Quality of life and complications in elderly patients after pronation rotation type III ankle fractures treated with a cast and early weight-bearing

Fluoroscopic visualization in ankle surgery: Evaluating the effects of lateral malleolus fixation order

Ankle fractures, particularly those involving the lateral and posterior malleolus, are complex injuries requiring careful surgical management. This study investigates how the sequence of lateral malleolus fixation affects the intraoperative visualization of the posterior malleolus fracture during fluoroscopy. A retrospective and prospective approach was used, comparing outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for combined lateral and posterior malleolar fractures. In the retrospective group, lateral malleolus fixation with a plate often obstructed fluoroscopic visualization of the posterior malleolus, complicating fracture reduction. The prospective group was adjusted to prioritize posterior malleolar fracture visualization before lateral malleolus fixation, using temporary Kirschner wires if necessary. The study aimed to determine if the initial fixation strategy influenced surgical outcomes, including fracture healing and functional recovery. Results showed that for fractures involving the visible posterior malleolar area, no significant differences in outcomes were observed between the two groups. However, for fractures extending into the obstructed region, the prospective approach provided clearer visualization, potentially leading to more accurate reduction and fixation. This study concludes that the appropriate fixation strategy should be based on the extent of the posterior malleolar fracture. For fractures involving the visible area, traditional fixation of the lateral malleolus can be used. For those involving the obstructed area, a more cautious approach with temporary fixation or prior reduction of the posterior malleolus is recommended. This study emphasizes the importance of preoperative assessment to guide surgical planning and optimize patient outcomes.

Weight-Bearing Versus Non-Weight-Bearing After Ankle Fracture: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Patient-Reported Outcome

BACKGROUND

Ankle fractures commonly affect mobility and quality of life. Although unstable fractures typically require surgery, post-treatment protocols vary widely, including both surgical and conservative approaches. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of early weight-bearing after ankle fracture treatment on functional outcomes and quality of life.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guidelines and the PICOS strategy, we performed a meta-analysis across multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library). Analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4, calculating the mean and standard mean differences with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

Eleven studies (n = 939) showed favorable outcomes with weight-bearing. Significant functional improvements were observed at 6 weeks (MD 7.88, 95% CI 3.14-12.61), 3 months (MD 5.79, 95% CI 4.41-7.17), and 12 months (MD 4.74, 95% CI 3.01-6.46). RAND scores favored the weight-bearing group at 6 weeks (SMD 0.48, 95% CI 0.26-0.70) and 12 months (SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.07-0.55), with no significant differences at 3 months (SMD 0.18, 95% CI -0.10-0.46).

CONCLUSION

The outcomes obtained indicated statistically significant differences in favor of the early weight-bearing group regarding ankle function and quality of life.

One-Stage Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis for Severe Septic Destruction of the Ankle Joint Using a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Severe septic destruction of the ankle joint poses a therapeutic challenge but lacks a consensus optimal treatment. Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is considered a valuable salvage procedure, but the literature remains scarce. Conventional treatment approaches, including 2-stage procedures, have been associated with prolonged recovery times and varying success rates. Many authors prefer classical external fixation in these scenarios, citing concerns that internal implants might pose a risk for recurrent infection. To date, no study has investigated the outcomes of 1-stage surgery using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail. The main purpose was to assess the rate of recurrent infection at 2 years following 1-stage TTCA using a retrograde IM nail in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint. Fusion rates and functional outcomes were evaluated as secondary purposes.

METHODS

The clinical and radiologic data of patients who underwent 1-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail following severe septic destruction of the ankle joint with a minimal follow-up of 2 years were retrospectively analyzed. Reinfection rate, fusion rate, functional outcomes, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included with a mean follow-up of 42 months (24-92 months). The mean age was 55 ± 18 years old. At the last follow-up, reinfection occurred in 6 patients (24%) and fusion was obtained in 19 patients (83%). Eight patients (32%) required revision surgery. The mean postoperative modified American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey physical and mental component summary scores were respectively 53 ± 19.5, 35.5 ± 11.4, and 46.7 ± 13.5 points.

CONCLUSION

One-stage TTCA with retrograde IM nail appears to be an acceptable alternative in severe septic destruction of the ankle joint, with a high eradication rate of infection and ankle fusion.

Use of a Hindfoot Nail Without Separate Subtalar and Tibiotalar Joint Preparation to Treat Geriatric Ankle and Distal Tibia Fractures: A Case Series

Introduction

Ankle fractures in geriatric patients can be devastating injuries, as they limit an individual's mobility, autonomy, and quality of life. This study examines the functional outcomes and complications related to hindfoot nails (HFN) in geriatric patients who have suffered an ankle malleolar or distal tibia fracture.

Materials and Methods

This is a single-surgeon case-series of patients who underwent HFN for acute fixation or delayed reconstruction after an ankle or distal tibia fracture. Demographic information, comorbidities, baseline functional status, AO/OTA classification, surgical indications, need for external fixation, total operative time, length of stay (LOS), ambulation at discharge, and discharge disposition were recorded. Primary outcomes included 30-day complications, ambulation at follow-up, and time to fracture union and fusion.

Results

There were 22 patients, with average age 80.8 years. Mean LOS was 7.0 days, and 68.2% were discharged to subacute rehabilitation. Within 30 days, 1 patient developed a deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, and 2 experienced wound dehiscence requiring antibiotics. At 6-weeks, 1 patient sustained a fall with periprosthetic fracture requiring HFN revision, and another developed cellulitis necessitating hardware removal. Fracture healing was seen in 72.7% at 19.4 weeks, while radiographic fusion occurred in 18.2% at 43.0 weeks. 72.7% were ambulating with an assistive device at discharge, and 100.0% at 12-weeks post-operatively or last follow-up. Upon final examination, all patients were ambulating without pain.

Discussion

HFNs provide a reliable alternative to traditional open reduction internal fixation and have the ability to improve quality of life for geriatric patients through a faster return to weight-bearing. Additionally, radiographic fusion rates show that patients have favorable functional outcomes even without formal arthrodesis.

Conclusion

HFN is beneficial for elderly patients with low functional demand and complex medical comorbidities, as it allows for early mobility after sustaining an ankle or distal tibia fracture.

Characteristics and Effectiveness of Postoperative Rehabilitation Strategies in Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To explore the characteristics and to report on the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation strategies for people with an ankle fracture.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL were searched to identify studies published from January 2010 to November 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies that described or evaluated postoperative rehabilitation strategies for surgically repaired ankle fractures were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on postoperative rehabilitation were extracted in accordance with the Template for Intervention Description and Replication guide. Quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Study Quality Assessment Tools.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Meta-analysis was planned to look at the effectiveness of postoperative rehabilitation strategies. Forty studies described postoperative rehabilitation strategies without evaluating effectiveness, whereas 15 studies focused on evaluating effectiveness. Because of the large variety in postoperative strategies and outcomes, narrative synthesis was deemed most suitable to answer our aims. Characteristics of postoperative rehabilitation strategies varied widely and were poorly described in a way that could not be replicated. Most of the studies (48%) used a late weight-bearing approach, although definitions and details around weight-bearing were unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

Late weight-bearing has been the most common postoperative approach reported in the past 10 years. The variety of definitions around weight-bearing and the lack of details of rehabilitation regimens limit replication and affect current clinical practice. The authors propose to adopt consistent definitions and terminology around postoperative practices such as weight-bearing to improve evidence for effectiveness and ultimately patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.