M Persigant1, F Colin2, T Noailles3, G Pietu4, F Gouin4. 1. Service d'orthopédie, pôle ostéoarticulaire, CHU Hôtel Dieu, 11, rue Joseph-Caille, 44000 Nantes, France. Electronic address: mike.persigant@gmail.com. 2. Clinique mutualiste Catalane, 60, rue Louis-Mouillard, 66000 Perpignan, France. 3. Polyclinique Bordeaux Nord Aquitaine, 15/35, rue Claude-Boucher, 33077 Bordeaux, France. 4. Service d'orthopédie, pôle ostéoarticulaire, CHU Hôtel Dieu, 11, rue Joseph-Caille, 44000 Nantes, France.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Retrograde transplantar intramedullary nailing (TIMN) is a recently described option for ankle fracture in elderly patients with multiple comorbidity contraindicating classical internal fixation. The main objective of the present study was to assess mobility after TIMN for ankle fracture in the elderly. The secondary objective was to assess complications. HYPOTHESIS: Retrograde TIMN provides reliable fixation of ankle fracture in the elderly, enabling early resumption of walking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients, with a mean age of 79.6years (range: 65-99years), with fracture of the ankle or tibial pilon treated by retrograde TIMN, were prospectively included over a 1-year period (2014-2016). Full weight-bearing with walking cast boot was authorized as of day 1. Mobility was assessed on Parker score in consultation at 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. RESULTS: Ten patients were followed up. Mean Parker score was 3.6 (range: 1-5) preoperatively, and 2.4 (range: 1-5) and 2.7 (range: 1-5) at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively: i.e., not significantly different from preoperative values (p=0.057 and p=0.054, respectively). There were no decubitus-related complications. Two patients (20%) showed other complications, including 1 deep infection requiring material ablation. Consolidation was systematic, without hindfoot malunion. DISCUSSION: Retrograde TIMN appeared to be a useful option for ankle fracture in elderly patients for whom classical internal fixation was contraindicated. It allowed immediate resumption of weight-bearing and early rehabilitation, with no increased morbidity or mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
INTRODUCTION: Retrograde transplantar intramedullary nailing (TIMN) is a recently described option for ankle fracture in elderly patients with multiple comorbidity contraindicating classical internal fixation. The main objective of the present study was to assess mobility after TIMN for ankle fracture in the elderly. The secondary objective was to assess complications. HYPOTHESIS: Retrograde TIMN provides reliable fixation of ankle fracture in the elderly, enabling early resumption of walking. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fourteen patients, with a mean age of 79.6years (range: 65-99years), with fracture of the ankle or tibial pilon treated by retrograde TIMN, were prospectively included over a 1-year period (2014-2016). Full weight-bearing with walking cast boot was authorized as of day 1. Mobility was assessed on Parker score in consultation at 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks. RESULTS: Ten patients were followed up. Mean Parker score was 3.6 (range: 1-5) preoperatively, and 2.4 (range: 1-5) and 2.7 (range: 1-5) at 24 and 48 weeks, respectively: i.e., not significantly different from preoperative values (p=0.057 and p=0.054, respectively). There were no decubitus-related complications. Two patients (20%) showed other complications, including 1 deep infection requiring material ablation. Consolidation was systematic, without hindfoot malunion. DISCUSSION: Retrograde TIMN appeared to be a useful option for ankle fracture in elderly patients for whom classical internal fixation was contraindicated. It allowed immediate resumption of weight-bearing and early rehabilitation, with no increased morbidity or mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Authors: Mario Herrera-Pérez; Pablo Martín-Vélez; David González-Martín; Miguel Domínguez-Meléndez; Ahmed E Galhoum; Victor Valderrabano; Sergio Tejero Journal: EFORT Open Rev Date: 2022-05-05