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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2002

Site-specific bone measurements in patients with ankle fracture.

Ankle fracture is one of the most common fractures in adults, particularly postmenopausal women. Few studies have examined the bone mineral density (BMD) and ultrasound properties of bone close to the site of fracture in patients with ankle fracture. The aim of this study was to evaluate these measurements in women with ankle fractures compared with controls. We studied 31 healthy post-menopausal women ages 50-79 years (mean age 63.2+/-3.3 years) from a population-based group and 31 postmenopausal women ages 52-76 years (mean age 61.2+/-2.2 years) with an ankle fracture. Distal tibia and fibula BMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using the Hologic QDR 1000/W densitometer. In addition to total distal and tibia BMD, three subregions were automatically selected: ultradistal, middle and one-quarter regions. Speed of sound (SOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) of the calcaneus were measured using the Lunar Achilles+ (LA+) and CUBA Clinical (CC). In addition to SOS and BUA, LA+ Stiffness Index (SI) was also measured. The nondominant limb was measured in the population group and the contralateral limb in the ankle group. Differences between the groups were determined using t-tests. The ankle fracture group was heavier than the control group by an average of 10 kg. BMD measurements were therefore adjusted for weight. There were no significant differences between the ankle fracture and control groups in lumbar spine BMD, total or regional ankle BMD or calcaneal BUA. However, calcaneal SOS was decreased in the ankle fracture group when measured on the LA+ and CC by 50 m/s (-2.0 SD units, p<0.001) and 19 m/s (-0.5 SD units, p<0.01) respectively. LA+ SI was decreased in the ankle fracture group by 14 units (-1.1 SD units, p<0.001). In conclusion, ankle fracture is not a typical osteoporotic fracture. However, there may be structural changes in the bone (unrelated to bone density) which result in increased fragility and susceptibility to fracture.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Risk factors for ankle fracture.

Ankle fractures are frequently observed in postmenopausal women although the pattern of incidence and risk factor profile suggest that ankle fracture may not be a typical osteoporotic fracture. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of osteopenia and vertebral fracture and to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), anthropometry, lifestyle and reproductive factors in women who have sustained an ankle fracture. We studied 103 women aged 50-80 years (mean 63.2, 7.9 SD) with ankle fracture. These were compared with 375 women aged 50-86 years (mean 64.5, 9.1 SD) from a population-based cohort. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) and contralateral proximal femur (including femoral neck (FN), Ward's triangle (WT) and trochanteric region (TR)) was measured by DXA. Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the calcaneus and proximal digits was measured using three different devices. Radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were taken (anteroposterior and lateral views). There were no significant differences in the prevalence of osteoporosis (T<-2.5 level) at the LS, FN and WT sites. The population-based cohort had lower TR BMD than the ankle fracture cohort. Age-and weight-adjusted Z-scores of FN BMD were significantly lower in the ankle fracture group. Age- and weight-adjusted Z-scores of QUS gave contradictory results. There were no differences in the receiver operating characteristics of DXA compared with QUS. Twenty-seven women (7%) of the population-based cohort and 10 women (10%) of the ankle fracture cohort were found to have prevalent vertebral fractures; these were not significantly different.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2007

Passive dorsiflexion flexibility after cast immobilization for ankle fracture.

Ankle fracture is frequently managed with cast immobilization, but immobilization may produce ankle contracture (loss of flexibility). We aimed to quantify recovery of ankle dorsiflexion flexibility in people treated with cast immobilization after ankle fracture, and to determine if initial orthopaedic management was associated with recovery. Ankle flexibility was measured in 150 people with plantarflexion contracture who had been referred for outpatient physical therapy following cast immobilization for ankle fracture. We obtained measurements using an instrumented footplate within 5 days of cast removal and then 4 weeks and 3 months later. Data were compared with published normative data. Both stiffness and the torque corresponding to the peak dorsiflexion angle at baseline decreased during the 3 month recovery period, but recovery was still incomplete 3 months after cast removal. Surgical fixation was associated with higher stiffness, preload and torque values. Passive ankle flexibility does not return to normal values within 3 months of cast removal after ankle fracture. Recovery of normal ankle dorsiflexion flexibility typically takes longer than the initial period of immobilization.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2000

Vertical transtalar Steinmann pin fixation for unstable ankle fractures.

