RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures account for up to 10% of total fractures. Most of them require surgical fixation, which involves an important risk of wound complications. The aim of this study was to determine whether a silver-impregnated occlusive surgical dressing (Aquacel Ag Extra®) was effective in reducing the rates of wound complications after ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation compared to standard sterile dressing. METHODS: We prospectively reviewed 233 patients who underwent ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation. Surgeons switched from using a standard dressing to an Aquacel Ag Extra® from July 2017 to February 2018, without other major changes in perioperative management. We compared skin complications between both groups after 3 months' follow-up. RESULTS: The statistical analysis showed that there is no difference in the prevalence of skin complications between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The theoretical advantages of silver impregnated dressings need further prospective randomized controlled studies to assess the appropriate indications for their use in orthopaedic surgery.