A prospective non randomized observational study of functional and radiological outcome of open reduction and internal fixation in bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fracture

Author(s): Dr. Abhishek Khandelwal, Dr. Devam Shah and Dr. Jimit Mirani

Abstract: Ankle fractures are the third most common orthopaedic injuries in geriatric patients and the most common intra-articular fractures of a weight bearing joint. Trimalleolar fracture can be tricky to manage and carry a high risk of long-term complication like osteoarthritis and joint stiffness. We conducted a prospective study of 35 patients who underwent surgical management for Bi/Trimalleolar fractures. We classified patients as per Lauge-Hansen classification. Our aim was to assess functional outcome using Karlsson’s score and radiological outcome as well as to compare it with existing literature. Complications were noted. Results were comparable to other series. There was significant improvement of subjective scores from 3 months to 6 months in stability, pain, swelling, sports and ADLs, running and support with P value <0.0001 (for all). Surgical treatment with stable fixation gives good results in terms of early mobilization, faster rehabilitation and more rapid return of function.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2020.v6.i1b.1844