Leave it or fix it? How fixation of a small posterior malleolar fragment neutralizes rotational forces in trimalleolar fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the effects of a small posterior malleolar fragment (PMF), containing less than 25% articular surface area, on ankle joint stability via computed tomography (CT) scanning under full weight bearing in a human cadaveric ankle fracture model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A trimalleolar fracture with a PMF of less than 25% articular surface area was created in 6 pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric lower legs. The specimens were randomized into 2 groups stabilized by internal fixation including a positioning screw for syndesmotic reconstruction. In Group I the PMF was addressed by direct screw osteosynthesis, whereas in Group II the fragment was not fixed. Six predefined distances within the ankle were measured under axial loading. CT scans of each specimen were performed in intact and fixated states in neutral position, dorsiflexion and plantar-flexion of the ankle. RESULTS: In plantar-flexion, significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to rotational instability. Group II demonstrated a significantly increased inward rotation of the fibula compared with Group I. No significant differences were detected between the groups for each one of the measured distances in any of the three foot positions. CONCLUSIONS: Additional reduction and fixation of a small PMF seems to neutralize rotational forces in the ankle more effectively than a sole syndesmotic screw. Clinically, this becomes relevant in certain phases of the gait cycle. Direct screw osteosynthesis of a small PMF stabilizes the ankle more effectively than a positioning screw.

Trends of incidence and treatment strategies for operatively treated distal fibula fractures from 2005 to 2019: a nationwide register analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Valid epidemiological data about distal fibular fractures and their treatment strategies are missing. Innovative osteosynthesis techniques were introduced and improved during the past 15 years. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic development and the implementation of new treatment strategies in a nationwide register in Germany over a period of 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of the German Federal Statistical Office from 2005 until 2019 were screened. Adults with a fracture of the distal fibula were included. Data were separated for gender, age and treatment strategy. RESULTS: During the past 15 years, there was a steady annual incidence of distal fibula fractures of 74 ± 32 per 100,000 people without any significant changes (p = 0.436). 60.1% ± 0.6% of all fractures occurred in females. The annual incidence for male was nearly constant over the different age groups, whereas for female, there was a clear increase in incidence above the age of 40. Whereas 66% of fractures in between 20 and 30 years of age occurred in male, approximately 70% of fractures above the age of 60 occurred in females. The relative quantity of locking plates increased from 2% in 2005 to 34% in 2019. In 2019, only 1.02% of the patients were operated with an intramedullary nail. CONCLUSIONS: Operatively treated distal fibular fractures revealed an age dependent increase in incidence in postmenopausal women compared to younger females. Regarding the treatment strategy, there was an increase in application of locking plates. The data implicate a typical fragility fracture related age and gender distribution for distal fibula fractures.

[Ankle fractures in older patients : What should we do differently?] / Sprunggelenkfraktur beim älteren Patienten : Was sollten wir anders machen?

As a result of the demographic developments ankle fractures in older patients are part of routine trauma surgery. Due to comorbidities, such as diabetes mellitus, reduced bone quality and limited compliance in follow-up treatment, these fractures are prone to complications. The primary goal in the treatment of older patients with ankle fractures is to maintain mobility. In contrast to young patients most fractures are unstable pronation-abduction injuries. In the diagnostics the recognition and optimization of factors influencing the outcome, such as the blood perfusion and the generous use of computed tomography (CT) are recommended. As in the case of younger patients, conservative treatment is reserved for stable fracture forms and, if there are contraindications, should also be initiated in the case of unstable injuries. The choice of approaches is different for surgical treatment, which is adapted to the soft tissues, if necessary minimally invasive and increasingly carried out by a posterolateral approach. The initial transfixation can reduce soft tissue problems. Special surgical techniques and implants that provide a high level of stability, such as dorsal plate positioning, hook plates, angular stable plate systems and intramedullary systems as well as additional options, such as tibia pro fibula constructs are used. Primary retrograde nail arthrodesis is reserved as a salvage procedure only for exceptional cases. As part of the follow-up treatment, an interdisciplinary approach with respect for and optimization of concomitant diseases seems to make sense.

Trends in arthrodeses and total joint replacements in Foot and Ankle surgery in Germany during the past decade-Back to the fusion?

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to analyze trends in Foot and Ankle surgery in Germany during the past ten years. METHODS: Data of the German Federal Statistical Office from 2008 until 2018 were screened. We focused on the analysis of fusions and total joint replacements. RESULTS: The total amount of the surgeries increased (+39.5%). Especially fusions like arthrodesis of the ankle (+31%) and of the MTP-1 joint (+77%) were on the rise. In 2017 60% of ankle arthrodesis were conducted in men, while 69% of MTP-1 arthrodesis were performed in women. The amount of joint replacements showed a decline during the last decade, in TAR (-39%) and in the MTP-1 (-48%). Regarding the patients age while undergoing a TAR, we observed a shift of the peak age group from 65 to 70 years in 2008 towards 55-60 years in 2017. CONCLUSION: Our study represents actual health care reality in Germany and shows a constant increase of ankle arthritis surgeries in the last decade, while there was a massive shift regarding the ratio of TAR in favour of fusion procedures.

Comparison of clinically used bilayer collagen membrane and trilayer collagen prototype fixation stability in chondral defects at the talus - An experimental human specimen study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this human specimen experimental study was to compare the fixation stability of clinically used bilayer collagen membrane with fibrin glue with trilayer collagen prototype without fibrin glue in chondral defects at the medial or lateral talar shoulder (both matrices from Geistlich Pharma AG, Wollhusen, Switzerland). METHODS: Eleven human specimens were used. The membranes were implanted in standardized chondral defects at the medial and lateral talar shoulder randomized. All tests were performed in load-control 15 kg. Range of motion ROM of each ankle was examined individually before testing. The average ROM was 10° dorsiflexion range 0°-20° and 30° plantarflexion range 20°-45°. 1,000 testing cycles with the defined ROM were performed. Two independent investigators, blinded to membrane and fixation type, visually assessed the membrane fixation integrity for peripheral detachment, area of defect uncovered, membrane constitution and delamination. RESULTS: The clinically used bilayer collagen membrane plus fibrin glue showed higher fixation stability than the trilayer prototype (all p < 0.05). No significant differences occurred between medial and lateral talar shoulder location (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The fixation stability of the trilayer collagen prototype without fibrin glue is lower than of the clinically used bilayer membrane with fibrin glue in chondral defects at the medial and lateral talar shoulder in an experimental human specimen test. Clinical use of trilayer collagen prototype without fibrin glue has to be validated by clinical testing to evaluate if the lower stability of fixation is still sufficient.

Extracorporal shock wave therapy for the treatment of arthrodesis non-unions.

INTRODUCTION: Non-union is a regular complication of arthrodeses. Standard treatment includes revision surgery with frequent need for re-revision due to persistent non-union. Particularly patients with concomitant diseases are at risk of secondary complications. There is a need for evaluation of alternative treatment options. The aim of this study is to provide first evidence on union-rate and pain course after focussed extracorporeal shock-wave therapy of arthrodesis non-unions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective single-centre study, 25 patients with non-union following arthrodesis received one session of focussed extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (energy flux density 0.36 mJ/mm2, 3000 impulses, 23 kV, 4 Hz). Radiographic and clinical results were recorded 6, 12 and 24 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: 24 patients were followed-up. After 24 weeks arthrodeses of the hand healed in 80%, of the upper ankle in 50%, of subtalar joint in 27.2% and of the midfoot in 0% of the cases. Pain decreased from 4.8 (± 2.8) points on the visual analogue scale to 3.4 (± 2.3), 2.9 (± 2.5) and 2.4 (± 2.8) points after 6, 12 and 24 weeks, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the effect of focussed, high-energy shock wave therapy depends on body region and is effective for the treatment of non-unions of the hand as well as for pain relief. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

High-resolution MRI (3T-MRI) in diagnosis of wrist pain: is diagnostic arthroscopy still necessary?

