Related Experiment Videos
[Differentiated protocol for the conservative/surgical treatment of ankle fractures in adults]
C J Van Laarhoven1, H J Oostvogel, C van der Werken
1Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd, Heelkunde, Utrecht.
Objective:
Evaluation of the long-term results of protocol treatment of adult patients with ankle fractures.
Setting:
St Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
Design:
Retrospective long-term follow-up study.
Method:
All patients (n = 579) with an ankle fracture (580 fractures) in the period 1985-1989, who had not died soon after the injury and in whom the morbidity was not caused mainly by other conditions (n = 30) were treated according to a protocol which specified the indications for conservative or surgical therapy depending on the particular fracture type. After a median follow-up period of 5 years (range: 2.25-8.17 years) the treatment results could be evaluated in 92% of the patients.
Results:
Clinically "good' or "excellent' results ranging from 79-90.5% types A, B and C fractures (according to the Swiss Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) were achieved.
Conclusions:
A broad indication for conservative, even functional (tape bandaging) treatment and restricted use of implants during osteosynthesis appear justified considering the results obtained.