Effectiveness of Surgical Management of Ankle Fractures in Attaining the Stability of Ankle

Abstract

Introduction: Ankle injuries comprise a major group of lower limb trauma. Many of these injuries can be treated by manipulative reduction and conservative treatment and some of these yield satisfactory results, so present study was undertaken to know the effectiveness of surgical management of ankle fractures. Method: 42 surgically treated displaced fractures are included and studied in detail of age, sex, occupation, type of fracture, mode of injury, type of treatment, Clinical evidence of fracture union, Radiological evidence of fracture union, Relation of talus in the ankle mortise, Range of mobility of the ankle, Residual disability and pain, Ability to walk and time of return to duty and complications were noted. Result:  42 cases were surgically treated, most of the patients were operated on an emergency basis within 24 hours of injury. Based on the mechanism of injury Pronation- External Rotation (30.9%) and Based on Ao Classification Type B - B2 (53.3%) were the major type of fractures. In the majority of cases, Malleolar screws type of implants used.  In overall the final status of patients is good (ability to walk).  Conclusion: Displaced ankle fractures need accurate open reduction and internal fixation and postoperative immobilization for 6 weeks. This will suffice to get good results. Post-operative rigid immobilization and protected weight bearing for 12 weeks is minimal to achieve good union followed by physiotherapy to restore the maximum range of movements

Keywords: Ankle Fractures; Surgical management, Stability; Effectiveness.