Surgical treatment of deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures

Objective: To observe the clinical outcome after the surgical treatment of the deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures.

Methods: From January 2005 to December 2009, 16 deltoid ligament ruptures associated with ankle fractures were repaired. According to the AO/OTA system, 2 cases belonged to fracture A, 8 to B, and 6 to C. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the outcome measurements.

Results: The 16 patients were followed up for 30 to 84 months,with the mean follow-up of 47 months. All wounds healed at the first stage. The mean time of bone union was 12.8 weeks (range: 10-14 weeks). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the last follow-up was 93 points (range: 85-100 points). The mean score of VAS was 0.94 points (range: 0-2 points).

Conclusions: Surgical treatment of ankle fractures associated with deltoid ligament rupture can achieve satisfactory outcomes, but it is important to decide the operation indication.