Vol. 11, Issue 2 (2025)

Surgical management of ankle fractures: Functional outcomes in a prospective cohort

Author(s):

Shailesh Kumar, Sachin Gautam, Sujith Kumar S, Sunil Kumar Dhanger, Kartik and Nikhil Yadav

Abstract:

Background: Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries that often require surgical intervention to restore joint stability and function. This study evaluates the functional outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures in a cohort of 44 patients.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted on 44 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for ankle fractures. Functional outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale and the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at 6 months postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation was performed to assess fracture union and alignment.

Results: The mean AOFAS score was 82.6±9.4, and the mean OMAS was 78.2±11.3, indicating good to excellent functional outcomes in most patients. Complications included superficial infection (4.5%), delayed wound healing (6.8%), and post-traumatic arthritis (9.1%). Age, fracture type (Weber classification), and time to surgery significantly influenced outcomes.

Conclusion: Surgical management of ankle fractures yields satisfactory functional results in most patients. Early anatomical reduction and stable fixation are crucial for optimal recovery.

DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2025.v11.i2a.3740

Pages: 23-25  |  125 Views  68 Downloads

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How to cite this article:
Shailesh Kumar, Sachin Gautam, Sujith Kumar S, Sunil Kumar Dhanger, Kartik and Nikhil Yadav. Surgical management of ankle fractures: Functional outcomes in a prospective cohort. Int. J. Orthop. Sci. 2025;11(2):23-25. DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2025.v11.i2a.3740