Ankle fractures are common injuries and can usually be managed by either cast immobilisation or open reduction and internal fixation. Occasionally, both of these methods are contra-indicated. In such cases, one solution is the use of a vertical transtalar Steinmann pin to stabilise the fracture. Over the last 7 years, we have managed 8 patients with severe ankle fractures using vertical transtalar Steinmann pin fixation. The median age of these patients was 76 years (range, 35-94 years). This method was used in two patients with open contaminated wounds, in 5 with atrophic and blistered skin, and in one following failure of internal fixation in a patient with atrophic skin. In all patients, a satisfactory reduction was achieved and maintained after removal of the pin. Although all patients began to develop osteo-arthritic changes secondary to their original fractures, no complications were directly attributable to the use of the pin. In unstable ankle fractures where damage and contamination of soft tissues would preclude internal fixation, we recommend the use of vertical transtalar Steinmann pin fixation.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

'The bigger they come ...': the relationship between body mass index and severity of ankle fractures.

Ankle fractures requiring either manipulation under anaesthetic or open reduction and internal fixation can lead to prolonged morbidity. This prospective study investigates the possible relationship between obesity and the severity of ankle fractures following low velocity injuries. The body mass index (BMI) of patients with displaced malleolar fractures was compared with that of patients with undisplaced malleolar fractures. A BMI of 18 to 25 kg/m2 is considered to be the 'desirable' range for both men and women. Fractures considered 'severe' were those associated with disruption of the ankle joint, with more than one malleolar fragment, and requiring manipulation under anaesthesia or open reduction and internal fixation. The mean BMI of patients with displaced fractures (28.25 kg/m2) was significantly higher than that (24.58 kg/m2) of those with undisplaced fractures (P = 0.0001). Obesity is associated with increased severity of ankle fractures following low velocity injuries.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Reconstruction of failed ankle fractures.

Ankle fractures are some of the most common injuries that are treated by orthopedic surgeons. Optimal long-term results of ankle fractures require accurate reconstruction, a thorough understanding of the mechanism of injury, and accurate radiographic assessment. Failure to reduce and maintain fractures and dislocations around the ankle properly predisposes to instability and late osteoarthritis. This article focuses on the reconstruction of failed ankle reconstruction that results in malunion or nonunion. The indications for fusion or arthroplasty to treat end-stage degenerative changes are discussed. The treatment of concomitant infection and neuropathic fractures are outlined.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed1982

The hidden adolescent ankle fracture.

Ankle injuries are common in adolescence, seldom initially seen by orthopaedists, and often treated primarily by emergency department personnel. It is often not appreciated that the distal tibial growth plate fuses in a mediolateral direction, leaving it open and vulnerable to growth plate injuries for a longer period during adolescence. Fractures of the lateral plafond of the tibia are often not appreciated due to overlap of the fibula. A review of the injuries at the Winnipeg Children's Hospital has revealed these are not as uncommon as often supposed. A 3 year experience yielded 26 patients with so-called "Tillaux fractures" of which 9 could be diagnosed only by the oblique view and 5 were initially missed. Knowledge of the anatomical behavior of the fusing tibial growth plate in the ankle-injured adolescent plus mandatory oblique views of the ankle in this age group should enable the casualty officer in a busy emergency department to bring this fracture out of hiding and make the diagnosis in every instance.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Cost benefit with early operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures are common and many require surgical intervention. It has been well documented that a delay in fracture fixation results in increased length of hospital stay and increased complication rate. Initial delay can also allow swelling or blistering to develop which may necessitate a further delay in operative fixation for up to 1 week. The aim of the current study was to review the length of hospital in-patient stay for operative ankle fractures over the previous 12-month period at our hospital and compare this to the length of hospital stay following the introduction of a fast-track system for the fixation of these fractures (all fractures fixed within 48 h). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all ankle fractures managed by open reduction and internal fixation over a 12-month period was undertaken. A protocol was then agreed to openly reduce and fix these fractures at the earliest possible opportunity over the next 6-month period. We then collected the data on all ankle fractures that needed open reduction and internal fixation over this 6-month period. The pre-protocol and post-protocol groups were then compared for total hospital length of stay and complication rate. RESULTS: In the 12-month retrospective review, there were 83 ankle fractures that required surgical intervention. Sixty-two of these had surgery within 48 h (mean length of stay, 5.4 days), and 21 had surgery after 48 h (mean length of stay, 9.5 days). There were 39 ankle fractures in the post-protocol group who all had surgery within 48 h (mean length of stay, 5 days). There was no increase in complication rate after implementation of the fast-track system. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that early operative intervention for ankle fractures reduces the length of hospital stay. Intensive physiotherapy and co-ordinated discharge planning are also essential ingredients for early discharge. Early operative fixation for unstable ankle fractures has substantial cost-saving implications with no increase in complication rate.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Timing of operative intervention in the management of acutely fractured ankles and the cost implications.

A study of the length of the time between the diagnosis of an ankle fracture and operative intervention and the length of subsequent hospital stay was undertaken. The delay in operative fixation beyond 24 h from injury was associated with a lengthening of stay. The cost implication of a longer stay was assessed. Eighty-seven patients with 87 fractures fulfilled the inclusion criteria of having an acute closed fracture of the ankle requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). There were 34 unimalleolar, 35 bimalleolar and 18 trimalleolar fractures. Only 47 (54%) of the patients were operated on within 24 h of injury, even though 74 had presented by 6 h and a further five by 24 h. The mean inpatient stay was 9.6 days for this early operation group. The patients who had their operation delayed were in hospital for a mean of 14 days, a significant difference (P<0.0001) (using Wilcoxon's Signed Rank test). The cost per patient per day of an acute trauma bed is estimated at pound sterlings 225. This translates into an average cost of pound sterlings 990 more per patient whose operation is delayed. We recommend that policies be put in place to provide early operative intervention for patients with fractured ankles as this would result in significant financial savings.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2005

The impact of diabetes on patient outcomes after ankle fracture.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fracture is one of the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons, and the presence of diabetes complicates treatment and recovery from this injury. Although a higher prevalence of adverse postoperative events has been found in small series of diabetic patients with an ankle fracture, we are not aware of any large national series with specific documentation of the outcomes following ankle fracture in patients with diabetes. METHODS: We analyzed data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for the years 1988 through 2000. Information regarding the hospitalizations of 160,598 adult patients with an ankle fracture who underwent subsequent surgical procedures was extracted from the database. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to ascertain whether patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely than patients without diabetes mellitus to die while in the hospital, to have in-hospital postoperative complications, to stay longer in the hospital, to have a higher incidence of non-routine discharge, and to have a higher total cost associated with the hospital stay. RESULTS: Significant increases in in-hospital mortality, the rate of in-hospital postoperative complications, the length of hospital stay, the rate of non-routine discharge, and the total charges were found in the diabetic patient group (p < 0.001). Specifically, we found that diabetic patients across all levels of fracture severity (closed unimalleolar, closed bimalleolar or trimalleolar, and dislocated or open fractures) stayed in the hospital for about one additional day (mean, 4.7 compared with 3.6 days) and incurred more than dollar 2000 in increased charges (mean, dollar 12,898 compared with dollar 10,794). CONCLUSIONS: This nationally representative study of inpatients in the United States provides evidence that diabetic patients with an operatively treated ankle fracture are likely to have worse results than non-diabetic patients with regard to postoperative complications, mortality, rate of non-routine discharge, length of hospital stay, and total hospital charges.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2006

