Operative outcome of ankle fractures: a prospective and retrospective study of 142 cases
Introduction: Fractures and fracture dislocation of the ankle joint are common and operative treatment is a well recognised treatment method. Open reduction and internal fixation have advantage of accurate reduction, restoration of ankle biomechanics, early mobilization and weight bearing, better patient satisfaction and ultimately good radiological and functional results Materials and methods: The study included clinical and radiological results of 109 prospective and 33 retrospective patients of displaced malleolar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Various implants were used like locking plate, recon plate, partially threaded cancellous screws, tension band wiring and k wires. Functional scoring was done as per Olerud Molander ankle score and was compared with previous score and the final results were categorized into excellent, good, fair, poor Observations and results: Age of the patients ranged between 18 to 80 years with average age of 44 +6years. Majority of our patients were farmers and house hold workers which constituted 88 (61.9% patients. In present study 63 patients with supination external rotation injury form largest type of ankle injuries, out of which 22 (35% had excellent OMAS, 29 (46% had good OMAS, 8 (7.6% patient had fair OMAS. Only 4 (3.4% patients had poor OMAS. Conclusion: Ankle fractures are common in all age groups but results in elderly patients are poor as compared to young patients. Open reduction internal fixation is a preferred method for displaced ankle fractures with favourable results. Present study shows complications were not much of concern if patients are followed regularly with crutch walking properly and gradual weight bearing.