Long-term results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment.
The aim of this study was to evaluate 1) long-term results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment, and 2) the need for fixation of fragments smaller than 25%. Forty-five patients with ankle fractures and a posterior malleolar fragment were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 13 years (range, 2-24). The size and fixation of the fragment were registered. Outcome was assessed using an Ankle Fracture Scoring System (maximum: 150 points), a 10-point Numeric Scale for Pain (1 = no pain, 10 = unbearable pain) and an OsteoArthritis Score (0 = no osteoarthritis, 3 = severe osteoarthritis). The mean Ankle Fracture Scoring System, Numeric Scale for Pain and Osteoarthritis-score were 124, 2.5, and 1.2, respectively. The mean size of fixated fragments was significantly larger than that of nonfixated fragments (30% versus 16%). Those patients in which the posterior malleolar fragment was fixated did not have a statistically significant better outcome than those patients in which the fragments were not fixated (Ankle Fracture Scoring System: 119 versus 126, Numeric Scale for Pain: 2.6 versus 2.4, Osteoarthritis-score: 1.0 versus 1.2). There was no significant correlation between outcome and size of unfixated fragments. Fracture-dislocation was seen more often in combination with larger fragments (24% versus 15%) and resulted in statistically significant worse long-term outcome than nondislocated fractures, except for pain (Ankle Fracture Scoring System: 115 versus 134, Osteoarthritis-score: 1.7 versus 0.8). In conclusion, patients showed good results after 13 years follow-up and there was no evidence for the need for fixation of fragments smaller than 25%.
De Vries
J S
JS
Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. j.s.devries@amc.uva.nl <j.s.devries@amc.uva.nl>
Wijgman
A J
AJ
Sierevelt
I N
IN
Schaap
G R
GR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome