Functional outcome of surgically treated ankle fractures

Purpose: Ankle fractures are amongst the most common injuries treated by orthopaedics surgeons. Open reduction and internal fixation is the standard of care for unstable ankle fractures. In this study, we intend to study the functional outcome of surgically treated ankle fractures. Method: In the year 2012 to 2014, a total of 45 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation were assessed during follow-up using subjective as well as objective criteria.Results:The patients were followed up at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months and were evaluated using the Olreud and Molander Ankle score as well as subjectively in terms of pain relief, gait variations, return to pre-trauma activity levels, radiographs, ankle joint function and subtalar joint function. It was noted that surgically fixed ankle fractures had good functional outcomes. A significant improvement was noted in the ankle function from 3rd month to 6th month post-operatively. There were no serious early or late complications.Early treatment without delay, anatomical reduction and fracture fixation, stringent postoperative mobilization and rehabilitation definitely improves the outcome of an ankle fracture.