Ankle arthroscopy to manage sequelae after ankle fractures

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Traumatology

Background:

• Ankle fractures can lead to long-term complications.
• The efficacy of ankle arthroscopy in managing these consequences remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate ankle arthroscopy for post-ankle fracture management.
• Assessing diagnostic accuracy, re-operation rates, and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 66 patients undergoing ankle arthroscopy post-fracture.
• Analysis of pre-operative diagnosis, intra-operative findings, and subsequent procedures.
• Patient questionnaires assessed satisfaction and functional recovery.

Main Results:

• Intra-articular pathology was underestimated preoperatively in 20% of cases.
• Ankle arthroscopy improved symptoms in 75% of patients.
• 34% of patients required further surgery within 4 years; 10% within 1 year.

Conclusions:

• Ankle arthroscopy can alleviate symptoms in patients with post-ankle fracture sequelae.
• Preoperative diagnosis accuracy is a concern, necessitating careful patient selection.
• The study provides insights for counseling and decision-making in managing complex ankle fracture cases.