Abstract:
Introduction : The classic operative management of ankle fractures is open reduction- internal fixation (ORIF). Despite radiographic evidence of anatomic reduction, there is a failure to achieve good clinical outcomes. The high incidence of concomitant intra-articular pathology associated with ankle fractures that may go unrecognized using traditional open approaches is possible reason for this .
Objective : The main target of this research is to evaluate frequency of cartilage injuries with ankle fracture and its effect on functional outcome.
Methods: prospective study was carried out in orthopedic department at zagazig university hospital on 49 patients with ankle fracture managed by fixation with concomitant usage of arthroscopy.
Results: In this study 40 patients had cartilage injuries (83%)and 9 cases were free . As regarding syndesmotic injuries , 23patients( 48 % ) had syndesmotic injuries which were complete rupture (13 cases ) and partial injuries involve rupture of anterior tibiofibular ligament rupture (10 cases ). The functional results were graded according AOFAS score as excellent in 16 patients , good in 20 patients , fair in 10 patients , with poor results in 3 patients.
Conclusion: the ankle arthroscopy has prognostic and diagnostic advantages that can help to manage ankle fracture . we expect that arthroscopy will be mandatory in dealing with ankle injuries as it is superior to traditional methods in showing hidden side of trauma .