Does routinely repairing deltoid ligament injuries in type B ankle joint fractures influence long term outcomes?

Deltoid ligament reconstruction following type B ankle fractures continues to generate a vivid discussion amongst trauma surgeons. There is a difference of opinion as to whether operative or non operative treatment should prevail. We therefore conducted a prospective comparative cohort study to determine whether it is necessary to routinely repair the injured deltoid ligaments. 41 Type B ankle joint fracture patients were enrolled, all the patients were associated with deltoid ligament ruptures and lateral/posterior-lateral dislocation of talus. After fixation of the lateral malleolus fracture, 12 patients were treated by superficial deltoid ligaments repairing, 16 patients with deep components augmentation, 13 patients had no direct surgical intervention. In the deep components group, the planter and the dorsi flexion was 3.2° (0-10°) and 8.8° (0-15°) less than the normal side. In the superficial components group, plantar and dorsi flexion was 0.8° (0-5°) and 4.2° (0-15°) less than the normal side. In the non-repairing group, the plantar and dorsi flexion was 2.4° (0-10°) and 5.6° (0-20°) less than the normal side. Overall, no significant statistical difference was observed comparing the 3 groups. In addition, no statistically significant inter-group differences were evident in terms of measurement of the ankle medial clear space and the clinical and functional outcomes recorded. In conclusion, the results of this study do not support routine exposure and repairing of the injured deltoid ligaments.