Evidence-Based Surgical Treatment Algorithm for Unstable Syndesmotic Injuries

Background: Surgical treatment of unstable syndesmotic injuries is not trivial, and there are no generally accepted treatment guidelines. The most common controversies regarding surgical treatment are related to screw fixation versus dynamic fixation, the use of reduction clamps, open versus closed reduction, and the role of the posterior malleolus and of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL). Our aim was to draw important conclusions from the pertinent literature concerning surgical treatment of unstable syndesmotic injuries, to transform these conclusions into surgical principles supported by the literature, and finally to fuse these principles into an evidence-based surgical treatment algorithm. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the reference lists of systematic reviews of relevant studies dealing with the surgical treatment of unstable syndesmotic injuries were searched independently by two reviewers using specific terms and limits. Surgical principles supported by the literature were fused into an evidence-based surgical treatment algorithm. Results: A total of 171 articles were included for further considerations. Among them, 47 articles concerned syndesmotic screw fixation and 41 flexible dynamic fixations of the syndesmosis. Twenty-five studies compared screw fixation with dynamic fixations, and seven out of these comparisons were randomized controlled trials. Nineteen articles addressed the posterior malleolus, 14 the role of the AITFL, and eight the use of reduction clamps. Anatomic reduction is crucial to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Therefore, flexible dynamic stabilization techniques should be preferred whenever possible. An unstable AITFL should be repaired and augmented, as it represents an important stabilizer of external rotation of the distal fibula. Conclusions: The current literature provides sufficient arguments for the development of an evidence-based surgical treatment algorithm for unstable syndesmotic injuries.

Does the morphology of the posterior malleolar fragment influence clinical outcomes of trimalleolar fractures after surgical fixation? A systematic review and Meta-analysis

Background: Posterior malleolus (PM) fractures have historically been classified according to the size of the fragment, to study the need for surgical fixation and to assess clinical outcomes. Recent research has suggested that the morphology of the PM fragment is of more relevance than its size. Objectives: This systematic review aims to determine if the size of the PM fragment influences clinical outcomes of trimalleolar fractures after surgical fixation, and if so, to find out which fracture type has the best outcomes. Methods: This systematic review will be conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search will be conducted on the electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Ovid with a pre-determined search strategy. A manual bibliography search of included studies will also be done. Original articles in English that have relevant data on the outcomes of PM fractures and its morphology will be included. Data will be extracted from included studies and analysis carried out with the help of appropriate software.

Anatomically Fixed Posterior Malleolar Fractures in Syndesmosis Injuries without Transsyndesmotic Screw Fixation

Background: The stability of the syndesmosis is extremely important in terms of syndesmosis injury, ankle instability, and posttraumatic osteoarthritis development following ankle fractures. The aim of this study is to evaluate 1-year radiographic outcomes after posterior malleolar fixation in lateral and posterior malleolar fractures and trimalleolar fractures without transsyndesmotic screw fixation. Methods: Ninety-four patients who underwent posterior malleolar fixation with posterolateral approach between January 2017 and June 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were evaluated with parameters such as demographic characteristics, fracture type, injury mechanism, physical examination, and radiographic measurements. The stability of the syndesmosis was evaluated by an intraoperative Cotton test and by measuring the tibiofibular overlap, tibiofibular clear space, and medial clear space parameters preoperatively on the immediate postoperative, first-year weightbearing ankle anteroposterior radiographs. Results: In immediate postoperative measurements on radiographs, although the mean tibiofibular overlap ( P < .001) increased, the mean tibiofibular clear space ( P < .001) and mean medial clear space ( P < .001) decreased compared with preoperative radiographs. Immediate postoperative mean tibiofibular overlap, tibiofibular clear space, and medial clear space compared with postoperative first-year mean tibiofibular overlap ( P = .39), tibiofibular clear space ( P = .23), and medial clear space ( P = .43) were not statistically significant. Bone union was completed radiographically at a median of 3.4 ± 1.8 months after surgery. Conclusion: After posterior malleolar fractures, anatomic reduction of the posterior malleolus and posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament complex provides strong syndesmosis stability as measured radiographically at 1 year. Patients may not need additional transsyndesmotic screw fixation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Incidence and Predictive Factors of Tibial Fracture with Occult Posterior Ankle Fractures

Background. Few studies exist on the predictive factors of tibial fractures with hidden posterior ankle fractures. Objective. To study the incidence and predictive factors of tibial fractures with occult posterior ankle fractures. Methods. Tibial fracture patients were prospectively selected who were admitted to our hospital from January 2016 to May 2021 and their general clinical data, X-ray images, CT images, and other imaging data were collected and then divided them into posterior malleolus fracture group and nonposterior malleolus fracture group according to the presence or absence of posterior malleolus fractures. Multivariate regression analysis and receiver operating curves (ROC) were performed to analyze the influencing factors of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture. Results. CT showed that 25 (13.44%) patients had occult posterior ankle fractures among 186 patients with tibial fracture. There was no significant difference in gender, age, and locations of tibial fracture between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). There were statistical differences in the types, locations, and lengths of patients with tibial fracture but without posterior malleolus fractures. The length of the tibia fracture group was significantly lower than the tibia with posterior ankle fracture group ( P < 0.05 ). Logistics regression analysis showed that tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was not significantly correlated with gender, age, and location of tibial fracture ( P > 0.05 ), but was significantly correlated with tibial fracture type, location, and length (HR = 1.830, P = 0.035 ; HR = 5.161, P = 0.004 ; HR = 1.126, P = 0.030 ). The ROC curve showed that the AUC of length of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was 0.599. The YD index suggested that the best cut point for the prediction of tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fracture was above 13.18%. The sensitivity and specificity of spiral tibial fracture and distal 1/3 tibial fracture for prediction were 88.00% and 63.35%, 92.00%, and 58.39%, respectively, which was significantly higher than that of tibial fracture length ( P < 0.05 ). Conclusion. Patients with tibial fractures have a higher incidence of occult posterior ankle fractures. Spiral tibial fractures and distal 1/3 tibial fractures have a higher predictive value for tibial fracture with occult posterior ankle fractures and can help clinical detection as soon as possible, which is a more accurate and appropriate treatment.