Management of displaced ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures excluding pilon fractures, account for approximately 9% of all fractures with the majority being OTA type B injuries. Although surgeons generally treat undisplaced or minimally displaced injuries nonoperatively and displaced fractures operatively, opinions diverge regarding the management of those displaced fractures with acceptable closed reduction. There is also debate about the use of biodegradable implants in operatively managed ankle fractures, the type and technique of fixation for operatively treated syndesmotic injuries as well as the approach to postoperative rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to review the highest level of available evidence on the operative management of ankle fractures. We focused specifically on studies comparing (1) nonoperative versus operative management of displaced ankle fractures, (2) biodegradable versus metal implants, (3) syndesmotic fixation, and (4) postoperative rehabilitation protocols.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed2002

Change over time of SF-36 functional outcomes for operatively treated unstable ankle fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Ankle fractures are one of the most common operatively treated lower extremity fractures. Several studies indicate that patients often have residual effects after this injury. The purpose of this study is to use the SF-36 questionnaire at two times to assess patients' functional recovery and residual effects after operative stabilization of an unstable ankle fracture. DESIGN: Twenty adult patients with an isolated unstable ankle fracture (OTA 44B/C) who had operative stabilization completed an SF-36 questionnaire when they were released from orthopaedic follow-up at approximately four months from injury. These same patients again completed the SF-36 at a longer follow-up, twenty months on average. Both SF-36 scores were compared with U.S. population norms. SETTING: Level II Community Hospital. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: SF-36 questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients had significant improvement (p < 0.5) in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire at the later follow-up, except for general health, which was unchanged. Patients still had significant differences in SF-36 scores compared with the U.S. population at the time of release from routine follow-up. The scores of all the domains of the SF-36 at the later follow-up were not significantly different from U.S. population norms except for the domain of physical functioning. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that patients have significant improvement in functional outcome after release from orthopaedic follow-up but have a residual physical effect at twenty months after injury. These data are important to guide a patient's expectations after this injury and are also important in considering medicolegal and workers' compensation issues. Patients continue to have improvement in function after we have routinely released them from orthopaedic follow-up. Maximal medical improvement appears to be longer than four months from this injury.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Results of early surgical intervention after suboptimal ankle fracture fixation.

Ankle fractures are common injuries and commonly require operative stabilisation. The aim of ankle fracture fixation should be reduction and stabilisation, as for any periarticular fracture. Anatomical reduction will lead to good long-term results, but non-anatomically reduced fractures will lead to a poor functional outcome and development of osteoarthritis. We reviewed eight cases of non-anatomical ankle fixations that were revised by M.D. over a 4-year period. All were revised within 1 year of initial fixation. Clinical scoring for functional outcome was performed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society rating system for the ankle and hindfoot. All patients reported improved function after the revision procedure. We conclude that revision surgery is justified if suboptimal fixation is encountered within 12 months of the original surgery.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Irreducible fracture-dislocations of the ankle associated with interposition of the tibialis posterior tendon: case report and review of the literature of a specific ankle fracture syndrome.

A severe closed pronation-eversion fracture-dislocation of the ankle that was irreducible by closed means was encountered. Exploration to accomplish open reduction revealed displacement of the tibialis posterior tendon through the diastasis between the distal tibia and fibula. The tibialis posterior tendon was found to pass posteriorly to an anteriorly between the distal tibia and fibula and laterally to medially across the anterior surfaces of the distal tibia and neck of the talus. Reduction was blocked by the tibialis posterior tendon in its abnormal course. After replacement of the tibialis posterior tendon in its anatomic position, reduction was accomplished. Internal fixation was then performed uneventfully. Two previous similar cases of irreducible ankle fractures due to displacement of the tibialis posterior tendon through the diastasis between the distal tibia and fibula have been reported in the literature. This uncommon syndrome is reported as a possible etiology to be considered when failure of reduction of an ankle fracture is encountered.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Characteristics and operative management of supination external rotation ankle fractures.

