[Surgical treatment of deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical outcome after the surgical treatment of the deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures.

METHODS

From January 2005 to December 2009, 16 deltoid ligament ruptures associated with ankle fractures were repaired. According to the AO/OTA system, 2 cases belonged to fracture A, 8 to B, and 6 to C. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the outcome measurements.

RESULTS

The 16 patients were followed up for 30 to 84 months,with the mean follow-up of 47 months. All wounds healed at the first stage. The mean time of bone union was 12.8 weeks (range: 10-14 weeks). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the last follow-up was 93 points (range: 85-100 points). The mean score of VAS was 0.94 points (range: 0-2 points).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment of ankle fractures associated with deltoid ligament rupture can achieve satisfactory outcomes, but it is important to decide the operation indication.