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Distal tibiofibular synostosis after malleolar fractures treated using absorbable implants
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.
Foot & Ankle
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Absorbable polyglycolide rods in malleolar fracture fixation may increase distal tibiofibular synostosis risk. This complication was observed in 3.8% of patients, unlike those treated with standard implants.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Distal tibiofibular synostosis is an uncommon complication of severe ankle fractures.
- Previous reports primarily link it to fractures with tibiofibular diastasis requiring fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of distal tibiofibular synostosis after malleolar fracture fixation using absorbable polyglycolide rods.
- To compare this incidence with standard AO-ASIF implants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 80 patients treated with absorbable rods for malleolar fractures.
- Comparison with serial radiographs of 150 patients treated with AO-ASIF implants for similar fractures.
- Exclusion of patients with initial tibiofibular diastasis.
Main Results:
- Distal tibiofibular synostosis occurred in 3.8% (3/80) of patients treated with absorbable rods.
- No cases of synostosis were found in the 150 patients treated with AO-ASIF implants (P = .04).
- Synostoses were observed in middle-aged, sedentary individuals with mild symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Absorbable polyglycolide rods may possess osteogenic potential, contributing to distal tibiofibular synostosis after malleolar fractures.
- This complication appears distinct from previously reported cases associated with tibiofibular diastasis.
- Further research into the osteogenic properties of bioabsorbable materials in fracture fixation is warranted.