Analysis of the Long-term Results of the Old Ankle Fracture Treated with Surgery

【Objective】To analyse the long-term results of the old ankle fractures with surgery,to determine the effective treatment.【Methods】Forty six patients with old anke fractures with surgery were reviewed.Thirty seven patients were treated by open reduction and interal fixation,9 treated by by arthrodesis.All of the patients were evaluated by AOFAS rating system.【Results】All 46 patients were followed up 32~156 months.The long-term results were better,all of the fractures healed up and the patients had painless joints.Compared with the arthrodesis,the patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation within 1~3 months had higher AOFAS scores.However,there was no significant difference between the final results following the two operactive procedures in AOFAS score if the surgery was delayed over 3 months.【Conclusion】In case of fracture of the ankle with delayed treatment of 3 months,anatomical reduction can be attained by open reduction and internal fixation.Otherwise,arthrodesis should be considered.Anatomical reduction is difficult because of the degenerative changes of the cartilage and the soft tissue,so for the delayed treatment of displaced ankle fracture,arthrodesis is the best choice.