Revision Strategies for the Aseptic, Malaligned, Surgically Treated Ankle Fracture

Although surgical fixation can take many forms depending on ankle fracture morphology, the goals of open reduction internal fixation are to restore fracture alignment, re-establish ankle stability, and achieve an anatomic mortise. A subset of patients may present postoperatively with evidence of suboptimal open reduction internal fixation. Increased contact pressures across the tibiotalar joint, increased talar shift, and pathologic joint loading leading to the development of post-traumatic arthritis are common sequela of the malaligned mortise. Treatment necessitates a comprehensive approach. This article describes our preferred systematic approach for diagnosis and treatment of the aseptic, malaligned, surgically treated ankle fracture.