Safety of the modified posteromedial approach in complex ankle fractures: Comparative analysis versus posterolateral access.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of the modified posteromedial approach (MfPM) in the surgical management of complex ankle fractures in terms of local complications. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter review of a series of malleolar fractures surgically treated by posterior ankle approaches between 2016 and 2022. Two approaches were used. In the MfPM group patients were placed in a prone position and the incision was made 1 cm medially to the Achilles tendon. In the posterolateral access (PL) group patients were placed in a prone or lateral decubitus position and the incision was made between the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Complications evaluated were divided into wound complications, infections, neuritis, vascular alterations and others. RESULTS: 81 ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment treated by open reduction and internal fixation were identified. 20 cases were approached through the MfPM approach and 61 through the PL access. The mean follow up was 18.60 months (range 4-78 months). In the MfPM group the local complication rate was 10% (2/10 patients), both corresponding to minor wound problems which required no surgical intervention. No infection or other neural or vascular complications were found. In the PL group a complication rate of 8,19% (5/61 patients) was found, all of them corresponding to minor wound problems which required no surgical intervention. No infection or other neural or vascular complications were found. There were no significant differences between the two approaches regarding postoperative local complications (z score 0.249 - P: 0.803). CONCLUSION: The MfPM approach is safe and may become as readily used as the PL due to the low incidence of postoperative local complications, especially in fractures with a large fragment and posteromedial extension in which greater access to the posterior pilon can facilitate instrumentation for anatomic reduction and fixation.

Talar Neck Fractures: Single or Double Approach?

Correct approach selection in talar neck injuries is crucial to obtain adequate access to the entire fracture site avoiding malreduction and angular deformity. The major concern about a single incision technique is lack of visualization. Combined lateral and medial approaches are strongly recommended in complex talar neck fractures providing better control of dorsal and varus displacement of the talar head.