The influence of perioperative soft tissue complications on the clinical outcome in surgically treated ankle fractures

The influence of perioperative Soft tissue complications on the functional outcome after open reduction and internal fixation of closed ankle fracture s was Investigated. Eighty-eight consecutive patients were followed 3.7 yea rs (SD +/- 0.6) after the injury. Two major and 21 minor soft tissue compli cations were registered. Average dorsal extension was 29.9 degrees (range f our to 54, SD +/- 9.5) of the fractured ankles and 37.2 degrees (range eigh t to 60, SD +/- 9.1) of the non-fractured ankles. The average subjective fu nctional score was 84.6 (range 40 to 100, SD +/- 14.9). A significant diffe rence was found with respect to the subjective functional score (p = 0.048, Kruskal-Wallis test) but not with respect to dorsal extension (0.358, Krus kal-Wallis test) when comparing groups of minor, major and no soft tissue c omplications. This study suggests that major soft tissue complications have a negative effect on the long-term functional outcome after surgical repai r of an ankle fracture. Minor soft tissue complications, primary skin probl ems, the timing of primary surgery and fracture types according to AO/ASIF have no or minor influence on the long-term functional result. This study c onfirms previous reports that the presence of osteoarthritis is frequently associated with a reduced functional outcome.