The surgical treatment of malleolar fractures: long-term results.
The retrospective study concerns use of the AO method for the treatment of 75 ankle fractures between 1990 and 1995. After a mean follow-up of 5 years and 7 months the Cedell criteria were used for a subjective evaluation of results. Good results were obtained in 53 out of 75 patients submitted to surgery (70%), with a significant difference between uni-malleolar fractures and bi- and tri-malleolar fractures. Dorsal flexion measured an average of 24 degrees (80% of the healthy contralateral side), plantar flexion 36 degrees (90% of the healthy side). The presence of a fracture-dislocation considerably worsens prognosis because of the cartilaginous damage produced. The risk of poor results increases considerably when reduction of fracture is insufficient or absent. Post-traumatic arthrosis constitutes a common complication (25%) and it particularly affects females aged between 45 and 65 years, as a result of the presence of post-menopausal osteoporosis. Accurate reduction, fracture stabilization, sex and age constitute essential elements for satisfactory final results.
Specchiulli
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F
I(a) Clinica Ortopedica-Università di Bari.
Mangialardi
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R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome