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 of47 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.