FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER SURGICALLY TREATED FRACTURES OF THE ANKLE JOINT

Abstract

Purpose: Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries of the musculoskeletal system. They account for approximately 10% of all fractures, and many studies show that their incidence is increasing. The aim of the report is to monitor the functional recovery of patients with surgically treated ankle fractures using AOFAS. Methods: We conducted clinical work with patients in the period 2019 - 2021. The study included 34 patients with ankle fractures treated surgically. The average age is 37.8 years. The monitored period of functional recovery for each patient was 2 months. Results: To establish the functional condition and to objectify the treatment results, we applied the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS). The test consists of 9 questions divided into 3 categories: pain (40 points), function (50 points) and alignment (10 points). Results are reported as standard deviations with 95% confidence intervals. We conducted the study, reporting the category "Pain" at rest and while moving. The initial data from AOFAS are 32.04(at rest) / 23.51 (when moving) points, which means a very limited function of the ankle joint. At the end of the follow-up period, the results were respectively 84.02 /77.84 points, which shows a significant improvement in the functional capabilities of patients. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained from the applied methodology for physiotherapy recovery, it can be said that the developed physiotherapy program of special exercises combined with manual mobilization techniques has a beneficial effect in restoring the arthrokinematics of the ankle-foot complex.