Relationships Between Radiographic Pre- and Postoperative Alignment and Patient Perceived Outcomes Following Weber B and C Ankle Fractures

Abstract

Background: Anatomic reduction of ankle fractures may influence outcomes but the relationships between these 2 variables are still unknown and require further investigation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between radiologic alignment of surgically treated ankle fractures and functional outcomes. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who were surgically treated for Weber B and C ankle fractures. The outcome measures consisted of the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and the foot and ankle disability measure. Standard radiographs included anteroposterior, lateral, and mortise views of the ankle, both on pre- and postoperatively. Between June 2011 and December 2013, a total of 152 patients were treated for ankle fractures and 76 patients with a mean age of 41.3 ± 17.1 years and a mean follow-up of 39.6 ± 8.9 months were included. There were 45 Weber type B fractures (mean age 43.4 ± 17.8, 28 females, 17 males) and 31 Weber type C fractures (mean age 40.7 ± 17.3, 12 females, 19 males). Results: Linear regression did not reveal any significant relationships with the exception of age. There was a moderate correlation between the OMAS outcome score and age ( r2 = 0.46, P = .01). Conclusion: We found that younger age was a moderate predictor of functional outcome following surgical treatment of ankle fractures. Radiographic alignment using standard non-weight-bearing radiographs and fracture severity did not predict functional outcomes at 24 months postoperatively. Level of Evidence: Level III, prognostic, retrospective cohort study.