using our current technique gives good radiological and functional outcomes with minimal complications, and should be considered in the management of patients with an unstable ankle fracture.

The April 2012 Trauma Roundup. 360 . looks at fibula-pro-tibia plating, galeazzi fractures, distal radial fractures in the over 65s, transverse sacral fractures, acute dislocation of the knee, posterior malleolar fractures, immobilising the broken scaphoid, the terrible triad, lower limb amputation after trauma, and whiplash injuries

We assessed the long-term (20 years) outcome of closed reduction and immobilisation in 19 patients with an isolated fracture of the posterior malleolus of the ankle treated at a single hospital between 1985 and 1990. The assessments used were an Olerud functional questionnaire score, physical examination using a loaded dorsal and plantar range of movement measurement, radiological analysis of medial joint space widening, the Cedell score for anatomical alignment of all three malleoli, and the radiological presence of osteoarthritic change. . There were excellent or good results in 14 patients (74%) according to the Olerud score, in 18 patients (95%) according to loaded dorsal and plantar range of movement assessment, in 16 patients (84%) as judged by the Cedell score, and for osteoarthritis 18 patients (95%) had an excellent or good score. There were no poor outcomes. There was no correlation between the size of the fracture gap and the proportion of the tibiotalar contact area when compared with the clinical results (gap size: rho values -0.16 to 0.04, p ≥ 0.51; tibiotalar contact area: rho values -0.20 to -0.03, p ≥ 0.4). Conservative treatment of ‘isolated’ posterior malleolar fractures resulted in good clinical and radiological outcome in this series at long-term follow-up.

We describe the early results of a prospective study of 100 total ankle replacements (96 patients) at a single centre using the Mobility Total Ankle Replacement. At final review, six patients had died and five ankles (5%) had been revised, two by fusion and three by exchange of components. All remaining patients were reviewed at a minimum of three years. The mean follow-up was 43 months (4 to 63). The three-year survival was 97% (95% confidence interval (CI) 91 to 99). The four-year survival was 93.6% (95% CI 84.7 to 97.4). The portion of bony interface that was visible on plain radiograph was divided into 15 zones and a radiolucent line or osteolytic cavity was seen in one zone in 14 ankles. It was not seen in more than one zone. In five ankles it was > 10 mm in width.

This study suggests that the early outcome of ankle replacement is comparable to that of other total joint replacements.

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

The precise localisation of osteoarthritic changes is crucial for selective surgical treatment. Single photon-emission CT-CT (SPECT-CT) combines both morphological and biological information. We hypothesised that SPECT-CT increased the intra- and interobserver reliability to localise increased uptake compared with traditional evaluation of CT and bone scanning together. We evaluated 20 consecutive patients with pain of uncertain origin in the foot and ankle by radiography and SPECT-CT, available as fused SPECT-CT, and by separate bone scanning and CT. Five observers assessed the presence or absence of arthritis. The images were blinded and randomly ordered. They were evaluated twice at an interval of six weeks. Kappa and multirater kappa values were calculated.

The mean intraobserver reliability for SPECT-CT was excellent (κ = 0.86; 95% CI 0.81 to 0.88) and significantly higher than that for CT and bone scanning together. SPECT-CT had significantly higher interobserver agreement, especially when evaluating the naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joints.

SPECT-CT is useful in localising active arthritis especially in areas where the number and configuration of joints are complex.

A 20-year-old man sustained an open medial dislocation of the ankle without an associated fracture after a low-energy inversion injury. Prompt debridement and reduction with primary wound closure of the skin were performed without suture of the capsule. Immobilisation in a non-weight-bearing cast for 30 days followed by ankle bracing for two weeks and subsequent physiotherapy, produced full functional recovery by three months. At follow-up at one year there was a full range of pain-free movement, although the radiographs and MR scan showed early post-traumatic degenerative change at the medial aspect of the tibiotalar and the calcaneocuboid joints.

We describe the medium-term results of a prospective study of 200 total ankle replacements at a single-centre using the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement. A total of 24 ankles (12%) have been revised, 20 by fusion and four by further replacement and 27 patients (33 ankles) have died. All the surviving patients were seen at a minimum of five years after operation. The five-year survival was 93.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 89.8 to 96.8) and the ten-year survival 80.3% (95% CI 71.0 to 89.6).

Anterior subluxation of the talus, often seen on the lateral radiograph in osteoarthritic ankles, was corrected and, in most instances, the anatomical alignment was restored by total ankle replacement. The orientation of the tibial component, as seen on the lateral radiograph, also affects the position of the talus and if not correct can hold the talus in an abnormal anterior position. Subtalar arthritis may continue to progress after total ankle replacement. Our results are similar to those published previously.