INTRODUCTION: 3T MRI has become increasingly available for better imaging of interosseous ligaments, TFCC, and avascular necrosis compared with 1.5T MRI. This study assesses the sensitivity and specificity of 3T MRI compared with arthroscopy as the gold standard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients were examined with 3T MRI using coronal T1-TSE; PD-FS; and coronal, sagittal, and axial contrast-enhanced T1-FFE-FS sequences. Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated the images independently. Patients underwent diagnostic arthroscopy. RESULTS: The classifications of the cartilage lesions showed good correlations with the arthroscopy findings (κ = 0.8-0.9). In contrast to the arthroscopy, cartilage of the distal carpal row was very good and could be evaluated in all patients on MRI. The sensitivity for the TFCC lesion was 83%, and the specificity was 42% (radiologist 1) and 63% (radiologist 2). For the ligament lesions, the sensitivity and specificity were 75 and 100%, respectively, with a high interobserver agreement (κ = 0.8-0.9). DISCUSSION: 3T MRI proved to be of good value in diagnosing cartilage lesions, especially in the distal carpal row, whereas wrist arthroscopy provided therapeutic options. When evaluating the surgical therapeutical options, 3T MRI is a good diagnostic tool for pre-operatively evaluating the cartilage of the distal carpal row.

A modified and enhanced test setup for biomechanical investigations of the hindfoot, for example in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) using intramedullary nails is a salvage procedure for many diseases in the ankle and subtalar joint. Despite "newly described intramedullary nails" with specific anatomical shapes there still remain major complications regarding this procedure. The following study presents a modified biomechanical test setup for investigations of the hindfoot. METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen specimens from below the human knee were anaysed using the Hindfoot Arthrodesis Nail (Synthes) instrument. Quasi-static biomechanical testing was performed for internal/external rotation, varus/valgus and dorsal/plantar flexion using a modified established setup (physiological load entrance point, sledge at lever arm to apply pure moments). Additionally, a 3D optical measurement system was added to allow determination of interbony movements. RESULTS: The mean torsional range of motion (ROM) calculated from the actuator data of a material testing machine was 10.12° (SD 0.6) compared to 10° (SD 2.83) as measured with the Optotrak® system (between tibia and calcaneus). The Optotrak showed 40 % more rotation in the talocrural joint. Mean varus/valgus ROM from the material testing flexion machine was seen to be 5.65° (SD 1.84) in comparison to 2.82° (SD 0.46) measured with the Optotrak. The subtalar joint showed a 70 % higher movement when compared to the talocrural joint. Mean ROM in the flexion test was 5.3° (SD 1.45) for the material testing machine and 2.1° (SD 0.39) for the Optotrak. The movement in the talocrural joint was 3 times higher compared to the subtalar joint. CONCLUSION: The modified test setup presented here for the hindfoot allows a physiological biomechanical loading. Moreover, a detailed characterisation of the bone-implant constructs is possible.

Biomechanical analysis of the efficacy of locking plates during cyclic loading in metacarpal fractures.

PURPOSE: To analyse the biomechanical characteristics of locking plates under cyclic loading compared to a nonlocking plate in a diaphyseal metacarpal fracture. METHODS: Oblique diaphyseal shaft fractures in porcine metacarpal bones were created in a biomechanical fracture model. An anatomical reduction and stabilization with a nonlocking and a comparable locking plate in mono- or bicortical screw fixation followed. Under cyclic loading, the displacement, and in subsequent load-to-failure tests, the maximum load and stiffness were measured. RESULTS: For the monocortical screw fixation of the locking plate, a similar displacement, maximum load, and stiffness could be demonstrated compared to the bicortical screw fixation of the nonlocking plate. CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates in monocortical configuration may function as a useful alternative to the currently common treatment with bicortical fixations. Thereby, irritation of the flexor tendons would be avoided without compromising the stability, thus enabling the necessary early functional rehabilitation.

