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Primary Deltoid Repair for Ankle Fracture Using All-Suture Anchors
Ryan B Rigby1, Glenn S Fleisig2, Norman E Waldrop3
1Logan Regional Orthopedics, Logan, UT.
Summary
Primary repair of the deltoid ligament in ankle fractures is safe and effective. This surgical option can lead to improved patient outcomes, including earlier weight-bearing and return to sports activities.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Anatomy
Background:
- Controversy exists regarding the necessity and benefit of primary deltoid ligament repair in unstable ankle fractures.
- All-suture bone anchors are utilized for acute deltoid repairs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of primary deltoid ligament repair in patients with unstable ankle fractures.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this surgical intervention.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study involving 47 patients (age > 18) with unstable ankle fractures and a preoperative medial clear space (MCS) > 4 mm.
- Utilized PROMIS, FAAM, and numeric rating scale for subjective outcome measurement.
- Compared preoperative and follow-up scores, including radiographic MCS, using t tests.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in PROMIS, FAAM, and NRS scores were observed postoperatively.
- Radiographic MCS significantly reduced postoperatively in all patients.
- Mean time to weight-bearing was 4 weeks; return to sport averaged 14 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Primary deltoid ligament repair in conjunction with ankle fracture is a safe procedure.
- This repair technique shows potential for facilitating early weight-bearing and return to sports.
