Arthroscopic-Assisted Pediatric Transitional Ankle Fracture Reduction and Fixation Technique

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Arthroscopy

Background:

• Transitional ankle fractures, including Tillaux and triplane fractures, require precise reduction for optimal outcomes.
• Traditional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may involve extensive soft tissue dissection.
• Arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) offers a minimally invasive alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate an arthroscopic technique for ARIF of transitional ankle fractures.
• To present preliminary clinical outcomes, including healing and functional recovery.
• To assess the safety and reproducibility of the arthroscopic approach.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective technical report with prospectively collected data.
• ARIF technique applied to low-energy transitional ankle fractures (Tillaux and triplane).
• Prospective collection of demographic data, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes (pain, weight-bearing, healing, functional scores).

Main Results:

• Excellent functional outcomes with high average Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) of 92 and American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) score of 93 at six months.
• Average time to full weight-bearing was 45 days, with radiological healing at 57 days.
• Minimal postoperative pain (VAS 4) and short hospital stay, with all patients discharged the next day.

Conclusions:

• Arthroscopically assisted fixation is a safe and effective technique for transitional ankle fractures.
• This method yields excellent clinical outcomes, superior healing, and functional recovery.
• The technique's reproducibility and use of standard instruments support widespread adoption.