Biomechanical comparison of stability of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with two different intramedullary retrograde nails.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to compare the initial construct stability of two retrograde intramedullary nail systems for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCF) (A3, Small Bone Innovations; HAN, Synthes) in a biomechanical cadaver study. METHODS: Nine pairs of human cadaver bones were instrumented with two different retrograde nail systems. One tibia from each pair was randomized to either rod. The bone mineral density was determined via tomography to ensure the characteristics in each pair of tibiae were similar. All tests were performed in load-control. Displacements and forces were acquired by the sensors of the machine at a rate of 64Hz. Specimens were tested in a stepwise progression starting with six times ±125N with a frequency of 1Hz for 250cycles each step was performed (1500cycles). The maximum load was then increased to ±250N for another 14 steps or until specimen failure occurred (up to 3500cycles). RESULTS: Average bone mineral density was 67.4mgHA/ccm and did not differ significantly between groups (t-test, p=.28). Under cyclic loading, the range of motion (dorsiflexion/plantarflexion) at 250N was significantly lower for the HAN-group with 7.2±2.3mm compared to the A3-group with 11.8±2.9mm (t-test, p<0.01). Failure was registered for the HAN after 4571±1134cycles and after 2344±1195cycles for the A3 (t-test, p=.031). Bone mineral density significantly correlated with the number of cycles to failure in both groups (Spearman-Rho, r>.69, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high specimen age and low bone density simulates an osteoporotic bone situation. The HAN with only lateral distal bend but two calcaneal locking screws showed higher stability (higher number of cycles to failure and lower motion such as dorsiflexion/plantarflexion during cyclic loading) than the A3 with additional distal dorsal bend but only one calcaneal locking screw. Both constructs showed sufficient stability compared with earlier data from a similar test model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data suggest that both implants allow for sufficient primary stability for TTCF in osteoporotic and consequently also in non-osteoporotic bone. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Not applicable, experimental basic science study.

An unusual cause of ankle pain: fracture of a talocalcaneal coalition as a differential diagnosis in an acute ankle sprain: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The acute ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries seen in trauma departments. Ankle sprains have an incidence of about one injury per 10 000 people a day. In contrast tarsal coalition is a rare condition occurring in not more than one percent of the population. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 23 year old male patient with pain and local swelling after an acute ankle sprain. Initial clinical and radiological examination showed no pathologies. Due to prolonged pain, swelling and the inability of the patient to weight bear one week after trauma further diagnostics was performed. Imaging studies (MRI and CT) revealed a fracture of a talocalcaneal coalition. To the knowledge of the authors no fracture of a coalition was reported so far. CONCLUSION: This report highlights the presentation of symptomatic coalitions following trauma and furthermore, it points out the difficulties in the diagnosis and treatment of a rare entity after a common injury. A diagnostic algorithm has been developed to ensure not to miss a severe injury.

Ankle fractures in the elderly: Do we have new concepts?

The relevance of geriatric ankle fractures is continuously increasing. Treatment of these patients remains challenging and requires adapted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as compliance to partial weight bearing is difficult to maintain compared to younger patients. In addition, in the elderly even low impact injuries may lead to severe soft tissue trauma, influencing timing and operative strategies. Recently, the direct posterolateral approach and plate fixation techniques, angular stable implants as well as intramedullary nailing of the distal fibula have been found to improve stategical concepts. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and recent aspects with respect to how this difficult entity of injuries should be approached.

VEGF improves skeletal muscle regeneration after acute trauma and reconstruction of the limb in a rabbit model.

BACKGROUND: Complicated tibial fractures with severe soft tissue trauma are challenging to treat. Frequently associated acute compartment syndrome can result in scarring of muscles with impaired function. Several studies have shown a relationship between angiogenesis and more effective muscle regeneration. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is associated with angiogenesis but it is not clear whether it would restore muscle force, reduce scarring, and aid in muscle regeneration after acute musculoskeletal trauma. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Therefore, we asked whether local application of VEGF (1) restores muscle force, (2) reduces scar tissue formation, and (3) regenerates muscle tissue. METHODS: We generated acute soft tissue trauma with increased compartment pressure in 22 rabbits and shortened the limbs to simulate fracture débridement. In the test group (n = 11), a VEGF-coated collagen matrix was applied locally around the osteotomy site. After 10 days of limb shortening, gradual distraction of 0.5 mm per 12 hours was performed to restore the original length. Muscle force was measured before trauma and on every fifth day after trauma. Forty days after shortening we euthanized the animals and histologically determined the percentage of connective and muscle tissue. RESULTS: Recovery of preinjury muscle strength was greater in the VEGF group (2.4 N; 73%) when compared with the control (1.8 N; 53%) with less connective and more muscle tissue in the VEGF group. The recovery of force was related to the percentage of connective tissue versus muscle fibers. CONCLUSIONS: Local application of VEGF may improve restoration of muscle force by reducing connective tissue and increasing the relative amount of muscle fibers. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VEGF may be useful to improve skeletal muscle repair by modulating muscle tissue regeneration and fibrosis reduction after acute trauma.

Retrograde nail for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis as a limb salvage procedure for open distal tibia and talus fractures with severe bone loss.

