Evaluation of Clinical, Radiological and Functional Outcomes of Surgically Treated Ankle Fractures

Abstract

Objective: The ankle is an important joint in the walking function of the body. Surgical treatment is required in cases where displaced and unstable fractures and joint compatibility cannot be achieved by conservative methods. The main goal of surgical treatment is to restore the anatomical position of the talus within the ankle for a normal tibiotalar joint relationship. Methods: 73 patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinics between January 2006 and October 2015, who were diagnosed with ankle fracture and underwent surgical treatment, were retrospectively evaluated and compared with the intact ankle. Results: Of the patients who had surgery; Bimalleol fracture in 34 (46.58%), trimalleol fracture in 8 (10.96%), lateral malleolar fracture in 14 (19.18%), medial malleolar fracture in 13 (17.81%), with posterior malleolar fracture in 1 ankle dislocation (1.37%) and 1 had posterior malleolar fracture with medial malleolus fracture (1.37%). According to the Lauge Hansen classification, the most common type of SER (Supination External Rotation) fracture (14 cases) (19.18%), followed by the second most common PER (Pronation External Rotation) fracture type (14 cases) (19.18%). According to the Danis - Weber classification, Type C (21 cases) (52.50%) was the most common and Type B (14 cases) (35.00%) was the second most common. When the union time was analyzed according to the fracture type, no statistically significant difference was observed (p=0.064). Conclusions: If surgical treatment is applied in ankle fractures the length of the fibula should be ensured, rigid internal fixation should be made with the aim of anatomical reduction of the joint surface, and ankle movements should be started early.