Comparative Study Of Conservative And Surgical Treatment Of Ankle Fractures.

ABSTRACT

Abstracts Background: Ankle fractures were known since the time of Hippocrates and the mode of treatment of fractures around ankle is changing since then. Best results are obtained by anatomical restoration of joint space either by closed reduction & immobilization in the cast or by open reduction & internal fixation.. A clear rationale does not exist for both types of treatment. Objective is to study the outcome of management of ankle fractures. Methodology: This prospective study of, 34 ankle fractures has been undertaken to evaluate the end results of non-operative and operative treatment. This series includes both open and closed, irrespective of age and sex at OPD S.M.S. Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur during Aug’97 to Aug’99. Results: The overall results were directly related to reduction achieved & its maintenance. In our series, good results were obtained in 78.5% of all patients treated non-operatively whereas in 85% patients treated by surgery had good outcome. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the functional outcome of ankle fractures treated either surgically or by closed reduction and casting. However patients treated surgically recovered quicker and showed better radiological outcome. We conclude that early & accurate reduction and its maintenance is necessary to achieve good functional results irrespective of method of treatment.