Foot & ankle international
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The main principle for treatment of ankle fractures is anatomic reduction until bony union is achieved. Old fractures of the ankle with residual diastasis, however, may cause persistent pain, joint effusion, and range-of-motion limitation, and make eventual ankle arthrodesis inevitable. Restoration of the integrity of the ankle mortise is the determining factor for successful repair of this type of ankle fracture. ⋯ At follow-up, which averaged 34 months, greatly improved ambulation and level of joint function was noted for all patients, and follow-up x-ray confirmed good ankle mortise geometry. The short-term results for these patients were good, with further follow-up planned to determine efficacy long term. In conclusion, reconstructive corrective-elongation osteotomy is a worthwhile procedure for old ankle fracture with malunion, and it can also postpone degenerative change in the ankle joint.
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Numerous studies have addressed biomechanical characteristics of circular external fixation of long bones. The objective of the present study was to evaluate stabilization of a simulated foot model using external fixation with either calcaneal tensioned stopper wires or half-pins. ⋯ The results of the present mechanical testing can be utilized as a useful guideline for the optimization of circular external fixation of the foot.