Type B ankle fractures: a retrospective study of longer-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES: Ankle fractures are common and can be treated with or without surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare patient reported outcomes between patients who sustained an Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 44-B1 ankle fracture who had either surgical or non-surgical fixation. RESULTS: Forty-six people were recruited; 38 were treated non-surgically and 8 were treated surgically. Mean follow-up time was 24 and 25 months for surgical and non-surgical groups respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. On unadjusted analysis, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to any outcome. After adjusting for age and gender, the surgical group had a significantly lower outcome score with respect to the FAOQ. Surgical management was associated with a significantly lower patient-reported ankle function compared to non-surgical management for the treatment of patients with type 44-B1 ankle fracture after adjusting for age and gender. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the general health outcomes or adverse events. Higher-level evidence is required to inform optimal practice for this common fracture.