Percutaneous cannulated screw fixation in the treatment for diabetic ankle fractures.

Background: Diabetic ankle fractures were usually treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) which may lead to Charcot joint, or conservative which may lead to pressure sores. For better results, minimally invasive procedures have been developed, which decrease complications and enable early mobilization and rapid rehabilitation.

Materials And Methods: This is a retrospective study of a total of 26 uncontrolled diabetic patients: 8 males [30.8%] and 18 females [69.2%]. The mean age of the patients was 67.4 (range 60 to 75) years. We include only Weber A and B where 10 patients suffered from lateral malleolus only (38.5%), 11 patients with bi-malleolar ankle fracture (42.3%) and 5 patients with tri-malleolar fracture (19.2%).

Results: The mean time to union was 6.92 weeks (range of 6 to 12 weeks). Weight-bearing has begun from the first day in 19 patients (73.1%), while 7 patients began weight-bearing 4 weeks after the operation (26.9%). Mean follow-up ranged from 2 to 5 years. Mean AOFAS was 96.12 (range of 60 to 99). Only 3 patients suffered from complication: One patient suffered from Charcot joint, one suffered from fracture displacement and needed revision, and one suffered from mal-reduction. Thus, the complication rate was 11.5%.

Conclusion: We believe that percutaneous cannulated screws technique is a simple and effective method that can be applied safely in uncontrolled DM patients with ankle fractures.