The treatment of complex fractures of the distal tibia, ankle, and talus with soft tissue damage, bone loss, and nonreconstructable joints for which the optimal timing for reduction and fixation has been missed is challenging. In such cases primary arthrodesis might be a treatment option. We report a series of multi-injured patients with severe soft tissue damage and bone loss, who were treated with a retrograde tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis nail as a minimally invasive treatment option for limb salvage. After a median follow-up of 5.4 years, all patients returned to their former profession. The ankle and bone fusion was complete, with moderate functional results and quality of life. Calcaneotibial arthrodesis using a retrograde nail is a good treatment option for nonreconstructable fractures of the ankle joint with severe bone loss and poor soft tissue quality in selected patients with multiple injuries, in particular, those involving both lower extremities, as a salvage procedure.

Cooperative effects in differentiation and proliferation between PDGF-BB and matrix derived synthetic peptides in human osteoblasts.

BACKGROUND: Enhancing osteogenic capabilities of bone matrix for the treatment of fractures and segmental defects using growth factors is an active area of research. Recently, synthetic peptides like AC- 100, TP508 or p-15 corresponding to biologically active sequences of matrix proteins have been proven to stimulate bone formation. The platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB has been identified as an important paracrine factor in early bone healing. We hypothesized that the combined use of PDGF-BB with synthetic peptides could result in an increase in proliferation and calcification of osteoblast-like cells. METHODS: Osteoblast-like cell cultures were treated with PDGF and synthetic peptides, singly and as combinations, and compared to non-treated control cell cultures. The cultures were evaluated at days 2, 5, and 10 in terms of cell proliferation, calcification and gene expression of alkaline phosphate, collagen I and osteocalcin. RESULTS: Experimental findings revealed that the addition of PDGF, p-15 and TP508 and combinations of PDGF/AC-100, PDGF/p-15 and PDGF/TP508 resulted in an increase in proliferating osteoblasts, especially in the first 5 days of cultivation. Proliferation did not significantly differ between single factors and factor combinations (p > 0.05). The onset of calcification in osteoblasts occurred earlier and was more distinct compared to the corresponding control or PDGF stimulation alone. Significant difference was found for the combined use of PDGF/p-15 and PDGF/AC-100 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that PDGF exhibits cooperative effects with synthetic peptides in differentiation and proliferation. These cooperative effects cause a significant early calcification of osteoblast-like cells (p < 0.05). We suggest the combination of synthetic peptides and PDGF as a potential clinical approach for accelerating bone healing or coating osteosynthesis materials.

[Operative treatment of bimalleolar fractures]. / Operative Versorgung von Bimalleolarfrakturen.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical restoration of the function and anatomy of the talocrural joint, anatomical reduction of fractures of the lateral and medial malleoli and to address ligamentous instability when achieving exercise stability. INDICATIONS: Dislocated and intra-articular fractures of the lateral and medial malleoli. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infections, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, critical soft tissue conditions. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Placement in a supine position, lateral and medial access, reduction of the fractures by manipulation of the fragments with Kirschner wires or use of reduction clamps, control of the joint reduction, definitive fixation with traction screws and plate osteosynthesis of the distal fibula, screw, tension-band or plate osteosynthesis of the medial malleolus, in cases of syndesmosis instability exact restoration of the talocrural joint by implantation of adjusting screws, alternatively dynamic fixation with a suture-button system. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Movement exercises of the talocrural joint after postoperative day 1, mobilization with partial weight-bearing of the affected leg with 20kg postoperatively for 6-8 weeks, with implantation of adjusting screws removal after 8 weeks and staged increase of weight-bearing, if necessary postoperative insertion of an orthesis. RESULTS: The anatomical reconstruction is decisive. Surgically treated bimalleolar fractures show good to excellent long-term results, the increasing number of affected malleoli correlates with a poorer outcome.

[Arthrodesis of the Upper Ankle and Subtalar Joint - Indication and Technique]. / Die Arthrodese des oberen Sprunggelenks und Rückfußes.

