European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A STUDY OF PATIENTS WITH UNSTABLE BIMALLEOLAR FRACTURES WITH OR WITHOUT SYNDESMOTIC INJURIES TREATED WITH OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION AND THEIR FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT.

Dr. Hemant Singh, Dr. Sudhir Sharan* and Dr. Arvind Goregaonkar

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To study the patients of unstable bimalleolar fractures and access their functional stability via AOFAS and OMAS ankle scoring system. Association of union with various factors like smoking, diabetes, soft tissue injury etc was also studied. Methodology: Randomized prospective cross sectional study in which 35 patients with bimalleolar fractures were studied and their functional stability accessed using AOFAS and OMAS ankle scoring system.assessment was done at 1.3,6 and 9 months. Complications were noted and various factors affecting union were studied. Results: Out of 35 patients treated, overall good to excellent results were obtained in 26 patients. The pain scores and, functional activity significantly improves over 9 months and the alignment score changes are not significant or remain constant. The results were poor in one patient There were no intraoperative complications. The postoperative complication we came across was superficial skin infection in 8 patients, mal union in one patient and swelling and fracture blisters in 10 patients. Conclusion: Anatomical reduction is essential in all intra articular fractures, more so if a weight bearing joint like ankle is involved. Open reduction and internal fixation guarantee high standard of reduction. The pain scores and, functional activity significantly improves over 9 months. Accuracy of fixation ensures better fracture healing and consequent earlier return to daily activities translating into a better functional outcome.

Keywords: AOFAS; OMAS; Union.