We have evaluated four different fixation techniques for the reconstruction of a standard Mason type-III fracture of the radial head in a sawbone model. The outcome measurements were the quality of the reduction, and stability.

A total of 96 fractures was created. Six surgeons were involved in the study and each reconstructed 16 fractures with 1.6 mm fine-threaded wires (Fragment Fixation System (FFS)), T-miniplates, 2 mm miniscrews and 2 mm Kirschner (K-) wires; four fractures being allocated to each method using a standard reconstruction procedure.

The quality of the reduction was measured after definitive fixation. Biomechanical testing was performed using a transverse plane shear load in two directions to the implants (parallel and perpendicular) with respect to ultimate failure load and displacement at 50 N.

A significantly better quality of reduction was achieved using the FFS wires (Tukey’s post hoc tests, p < 0.001) than with the other devices with a mean step in the articular surface and the radial neck of 1.04 mm (sd 0.96) for the FFS, 4.25 mm (sd 1.29) for the miniplates, 2.21 mm (sd 1.06) for the miniscrews and 2.54 mm (sd 0.98) for the K-wires. The quality of reduction was similar for K-wires and miniscrews, but poor for miniplates.

The ultimate failure load was similar for the FFS wires (parallel, 196.8 N (sd 46.8), perpendicular, 212.5 N (sd 25.6)), miniscrews (parallel, 211.8 N (sd 47.9), perpendicular, 208.0 N (sd 65.9)) and K-wires (parallel, 200.4 N (sd 54.5), perpendicular, 165.2 N (sd 37.9)), but significantly worse (Tukey’s post hoc tests, p < 0.001) for the miniplates (parallel, 101.6 N (sd 43.1), perpendicular, 122.7 N (sd 40.7)). There was a significant difference in the displacement at 50 N for the miniplate (parallel, 4.8 mm (sd 2.8), perpendicular, 4.8 mm (sd 1.7)) vs FFS (parallel, 2.1 mm (sd 0.8), perpendicular, 1.9 mm (sd 0.7)), miniscrews (parallel, 1.8 mm (sd 0.5), perpendicular, 2.3 mm (sd 0.8)) and K-wires (parallel, 2.2 mm (sd 1.8), perpendicular, 2.4 mm (sd 0.7; Tukey’s post hoc tests, p < 0.001)).

The fixation of a standard Mason type-III fracture in a sawbone model using the FFS system provides a better quality of reduction than that when using conventional techniques. There was a significantly better stability using FFS implants, miniscrews and K-wires than when using miniplates.

External fixation of distal tibial fractures is often associated with delayed union. We have investigated whether union can be enhanced by using recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-7 (rhBMP-7).

Osteoinduction with rhBMP-7 and bovine collagen was used in 20 patients with distal tibial fractures which had been treated by external fixation (BMP group). Healing of the fracture was compared with that of 20 matched patients in whom treatment was similar except that rhBMP-7 was not used.

Significantly more fractures had healed by 16 (p = 0.039) and 20 weeks (p = 0.022) in the BMP group compared with the matched group. The mean time to union (p = 0.002), the duration of absence from work (p = 0.018) and the time for which external fixation was required (p = 0.037) were significantly shorter in the BMP group than in the matched group. Secondary intervention due to delayed healing was required in two patients in the BMP group and seven in the matched group.

RhBMP-7 can enhance the union of distal tibial fractures treated by external fixation.

Fragility fractures of the ankle occur mainly in elderly osteoporotic women. They are inherently unstable and difficult to manage. There is a high incidence of complications with both non-operative and operative treatment.

We treated 12 such fractures by closed reduction and stabilisation using a retrograde calcaneotalotibial expandable nail. The mean age of patients was 84 years (75 to 95). All were women and were able to walk fully weight-bearing after surgery. There were no wound complications. One patient died from a myocardial infarction 24 days after surgery. The 11 other patients were followed up for a mean of 67 weeks (39 to 104).

All the fractures maintained satisfactory alignment and healed without delay. Six patients refused removal of the nail after union of the fracture. The functional rating using the scale of Olerud and Molander gave a mean score at follow-up of 61, compared with a pre-injury value of 70.

