Outcome of the management of open ankle fractures in an ortho-plastic specialist centre

• Published in: Injury Vol. 46; no. 6; pp. 1112 - 1115
• Main Authors: Chummun, Shaheel, Wright, Thomas C, Chapman, Thomas W.L, Khan, Umraz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2015
• Subjects: Adult; Ankle Injuries - complications; Ankle Injuries - pathology; Ankle Injuries - surgery; Enneking; Female; Fracture Fixation, Internal - methods; Fracture Healing; Fractures, Open - complications; Fractures, Open - pathology; Fractures, Open - surgery; Free tissue transfer; Humans; Male; Open ankle fracture; Orthopedics; Orthoplastic; Outcome; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures; Recovery of Function; Soft Tissue Injuries - complications; Soft Tissue Injuries - pathology; Soft Tissue Injuries - surgery; Specialist centre; Surgical Flaps - blood supply; Treatment Outcome; Specialist centre; Enneking; Orthoplastic; Free tissue transfer; Open ankle fracture; Outcome
• ISSN: 0020-1383; 1879-0267
• DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2014.12.017

Abstract Introduction We reviewed the functional outcome of 68 patients with open ankle fractures managed in an orthoplastic specialist centre. Materials and methods Patients managed at Frenchay Hospital over a 6 year period were divided into 3 groups: group P were patients initially seen and managed at Frenchay Hospital (an orthoplastic specialist centre), group S were patients stabilised at a different unit and referred for definitive management, while group R were patients managed in a different unit and referred following complications. Injuries were graded using the AO score and outcome was measured using the Enneking score (both validated). Results 19 patients (group P, mean age: 43 years), 26 patients (group S, mean age: 41 years) and 23 patients (group R, mean age: 41.9 years) made the cohort. 82.4% patients required free tissue transfer. Mean AO scores of groups P, S and R were 11.5, 12.3 and 9.7 ( p + 0.03). Mean number of procedures for P, S and R were 2.6, 3.5 and 4.2 ( p = 0.0006). Mean follow up time was 55.5, 61.0 and 57.0 weeks respectively ( p = 0.72). Mean Enneking scores for groups P, S and R were 63.3, 74.8 and 73.5 ( p = 0.16). Conclusion Patients from groups S and R underwent more procedures. However, a similar outcome can be achieved, highlighting the importance of managing such injuries in an orthoplastic specialist centre.