The repair of a ruptured deltoid ligament is not necessary in ankle fractures.
We randomised 50 patients with ankle fractures of Weber types B and C and a ruptured deltoid ligament treated by open reduction and internal fixation to two treatment groups to examine the influence of the repair of a ruptured deltoid ligament. No differences were found except for a longer duration of surgery in the repair group. Our findings suggest that a ruptured deltoid ligament can be left unexplored without any effect either on early mobilisation or on the long-term result.
Strömsöe
K
K
Department of Orthopaedics, Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
Höqevold
H E
HE
Skjeldal
S
S
Alho
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012421:Rupture; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome