Primary ankle arthrodesis for neglected open Weber B ankle fracture dislocation

Expanding Indications of Primary Arthrodesis in Selected Individuals for Managing Complex Hindfoot Trauma During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures to encourage social distancing have been implemented, including cancellation of outdoor activities, organized sports, and schools/colleges. Neglected hindfoot fractures have emerged as a consequence with increased frequency. Similarly, complex ankle and pilon fractures that require staged management, prolonged hospital stay, and soft-tissue care have emerged as a potential concern as prolonged exposure to healthcare setting adds to risk of acquiring as well as transmitting COVID-19 infection. The authors present their experience with expanding these indications for hindfoot arthrodesis as they encounter a greater number of neglected ankle and hindfoot trauma.

Methods

This was a retrospective observational study of collected data from the trauma unit of our hospital. Inclusion criteria included all trauma classified by the AO/OTA as occurring at locations 43, and who underwent subtalar and ankle arthrodesis. This included distal tibia, malleolar, talus, and calcaneus fractures. These patients were followed up to at least 6 months till complete fracture union.

Results

A total of 18 patients underwent arthrodesis of either the ankle or subtalar joint between March and October 2020. Mean age of patients undergoing arthrodesis of the hindfoot was 69.2 years (43-84 years). Indications for the procedure included Displaced and comminuted intra-articular distal tibia fractures in elderly (6 patients), Malunited ankle fractures (2 patients), Neglected Ankle fractures managed conservatively (3 patients), Calcaneus fractures (5 patients), and neglected Talus body fracture (2 patients). All patients were followed up to at least 6 months and everyone went onto successful painless union between 3 and 6 months of the arthrodesis procedure without any significant complications.

Conclusion

In summary, COVID-19 pandemic has led to a change in paradigm of trauma management and foot and ankle management is no different than other musculoskeletal trauma systems. The authors propose an expansion of indications for hindfoot arthrodesis in managing complex hindfoot trauma in pandemic situation.

Vector Appropriate Distraction and Reduction of a Neglected Trimalleolar Fracture-Dislocation Performed with a Temporary Intraoperative External Fixator

Traumatic fractures of the ankle can occur with concomitant tibiotalar dislocations, necessitating complex treatment. These injuries have higher rates of loose bodies, open injuries, postoperative complications, and worse patient reported outcomes compared to ankle fractures without dislocation. Patients with neglected or delayed presentations are associated with even higher rates of postoperative complications and worse outcomes compared to acute injuries. The chronicity of the injury leads to soft tissue contractures and malunited fractures, obligating a care plan which involves gradual reduction with a multiplanar external fixator with or without internal fixation at a later date. We discuss a 60-year-old homeless man who presented four weeks after an open trimalleolar fracture-dislocation and was definitely treated with an acute one-stage procedure. Anatomic reduction and stable fixation was achieved through a lateral malleolus osteotomy, soft tissue releases, TAL, and a temporary intraoperative external fixator. This technique was advantageous in this instance of anticipated patient noncompliance. We advocate for the judicious use of the described technique in similar challenging situations.

[The treatment of Tillaux bone block in the Ruedi-Allgower type Pilon fractures]

Objective

To analyze the importance and effectiveness of Tillaux bone block in Ruedi-Allgower type Ⅲ of Pilon fracture surgery.

Method

Twenty-one patients with Pilon fractures with Tillaux dislocation were treated between February 2010 and September 2013. There were 17 males and 4 females, aged from 28 to 68 years with an average age of 42.9 years. The causes of injury included falling from height in 13 cases, falls injury in 4 cases, crush injury in 2 cases, and sprained injury in 2 cases. X-ray film and CT examination showed that all 21 patients had fibula fracture and Tillaux bone block had obvious displacement. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 3 cases of type C1.2, 1 case of type C1.3, 10 cases of type C2, and 7 cases of type C3. The duration from injury to operation ranged from 4 to 31 days, with an average of 10 days. All cases of Pilon fracture were treated with open reduction and plate internal fixation. Steel plate or screw was used to fixation for Tillaux block; allograft bone graft was selected for compression of fracture.

Results

There were 2 cases of skin necrosis at the corner of wound after operation, and the wound healed after corresponding treatment; the wound healed at first intention in the other 19 cases. The effect of surgical reduction was evaluated by Burwell-Chamley imaging scoring system within 72 hours after operation, there were 19 cases of anatomical reduction and 2 cases of general reduction. All the 21 patients were followed up 18-48 months, with an average of 24.9 months. No complication such as nerve injury, loosening of internal fixation, or periprosthetic fracture was found during follow-up. All fractures obtained bone healing, which lasted from 4 to 8 months, with an average of 6 months. The ankle and hindfoot scores of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) were used to evaluate the ankle and hindfoot function at 1 year after operation or at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 13 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 90.5%. Internal fixator was removed from 19 patients at 15-19 months after operation. There were 17 cases of joint hyperplasia and 4 cases of osteoarthritis. All joint mobility was restored. The functional recovery of the ankle joint was evaluated according to the Olerud-Molander ankle fracture score standard, the results were good in 6 cases, fair in 8 cases, and poor in 7 cases at postoperative full weight training; and after 1 year of full weight training, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases.

Conclusion

The Tillaux bone block is a reliable marker for the reduction of complex Pilon fractures. The reconstruction of the Tillaux can improve the effectiveness of complex Pilon fractures.