Lugereka, S.G.; Maya, E.; Mallya, A.; Temu, R. J.; Mandari, F.N
Description:
Background: Ankle fractures are among the common injuries that are managed by orthopedic community worldwide and they are associated with significant disability, few studies have been done on evaluation of fracture pattern and early functional outcome in our patients. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine fracture pattern of ankle joint and early functional outcome Design: A cross-sectional descriptive hospital based study. Methods: Only patients with closed ankle fractures were involved in the study, patients were categorized based on Danis – Weber classification system and scored at 12th week of follow up at Orthopedic & Trauma clinic using Olerud – Molander scoring scale. Results: A total of 36 patients with closed ankle fractures were studied, male were 19(53%), female 17(47%), mean age was 43.6,right ankle fractures were 23(64%) and left ankle fracture 13(36%). Fracture pattern; bimalleolar were 20(55%), lateral malleolar 10(28%) and trimalleolar 6(17%). 22(61%) were operated, 14(39%) were managed non-operatively. On follow up at 12th week 5(14%) had poor, 19(53%) fair, 10(28%) good and 2(5%) had excellent outcome respectively. Conclusion: Ankle fractures continue to form challenges in orthopedic practiceand despite good managementmany patients continue to present with residual symptoms months later.