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East and Central African Journal of Surgery
Association of Surgeons of East Africa and College of Surgeons of East Central and Southern Africa
ISSN: 1024-297X EISSN: 1024-297X
Vol. 18, No. 3, 2013, pp. 76-80
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Bioline Code: js13063
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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East and Central African Journal of Surgery, Vol. 18, No. 3, 2013, pp. 76-80
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Results of Operative Fixation of Fractures of the Ankle at a Tertiary Hospital in a Developing Country.
Ogundele, O. J.; Ifesanya, A. O.; Oyewole, O. A. & Adegbehingbe, O. O.
Abstract
Background: Operative fixation of ankle fractures is becoming popular in developing countries. The concern however is the outcome of care. The objective was to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of fractures of the ankle in our hospital.
Methods: All cases ORIF of fractures of the ankle at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan between March 2010 and December 2012 were recruited into the study. The indications for surgery, techniques of fixation, time interval between injury and presentation as well as outcome measures like time to union, complications and functional outcomes were evaluated.
Results: Seventy patients who had ORIF of ankle fractures were studied. Twenty-one (30%) were open fractures while forty-nine (70%) were closed. Sixty (85.7%) patients presented within the first week of injury, 4 (5.7%) after 4 weeks, 4 (5.7%) after 6 weeks and 2 (2.9%) after 52 weeks. Time to union averaged 12.6±4.1weeks. Complications included wound infection 14.3%, wound dehiscence with exposed implants 2.9%, malunion 8.6% and non union 5.7%. Good to excellent functional outcomes were achieved in 77.1% of the patients.
Conclusion: ORIF is a viable option in the treatment of ankle fractures.
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© Copyright 2013 - East and Central African Journal of Surgery
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