Identification and management of the acutely fractured ankle is discussed by the authors. The Lauge Hansen classification system, and in particular, supination-external rotation injuries, is evaluated. Intraoperative technique, perioperative considerations, and generalized management of these pathologic conditions are reviewed, according to the authors' experiences.

Ankle Injuries↗
PubMed1999

Early complications of surgically managed ankle fractures related to the AO classification.A review of 118 ankle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation.

The charts of 118 consecutive ankle fractures were reviewed. The patients' age, sex, energy of trauma, hospital stay, need for traction therapy, syndesmosis fixation and soft-tissue problems were related to the various types of fractures according to the AO classification. An interobserver check study revealed an agreement of 0.61 (kappa), which is considered good. The age of the patients with A-fractures was 33 years (SD +/- 13), B-fractures 56 years (SD +/- 18), and C-fractures 48 years (SD +/- 16). The age differences within these groups were highly significant (P < 0.005). The highest average ages were found in the patients with B2 and B3 type fractures, 57 and 61 years, respectively. Women were significantly older than men (P < 0.0001), and 61% of the patients were women. Perioperative problems, such as wound margin necrosis and infections, were significantly related to fracture types B2 and B3. Preoperative traction therapy was necessary in the least stable fractures, of which all but one C1 fracture were B2/3 type fractures. The energy of trauma was not related to perioperative problems. The period of hospitalisation was significantly longer in the patients with B2/B3 type fractures (P < 0.001). Judging by the significantly higher incidence of perioperative complications, longer hospital stay, and predominance of instability and skin damage in the AO B2 and B3 type fractures, these fractures may benefit from more attentive and urgent care.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Predictors of short-term functional outcome following ankle fracture surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. However, very few investigators have examined the functional recovery following ankle fracture surgery and, to our knowledge, none have analyzed factors that may predict functional recovery. In this study, we evaluated predictors of short-term functional outcome following surgical stabilization of ankle fractures. METHODS: Over three years, 232 patients who sustained a fracture of the ankle and were treated surgically were followed prospectively, for a minimum of one year. Trained interviewers recorded baseline characteristics, including patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and functional status according to the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Laboratory findings, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and operative findings were recorded from the chart during hospitalization. Follow-up information included the occurrence of complications or additional surgery, weight-bearing status, functional status according to the SMFA, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. The data were analyzed to determine predictors of functional recovery at three months, six months, and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: Complete follow-up data were available for 198 patients (85%). At one year, 174 (88%) of the patients had either no or mild ankle pain and 178 (90%) had either no limitations or limitations only in recreational activities. According to the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, 178 (90%) of the patients had > or = 90% functional recovery. A patient age of less than forty years was a predictor of recovery, as measured with the SMFA subscores, at six months after the ankle fracture. At one year, however, age was no longer a predictor of recovery. Patients who were younger than forty were more likely to recover > or = 90% of function (p = 0.004), and men were more likely than women to recover function (p = 0.02). ASA Class 1 or 2 (p = 0.03) and an absence of diabetes (p = 0.02) were also predictors of better functional recovery at one year. SMFA subscores were below average at baseline, indicating a healthy population. At three and six months postoperatively, all SMFA subscores were significantly higher than the baseline subscores (p < 0.001); however, at one year, the SMFA subscores were almost back to the baseline, normal level. CONCLUSIONS: One year after ankle fracture surgery, patients are generally doing well, with most experiencing little or mild pain and few restrictions in functional activities. They have a significant improvement in function compared with six months after the surgery. Younger age, male sex, absence of diabetes, and a lower ASA class are predictive of functional recovery at one year following ankle fracture surgery. It is important to counsel patients and their families regarding the expected functional recovery after an ankle injury.

Adolescent↗