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Salvage operation for neglected ankle fractures
Y M Cheng1, P J Huang, S K Chen
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, Republic of China.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 31, 1997
Summary
Salvage surgery for neglected ankle fractures significantly improved patient function and relieved pain. Treatment was tailored to fracture severity and arthritic changes, yielding positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Podiatric Medicine
Background:
- Untreated or poorly treated ankle fractures can lead to chronic pain and dysfunction.
- Salvage surgery offers a solution for complex and neglected cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of salvage surgery for neglected ankle fractures.
- To analyze treatment strategies based on fracture characteristics and arthritic changes.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 49 patients with neglected ankle fractures undergoing salvage surgery.
- Surgical techniques included arthrotomy, debridement, revised open reduction, tibial osteotomy, and ankle arthrodesis.
- Patients were followed for an average of 36.4 months, with functional scores assessed pre- and post-operatively.
Main Results:
- All patients experienced symptomatic relief and functional improvement after surgery.
- Average functional scores increased from 26.3 preoperatively to 86.8 postoperatively.
- Treatment was individualized based on the degree of reduction and arthrosis.
Conclusions:
- Salvage surgery is an effective treatment for neglected ankle fractures, providing significant functional improvement.
- Tailored surgical approaches, considering arthritic changes, are crucial for optimal outcomes.
- Early intervention and anatomic reduction are ideal, but salvage procedures offer hope for complex cases.