Lateral Locking Plate Fixation of Simple Weber B Fibula Fractures Without a Lag Screw Yields Excellent Radiographic Results

Background The most common first-line fixation technique for simple Weber B fibula fractures is a lag screw with lateral neutralization plate. The most common surgical technique for unstable Weber B fibula fracture is one-third semi-tubular plate and cortical screws, implemented with lag screw when appropriate. However, the lag technique can be technically challenging in osteoporotic bone or within fibulas of smaller diameter, and in some cases can result in fragmentation at the fracture site, malreduction, or peroneal irritation. The purpose of this study is to examine an alternative first-line method for routine treatment of simple Weber B fibula fractures. Methods Fifty-two consecutive patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a Weber B fibula fracture by a single surgeon were included in this retrospective study. After reduction, a lateral locking plate was applied with cortical screws proximally and locking screws distally. No screw crossed the fracture in any case. Per published precedent, nonunion was defined as either a gap of >3 mm between fracture surfaces >6 months postoperatively or a fracture line >2 to 3 mm wide and sclerosing of the fracture surfaces. Similarly, malunion was defined as one or more of the following: talar tilt >2º, talar subluxation >2 mm, or tibiofibular clear space ≥5 mm. Results The mean (± standard deviation) age of the 52 included patients was 44.2 ± 16.2 years, the mean body mass index was 27.7 ± 6.6 kg/m2, and 63.5% of patients identified themselves as female sex. The mean follow-up was 6.2 (range: 1.5-15) months. In addition to undergoing fixation of the lateral malleolus, 21 patients also underwent fixation of the posterior malleolus, 27 underwent fixation of the medial malleolus, 29 underwent fixation across the syndesmosis, and 7 underwent repair of the deltoid. In all patients, bony anatomic union of the fibula and congruence of the mortise were achieved with no cases of malunion or nonunion. Conclusions The Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) fixation technique for simple Weber B fractures with a lag screw and lateral neutralization plating has provided good outcomes for decades. We present an alternative technique for ORIF of these fractures with a lateral locking plate and no lag screw. In our series, we evaluated radiographic union and alignment as our primary outcome measures and found no cases of nonunion or malunion. Prospective cohort testing of lateral locking plates versus traditional fixation in the context of patient-centered value is warranted. Level of Evidence: Level III

Lateral Trans-Malleolar Approach for Posterior Malleolar Fractures of the Ankle for Articular and Syndesmosis Reduction : A Retrospective Study

Background The lateral transmalleolar approach (LTA) is a surgical approach for posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs), providing direct visualization of the articular surface of the posterior malleolus, though temporarily disrupting the syndesmosis. However, it is still unclear whether this fibrous joint can be effectively reconstructed afterward to prevent complications. We report the clinical results and computed tomography (CT) findings for articular and syndesmosis reduction status after surgery with LTA for PMF. Methods Sixteen patients who underwent PMF reduction with LTA and were followed up for at least 1 year were evaluated retrospectively. According to the AO/OTA classification, the fracture type was type 44B in 13 patients and 44C in three patients. The Haraguchi classifications of PMF were type 1 in six cases and type 2 in 10 cases. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (AOFAS) score, post-surgical complications, and reduction status of PMF and syndesmosis on CT were investigated. Results The mean AOFAS score was 93.0 ± 5.2 points. Post-operative complications were observed in one case of superficial infection and one case of delayed fibular union. The articular step-off seen on CT improved significantly after surgery (5.9 ± 2.9 mm preoperatively vs. 0.6 ± 0.8 mm post-operatively). Syndesmosis malreduction was seen in three cases, including two high fibular fractures and one comminuted fibular fracture with osteoporosis. Conclusions The LTA provided favourable clinical results and effective reduction of intra-articular PMFs. However, surgeons should be aware of the possibility of syndesmosis malreduction in cases of high fibular fractures or comminuted fibular fractures.

Predisposing Factors for Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis After Malleolus Fracture Fixation in Patients Younger Than 50 Years

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) after surgery for ankle fractures in patients aged ≤50 years. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for ankle fractures and were followed up for a minimum period of 5 years. The patients were assigned to 2 groups according to the presence of advanced OA at the last follow-up. Binary logistic regression was used to model the correlation between risk factors and OA. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score. Results: The data of 332 patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. The overall rate of posttraumatic arthritis was 27.7% (nonarthritis group: 240 patients, arthritis group: 92 patients). The arthritic change was significantly affected by BMI (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-19.76; adjusted odds ratio [OR] ≥ 30, 6.56), fracture-dislocation injury (CI 1.66-11.57; adjusted OR, 4.06), posterior malleolus (PM) fracture (CI 1.92-12.73, adjusted OR > 25% of the articular surface, 5.72), and postoperative articular incongruence (CI 1.52-18.10; adjusted OR, 7.21). The mean scores of the arthritis group were lower than those in the nonarthritis group ( P < .05). Conclusion: Obesity, fracture-dislocation injury, concomitant large PM fracture, and articular incongruence were risk factors of posttraumatic OA after surgery for ankle fractures. Surgeons should be aware that accurate reduction is critical in patients with ankle fractures with associated large PM fractures, especially those with obesity or severe initial injuries such as fracture-dislocation. Level of Evidence: Level III, case control study.