Abstract

Introduction: Ankle injuries are common and account for more than five million emergency department consultations annually. Ankle fractures are an increasing problem due to the increasing aging population. The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and functional outcomes of Ankle fractures in the patients who have been managed operatively.
Materials and methods: A hospital based prospective observational study was performed for the duration of 2 years on 25 patients with ankle fracture dislocation to assess clinical and functional outcomes of ankle injuries in patients who have been managed operatively at one month, three months and six months interval.
Results: Ankle fractures were classified on the basis of Laughen Hansen classification, maximum number of cases i.e., 9 (36%), were classified as pronation external rotation injury followed by; 7 (28%) cases, which were pronation abduction injury. The preoperative radiological and functional assessment was done as per Kirstensen Criteria and scoring system respectively. There was improved functional outcome in the follow up period. There is a significant improvement in all parameters of Kirstensen criteria and scoring system confirmed by statistical analysis. After clinical and radiological evaluation, most effective and stable ankle was found after the follow-up period of six months.
Conclusion: Early treatment without delay, anatomical reduction and fracture fixation, stringent postoperative mobilization and rehabilitation should help improve outcome in an operated ankle fracture. Immediate open reduction and internal fixation in ankle fractures yield good results in terms of anatomical reduction, stability and postoperative functional return. Early return of ankle movements postoperative with proper rehabilitation improved functional outcome.

Keywords: Ankle fracture dislocation; Functional anatomy of ankle joint; Musculoskeletal injuries