Analysis of the late results of the old ankle fractures treated with surgery

Objective:Analysis of the late results of the old ankle fractures with surgery to determine the effective treatment.Methods:46 patients with old ankle fractures with surgery were reviewed.37 patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation,9 treated by arthrodesis.All of the patients were evaluated by AOFAS rating system.Results:All of the 46 patients were followed up from 26 months to 121 months,with an average of 87 months.The late results were better,all of the fractures headled up and the patients have had painless joints.Compared with the arthrodesis,the patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation with 1-3 months had higher AOFAS scores.However,there was no significant defference between the final results following there two operative procedures in AOFAS socre if the surgery was delayed over 3 morths.Conclusion:In the 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 the degenerative changes of the cartilage and the soft tissuee,so for the delayed treatment of displaced ankle fracture,arthrodesis is the best choice.