DOS Kongressen 2014 ·
221
Early Complications of Ankle Fractures Following
Treatment with Ilizarov External Fixator or Open
Reduction Internal Fixation
Josefin Roslund , Matilda Svenning, Michael Brix, Morten Schultz Larsen
Orthopaedic Surgery, Odense University Hospital
Background:
Objective: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the stan-
dard surgical treatment for ankle fractures in Denmark. In cases of compromised
soft tissue, the Ilizarov external fixator (IEF), might be a safer alternative when
fixation is needed.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
The aim of this study is to analyse the short term
complications following treatment of ankle fractures using IEF or ORIF.
Materials and Methods:
Method: The study population consisted of 122
consecutive patients who were surgically treated for ankle fractures at Odense
University Hospital (OUH) during the time period 01.05.2012 – 31.04.2013.
Patients were divided into groups based on surgical treatment method (IEF or
ORIF). Pre- defined outcomes, predisposing factors and other variables of inter-
est were registered from medical records and x-rays.
Findings / Results:
Results: 23 patients received IEF treatment and 99 re-
ceived ORIF. Among the predisposing factors the variable “hypertension and/
or hyperlipidemia” varied significantly, occurring more often in the IEF group,
whereas the rest of the predisposing factors did not. Among the defined post-
operative outcomes secondary loss of reduction showed a significant higher rate
in the IEF group. Infection and reoperation did not differ significantly between
the groups. No case of compartment syndrome or amputation occurred in any
of the groups.
Conclusions:
Conclusion: Even though the patients in the IEF group were gen-
erally considered to be in poorer condition prior to operation (higher age and rate
of predisposing factors), the only outcome that was significantly different was
secondary loss of reduction. This is consistent with the theory that IEF might be
a good alternative for patients with less desirable preoperative conditions.
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