Detection of Traumatic Ankle Arthrotomies: Computed Tomography Scan Versus Saline Load Test.

Objective: Periarticular wounds present a common diagnostic dilemma for emergency providers and orthopedic surgeons because traumatic arthrotomies (TA) often necessitate different management from superficial soft tissue wounds. Historically, TA have been diagnosed with the saline load test (SLT). Computed tomography (CT) scan has been studied as an alternative to SLT in diagnosing TA in several joints, but there are limited data specifically pertaining to the ankle. This study aimed to compare the ability of a CT scan to identify an ankle TA versus a traditional SLT. The hypothesis was that there would be no significant difference between a CT scan and SLT in diagnosing ankle TA in a cadaveric model.

Methods: This cadaveric study used 10 thawed fresh-frozen cadaveric ankles. A baseline CT scan was performed to ensure no intra-articular air existed before simulated TA. After the baseline CT, a 1 cm TA was created in the anterolateral arthroscopy portal site location. The ankles then underwent a postarthrotomy CT scan to evaluate for the presence of intra-articular air. After the CT scan, a 30 mL SLT was performed using the anteromedial portal site location.

Results: After arthrotomy, intra-articular air was visualized in 7 of 10 cadavers in the postarthrotomy CT scan. All the ankles had fluid extravasation during the SLT with <10 mL of saline. The sensitivity of the SLT for TA was 100% versus 70% for the CT scan.

Conclusions: The SLT was more sensitive in diagnosing 1-cm ankle TA than a CT scan in a cadaveric model.