Abstract :
Background: Closed reduction used for management of ankle fractures usually result into delayed healing. It inhibits the healing of the ankle fractures. On the contrary, open reduction and internal fixation helps to preserve the supply of blood not only to soft tissues but also bones. This way it helps in proper and timely healing.
Objective: To study outcome and complications of open reduction and internal fixation in ankle fractures
Materials and Methods: A hospital based prospective study was carried out among 40 cases of ankle fractures. Detailed history, general examination were carried out as per the pre-tested, pre-designed study questionnaire. Once patient was found to be eligible for present study, surgical profile and pre-anesthetic check-up was done as per standard guidelines. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation method.
Results: Most commonly affected age group was 31-40 years (40%). Males were affected more than females (4:1). Vehicular accident was most common cause (65%) of ankle fracture. 95% had closed fracture. Most common injury pattern (57.5%) was Pronation external rotation. K-wire was most commonly used (40%) operative technique. Among the variables, open type of fracture and other mode of injury were significantly associated with painful gait. There were no other complications recorded. 70% had excellent outcome and 25% had good outcome. Among all factors studied, only open type of fracture was found associated with functional outcome that is not excellent.
Conclusion: Thus open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice in case of fracture ankle joint, with very less change of complications
Keyword :
Outcome, Complications, Open reduction, Internal fixation, Ankle fractures