The Journal of foot and ankle surgery : official publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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Open tibial fractures are common injuries after high-energy trauma such as road traffic accidents. Infection is one of the main complications of open fractures. Broad-spectrum antibiotics have been used for prophylaxis and treatment of infection in these fractures. ⋯ Only 1 randomized, double-blind, prospective study examined the duration of prophylactic antibiotic administration in open tibial fractures. That study suggested a short course of antibiotics is as effective as a long course in infection prophylaxis. The results of the present review highlight the need for a rigorous randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial to establish an agreed protocol for the optimal length of prophylactic antibiotic administration in open tibial fractures.
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Review Case Reports
Missed Medial Malleolar Fracture Associated With Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Case Report and Literature Review.
A 45-year-old man sustained an Achilles tendon rupture while playing futsal. A concomitant medial malleolar fracture was not diagnosed until the patient underwent an operation for Achilles tendon repair. A routine postoperative radiograph showed a minimally displaced medial malleolar fracture. ⋯ The function of the Achilles tendon recovered well, and the fracture was united. A medial malleolar fracture can be missed when an Achilles tendon rupture occurs simultaneously. Thus, surgeons should consider the possibility of medial malleolar fracture associated with an Achilles tendon rupture.
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Posterior malleolar fractures are relatively common and usually result from rotational ankle injuries. Although treatment of associated lateral and medial structures is well established, several controversies exist in the management of posterior malleolus fractures. We performed a systematic review of the current published data with regard to the diagnosis, management, and prognosis of posterior malleolus fractures. ⋯ The outcome was related to other factors, such as fracture displacement, congruency of the articular surface, and residual tibiotalar subluxation. Indirect evidence showed that large fracture fragments were associated with fracture dislocations and ankle instability and, thus, might require surgical fixation. We have concluded that the evidence to prove that the size of the posterior malleolar affects the outcome of ankle fractures is not enough, and the decision to treat these fractures should be determined by other factors, as stated previously.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Minimally Invasive Sinus Tarsi Approach With Cannulated Screw Fixation Combined With Vacuum-Assisted Closure for Treatment of Severe Open Calcaneal Fractures With Medial Wounds.
The aim of our prospective study was to investigate the clinical results and advantages of a minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach with cannulated screw fixation combined with vacuum-assisted closure for the treatment of severe open calcaneal fractures with medial wounds. A total of 31 patients (32 feet) with open calcaneal fractures who were admitted to our hospital from January 2008 to May 2013 were selected for the study and randomly divided into 2 groups: the cannulated screw group (n = 16 patients, 16 feet) and the plate group (n = 15 patients, 16 feet). The Böhler and Gissane angles were compared before and after surgery. ⋯ However, a statistically significant difference was seen in the duration of hospitalization (p < .05) between the 2 groups. A minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach with cannulated screw fixation combined with vacuum-assisted closure is an effective method for the treatment of severe open calcaneal fractures with medial wounds. It provides good reduction and requires fewer days of hospitalization.
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Comparative Study
Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy Improves Early Postoperative Results: A Retrospective Comparison of Outcomes After Endoscopic Versus Open Plantar Fasciotomy.
Plantar fasciotomy is offered to patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Few studies have characterized the functional outcomes over time for the endoscopic approach compared with the open approach. We hypothesized that patients undergoing endoscopic surgery will have better postoperative functional outcomes early in the postoperative period but equivalent long-term outcomes compared with patients undergoing open surgery. ⋯ Patients undergoing endoscopic surgery had significantly greater American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot and SF-36 Health Survey scores and lower pain scores at the 3-month period. They were also significantly more likely to be satisfied with and have had their expectations met by surgery. Compared with the open approach, the patients who had undergone endoscopic plantar fasciotomy experienced significantly greater improvements in the subjective and objective functional outcomes, with less pain and greater satisfaction, and had had their expectations met earlier in the recovery period, with equivalent long-term outcomes, compared with the patients who had undergone open plantar fasciotomy.