Mid- to Long-term Outcomes After Weber B-type Ankle Fractures With and Without Syndesmotic Rupture.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of syndesmotic screw fixation on overall clinical outcomes following Weber B-type ankle fractures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 21 patients with syndesmotic rupture requiring screw fixation were compared to 40 patients with an intact syndesmosis. Olerud-Molander-Ankle-Score, American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle hindfoot score, and the Short Form Health Survey-36 were recorded. Weight-bearing plain radiographs were performed to rate post traumatic osteoarthrosis according to the Kellgren-Lawrence score. Pain levels were evaluated with a visual analog scale.

RESULTS: A total of 61 patients with a mean follow-up of 6.6 years (range=2-12 years) satisfied the inclusion criteria. Pain level, clinical outcome scores, and radiographs did not reveal significant differences between the groups. Ankle joints with syndesmotic rupture showed a significant restriction in dorsiflexion compared to those with an intact syndesmosis (15 vs. 20°, p=0.028).

CONCLUSION: Syndesmotic rupture does not affect clinical and radiological outcome parameters following Weber B-type ankle fractures, but does lead to a significant restriction in dorsiflexion of the ankle joint.