Functional outcome of surgery for fractures of the ankle.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are a common injury treated in New Zealand with variable functional outcomes. METHODS: Details of all patients undergoing operative fixation of malleolar fractures at Hutt Hospital were obtained from theatre databases for a 12-month period. These patients were then followed up after 1 year for clinical review and asked to complete a questionnaire. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients enrolled in the study: 27 men and 35 women. Average OMA score 16 months after surgery of 79.4. Weber A fractures averaged ankle function score 90.0, Weber B fractures 80.8, and Weber C fractures 76.3. Two patients (3%) reported 'poor' results, 11 (18%) reported 'fair' results, 29 (47%) gained 'good' results, and 20 (32%) attained 'excellent' results. Functional outcome was worse in the elderly. CONCLUSION: Patients who sustain ankle fractures have significant functional impairment even after 1 year.