Persistent functional deficits after ankle fracture surgery: A long-term gait and functional analysis

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Ankle fractures are common, especially in older adults.
• Surgery may not fully restore long-term function, leading to persistent impairments like stiffness and gait issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate long-term gait and functional outcomes after surgical treatment for ankle fractures.
• To identify persistent deficits in spatiotemporal gait parameters, mobility, and strength.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study of 14 participants (mean age 53.7) at 4.5 years post-surgery.
• Assessed gait using GAITRite®, functional performance with Heel Rise Test and Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT), and clinical scores (AOFAS, OMAS).
• Determined intrarater reliability of functional tests using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Main Results:

• Significant differences observed in step length and double support time.
• Participants showed significant deficits in the Heel Rise Test and WBLT on the surgical side.
• High AOFAS and OMAS scores did not correlate with full functional recovery.

Conclusions:

• Long-term functional deficits, particularly in ankle strength and mobility, persist post-surgery.
• Current clinical scores may not fully capture functional limitations.
• Targeted rehabilitation strategies are crucial for improving outcomes after ankle fracture surgery.