fixation of ankle fractures

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are one of the most common fractures. Historically these have been frequently treated by non-specialists and junior staff. In 2011 we presented high malunion rates, which have been mirrored in other departments work. We present the results of system changes to improve the results of ankle fracture fixation Methods: Image intensifier films were reviewed on PACS and scored based on the criteria published by Pettrone et al. At least two blinded assessors assigned scores independently. Patients clinical data was collected from medical records. In 2011 we presented the results of fixation in 94 consecutive patients (Group 1) from 2009. Following this there was period of education in the department to allow change. 68 patients (Group 2) were then reviewed from a 7 month period in 2014 Multiple system changes were introduced in the department including; new treatment algorithms, dedicated foot and ankle trauma lists and clinics, and next day review of all intra-operative radiographs by independent attending. Prospective data was collected on 205 consecutive cases (Group 3) from 01/01/15 – 09/30/16 Results: Patients in group 1 had a malreduction rate of 33%. The major complication rate in this group was 8.5% (8 patients); with only one of these occurred in a correctly reduced fracture. These complications included 4 revision fixations, 2 deep infections and 1 amputation. Following the period of re-education, in Group 2, the mal-reduction rate deteriorated to 43.8%. In this group the major complication rate was 10.9%; including 6 revision fixations and 1 ankle fusion. In Group 3, following overall system changes, the malreduction rate was 2.4%. This result is statistically significant. The major complication rate fell to 0.98%; 1deep infection and 1 amputation (in a polytrauma patient with vascular injury). This result is again statistically significant. Conclusion: Our initial results show that very poor results are a consequence when sufficient attention is not given to what are frequently considered to be ‘simple’ fractures. In group 2 we demonstrated that soft educational changes (eg presentations, emails) are ineffective in improving results. We have demonstrated that hard (institutional system) changes in our department provided statistically significant improvements. These changes allowed the correct surgeon for the fracture in both determining the treatment plan and operating. With these changes, malreduction rates fell from 43.8% to 2.4% and major complication rates from 10.9% to 0.98%