Arthrodesis of the upper ankle and subtalar joint are still frequently used and at the moment the gold standard in the therapy of severe arthritis and deformity of the ankle joint and hindfoot. The spectrum of indications is wide, beginning from posttraumatic or degenerative changes to postinfectious, rheumatoid and diabetic causes of arthritis and as a salvage procedure after failed ankle arthroplasty. The types of arthrodesis have to be differentiated from each other: tibiotalar, subtalar and tibiotalcalcaneal fusion. Soft tissue conditions have to be taken into account; these and individual factors like comorbidities and osseous conditions require an individual planning of the approaches and types of fixation.

Comparison between locking and non-locking plates for fixation of metacarpal fractures in an animal model.

PURPOSE: The use of locking plates increases the primary load to failure, thereby reducing the rate of implant-related failure. The good clinical and biomechanical results of locking plates in long bones might be applicable to treatment of metacarpal fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine strength and stiffness of locking plates in a metacarpal fracture model with mono- and bicortical screw fixation in comparison to non-locking plate mono- and bicortical screw fixation, with both types of plates placed at the dorsal side of the bone. METHODS: Fresh second metacarpals from domestic pigs (n=40) were randomized in 4 equal groups. Short, oblique, mid-shaft fractures were generated, using a standardized 3-point bending method. Fractures were plated with non-locking, titanium, 1-mm-thick monocortical (group 1, n=10) or bicortical (group 2, n =10) plates (Leibinger-Stryker; Stryker Corp, Freiburg, Germany). Newly designed locking titanium plates with the same width and thickness (Leibinger-Stryker) were used in the same manner for groups 3 (monocortical) and 4 (bicortical). The metacarpals were then tested to load to failure in a cantilever bending mode. RESULTS: Bicortical, non-locking fixation (group 2, 359 +/- 90 N) had a higher load to failure than monocortical non-locking fixation (group 1, 250 +/- 56 N) in testing the maximum load to failure (p < .01). There was no significant difference in stiffness between group 1 (46 +/- 12 N/mm) and group 2 (56 +/- 21 N/mm). The difference in maximum load to failure between monocortical (group 3, 440 +/- 85N) and bicortical (group 4, 378 +/- 116 N) locking plate stabilization was not significant. Also, there was no significant difference in stiffness between monocortical (group 3, 83 +/- 35 N/mm) and bicortical locking plates (group 4, 70 +/- 31 N/mm). Comparing non-locking (group 1) and locking plates in a monocortical fixation technique (group 3) demonstrated significant differences in maximum load to failure (group 1, 250 +/- 56 N; group 3, 440 +/- 85 N) and stiffness (group 1, 46 +/- 12 N/mm; group 3, 83 +/- 35 N/mm). The stability of monocortical locking plates was stronger, although not statistically significant, than the non-locking bicortical plates (load to failure, 440 +/- 85 N vs 359 +/- 90 N; stiffness, 83 +/- 35 N/mm vs 56 +/- 21 N/mm). CONCLUSIONS: The new generation of locking plates can be used to achieve a higher stability for fixation of metacarpal fractures. Monocortical, stable fixation can minimize flexor tendon interference and probably reduce bone and soft tissue trauma.

Better is the foe of good: Outcome of operatively treated ankle fractures in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are the second most common fractures of the lower extremities. Nonetheless, no standardized treatment protocol for unstable ankle fractures of the elderly exists today. Choices to treat ankle fractures are debated controversially, including (1) conservative treatment, (2) open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and (3) primary hind-foot arthrodesis. This retrospective study aimed to examine the healing result in patients treated by ORIF after unstable ankle fractures. METHODS: The study was designed as a retrospective comparative series. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was followed to assess the postsurgical outcome. Data was obtained from 66 patients younger than 65 (median age, 42 years; range, 18-63) and 28 patients aged 65 or older (median age, 71 years; range, 65-81). The mean follow-up period for the younger-than-65 group was 48 months; for patients older than 65, it was 49 months. RESULTS: An AOFAS score of 86.4 in the older and 92.4 in the younger group was determined, p-value<0.05. Elderly patients suffered from significantly more open-ankle fractures and comorbidities than the younger group did, p-value<0.05 each. The duration of hospital stay and the time needed to reach sufficient self-mobilization were both significantly different between the two groups, p-value<0.05. CONCLUSION: ORIF treatment of ankle fractures resulted in good functional assessment after a mean follow-up of 49 months in the elderly. Pre-fracture health condition positively affected the healing results in younger patients. This study confirms the basic AO Foundation principles for good postsurgical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.