Emergency Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Ilizarov Technique in Acute Ankle Trauma: A Report of Four Cases

Vyacheslav T Tarchokov and Sergey S Leonchuk

Surgical treatment of patients with acute ankle trauma by transosseous osteosynthesis method was presented in the article. Malleolar fracture, injury of tibiofibular syndesmosis, subluxation in ankle joint and dislocation of foot were observed in our cases. Fracture of malleolus was described according to AO/OTA fracture classification in each case. In these patients we used osteosynthesis method by Ilizarov (original frame). Patients could load and use the operated limb in the Ilizarov fixator from the first days after the injury. The length of fixation of the limb by the Ilizarov fixator in the described cases was 45-58 days. In the presented clinical cases our approach in the treatment of this pathology is shown namely preference is given to closed fracture repositioning and elimination of subluxation/ dislocation without open access to bones and joints. Open access is possible with repeated attempts of closed reposition in the fixator or splintered fractures of the bones of the ankle joint. Initial range of motions in ankle joint in the described patients recovered in 4 weeks after removal of the Ilizarov fixator and training with a physiotherapist and massage therapist. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) and VAS-pain scales. The goal of this paper is to show capabilities and our approach in closed reduction of malleolar fractures with injury of tibiofibular syndesmosis by Ilizarov technique.