Reliability of Postoperative Radiographies in Ankle Fractures

The accuracy of reduction of ankle fractures using postoperative plain radiographies (x-ray) remains widely controversial. Some authors have demonstrated that postoperative computed tomography (CT) scan can be useful for these patients. In current study, the efficacy of x-rays after fixation of ankle fractures was investigated based on the CT scan findings.

A total of 73 patients with ankle fractures who were subjected to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) were enrolled. After surgery, if the reduction was acceptable based on the x-rays according to standard measurements, the patient was referred for CT scanning. Forty four patients were included in the study. Undesirable CT scan findings including malreduction of fragments or articular surfaces, device malpositioning, missed fractures, and undetected intra-articular fragments were documented.

Undesirable CT findings were seen in 25 patients (56.8%). CT scan showed acceptable reduction without device malpositioning in 19 patients. The most prevalent findings in CT images were malreduction and device malpositioning in 17 and 16 patients, respectively. There was no abnormal finding in CT imaging of lateral malleolar fractures. In two thirds of the injured syndesmosis, device malpositioning, and malreduction were detected in CT scan.

Despite acceptable postoperative x-rays, a considerable number of patients with ankle fractures had inappropriate reduction or undesirable findings in their postoperative CT scan. It seems necessary to use CT scan after ORIF of ankle fractures in order to examine the accuracy of reduction. Further validation of postoperative CT scan in ankle fracture surgery should be investigated.