To determine the relative risk of complications in treating ankle fractures in patients with diabetes, we compared the results of the management of displaced malleolar fractures in 26 patients with those of a matched group of non-diabetic patients, using a case-controlled study. The groups were matched for patient age, fracture type and treating surgeon. The incidence of significant complications in diabetic patients was 42.3%. By contrast, there were no complications in the matched group of non-diabetic patients. Of 19 diabetic patients treated surgically, six developed major complications including one case of malunion, one of necrosis of the wound edge requiring a flap, and two of deep sepsis. Two patients required amputation and both died. Diabetic patients with displaced ankle fractures treated non-operatively had a high incidence of loss of reduction and malunion but these caused few symptoms. In these patients, non-operative management may be preferable in view of the high risks of major complications after surgery and the acceptance of malunion by the older patient with lower demands

Between 1985 and 1994, 1223 patients with malleolar fractures of the ankle were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with absorbable pins and screws, of whom 74 (6.1%) had an obvious inflammatory foreign-body reaction to the implants. Of these 74, ten later developed moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the ankle despite no evidence of incongruity of the articular surface. The implants used in these patients were made from polyglycolide, polylactide or glycolidelactide copolymer. The joint damage seemed to be due to polymeric debris entering the articular cavity through an osteolytic extension of an implant track. The ten patients had a long clinical course which included a vigorous local foreign-body reaction, synovial irritation and subsequent degeneration. At a follow-up of three to nine years, ankle arthrodesis had been necessary in two patients and is being considered for another two. The incidence of these changes in the whole series was 0.8%, which is not high, but awareness of this possible late complication is essential

We performed a retrospective study of the factors affecting the outcome of Weber type-C ankle fractures in 43 patients reviewed at two to nine years after injury. We determined the functional result in relation to the use of a diastasis screw, the accuracy of reduction, the presence of tibiotalar dislocation, and of injury to the medial side of the ankle by medial malleolar fracture or deltoid ligament rupture. We assessed the use of a diastasis screw as appropriate or inappropriate on the basis of an anatomical study performed by Boden et al (1989). The diastasis screw was used unnecessarily in 19 of the 31 patients so treated, but this did not appear to affect the final functional result. The worse functional results were in ankles dislocated at the initial injury, and in those with medial malleolar fractures as opposed to those with deltoid ligament ruptures. The best results were after accurate reduction of the fibula and the syndesmosis, and greater increase in the width of the syndesmosis was associated with a worse result. Our results suggest that an increase of more than 1.5 mm in syndesmosis width is unacceptable. We recommend that when the deltoid ligament is ruptured, a diastasis screw should be used if the fibular fracture is more than 3.5 cm above the top of the syndesmosis. When a medial malleolar fracture has been rigidly repaired a diastasis screw is required if the fibular fracture is more than 15 cm above the syndesmosis

We analysed the radiographs of 67 patients with displaced malleolar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using absorbable polyglycolide rods. Seventeen patients developed a discharging inflammatory foreign-body reaction, a complication unique to these fixation devices. In 34 patients ovoid osteolytic foci, usually 5 to 10 mm in diameter, appeared within the implant channels six to 12 weeks after the operation. The same lesion occurred in 14 of the 17 patients who developed a foreign-body reaction, whereas only 20 out of the 50 patients with an uneventful course showed osteolytic areas (p less than 0.01). In patients with a foreign-body reaction the osteolytic foci tended to occur in the deepest parts of the implant channels. However, after one year the normal structure of the bone was restored

The postoperative morbidity after osteosynthesis of malleolar fractures was investigated retrospectively by comparing 90 alcohol abusers with 90 controls. The two groups were selected from 626 male patients and were matched regarding trauma, treatment for cardiovascular, pulmonary and endocrine diseases, age, weight, smoking habits, anaesthesia and duration of surgery. The alcohol abusers developed significantly more early complications, especially infections, after surgery. Follow-up at six, nine and 12 weeks after surgery also revealed a significantly higher morbidity among the alcoholics

Fifty-six patients with displaced malleolar fractures had open reduction and fixation of the fracture fragments using, by random selection, either biodegradable implants or metal AO plates and screws. The cylindrical biodegradable implants were made of polylactide-glycolide copolymer (polyglactin 910). The complications, radiographic results and functional recovery were studied prospectively. After follow-up of at least one year, no significant differences emerged in the complication rate or in the results of treatment between the two methods of fixation. Because of the advantage of avoiding the need to remove metal fixation after union, we now use biodegradable internal fixation routinely to treat displaced malleolar fractures

1. A method of treatment of posterior malleolar fracture is described which restores the proximal surface of the ankle joint to its normal position. 2. Reduction is achieved with a special clamp and the position held with a strong plate. Early ankle movements may therefore be encouraged without fear of redisplacing the fracture. 3. Perfect reduction is necessary to avoid the later onset of arthritis, and this was achieved in five of six patients reported