[Oblique osteotomy for post-traumatic fibula incongruity]

Injuries of the ankle joint are common and, considering that this joint is highly mechanically stressed, it seems obvious that therapy requires restoring the joint to a physiological, anatomically functional unit. In case of post-traumatic shortening, rotation and talar tilt arthritis may result because of the changed biomechanics. Before this occurs, typical clinical symptoms are recurrent swelling, pain, and limited range of motion, together resulting in reduced mobility and quality of life. With prompt indication and revision lengthening the lateral ankle and thus restoring joint congruity, patient complaints are significantly reduced and the development of advanced arthritis can be avoided.

Within a period of 7 years, 16 patients with post-traumatic shortening of the fibula were treated with oblique osteotomy and lengthening of the fibula at our department. The mean time between trauma and reconstructive surgery was 10 months, and the median follow-up period to clinic and radiological examination was 3.7 years.

Comparison of results before and after correction showed significant subjective improvements, and the development or continuation of post-traumatic arthritis could be hindered, of critical importance to which is prompt indication for operative joint correction, because clinical symptoms of advanced osteoarthritis of the ankle joint cannot be expected to improve.