Soft-tissue swelling following fractures of the ankle.
One hundred and thirty-six consecutive fractures of the ankle were assessed over a 2-year follow-up period in order to determine the rate at which soft-tissue swelling subsides. The effect of anatomical and non-anatomical reduction by both open and closed methods was compared. The results showed that soft-tissue swelling following external rotation fractures of the lateral malleolus treated by closed methods subsides initially over a 3-month period. Anatomical reduction, whether achieved by open or closed methods, in bi- and trimalleolar fractures results in a rapid resolution of the swelling over 3 months, followed by a slower return to normal over the ensuing 6 months. Persistent soft-tissue swelling remains when these intra-articular fractures are not anatomically reduced. The swelling is more marked and persists for 2 years or more in those fractures treated by open methods with poor anatomical restoration compared with poor reduction achieved by closed methods.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005596:Fractures, Closed / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013639:Tarsal Bones / Q000293:injuries*; D013997:Time Factors