BOFAS Abstracts Archive

You can search for abstracts by using the search bar below.
Alternatively you can browse through podium and poster presentations by selecting the year and / or type below. You can further refine your search using tags or use the search bar.

 



Categories: Abstracts, 2024, Poster

Weight bear then discharge: A safe management strategy for isolated Weber B lateral malleolus fractures – outcomes of 658 patients

D.H. Martin, N.T.H. Ng, B. Armstrong, J. Brennan, T. Feng, K. Lekuse, T.O. White, S.P. Mackenzie

1Edinburgh Orthopaedics, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

BOFAS 2024 Best Poster Prize

Background: Myriad protocols exist for the evaluation of isolated Weber B lateral malleolus fractures that demonstrate a congruent tibiotalar joint on initial radiographic evaluation. Manual stress, gravity stress and weight-bearing radiographs, all at various timepoints, may be employed to identify those injuries that develop significant talar shift but consensus is elusive. This study outlines a safe and reproducible protocol for such injuries, utilising a removable orthosis, immediate weight bearing and standard supine radiographs.

Method: A retrospective analysis of a prospective trauma database was analysed to identify patients with an isolated Weber B ankle fracture with adequate presentation radiographs demonstrating a congruent mortise. Patient records and radiographs were evaluated a minimum of 5 years after initial presentation to determine ankle stability, complications, and the burden on outpatient services.

Results: Between 2014 and 2016, 657 patients were referred to the specialist trauma clinic from the emergency department. Of the 657, 52 patients had inadequate ED radiographs to determine ankle congruity. At the two-week assessment, 11 of the 52 demonstrated talar shift and required intervention. Therefore 646 patients demonstrated ankle congruity at two weeks after weight bearing. No patient demonstrated talar shift at the six-week assessment. Average number of follow up appointments was 2.4 with 3.5 radiographs. Our new treatment protocol advocates discharge after a single orthopaedic assessment after two weeks of weight bearing. This protocol will reduce outpatient appointments and radiographic series by 58% and 43% respectively.

Conclusion: This study supports immediate weight-bearing of Weber B ankle fractures with a congruent mortise in an orthosis. Follow up beyond two weeks is unnecessary and our protocol offers a safe means of significantly reducing the outpatient burden.

Previous Article Wasting everyone’s time – an observational study of current practice after injections
Next Article Weight-bearing CT delineates the anatomy of the syndesmosis
Print

Documents to download


Click thumbnail below to view poster / thumbnail:

Archive of Abstracts

2024   -   Prize Winners  |  All Abstracts
2023   -   Prize Winners  |  All Abstracts
2022   -   Prize Winners  |  All Abstracts
2021   -   Prize Winners  
2019   -   Podium  |  Poster
2018   -   Podium  |  Poster
2017   -   Podium  |  Poster
2016   -   Podium  |  Poster
2015   -   Podium  |  Poster
2014   -   Podium  |  Poster
2013   -   Podium  |  Poster
2011   -   All Abstracts
2009   -   All Abstracts
2008   -   All Abstracts
2007   -   All Abstracts
2006   -   All Abstracts
2005   -   All Abstracts
2004   -   All Abstracts
2002   -   All Abstracts
2001   -   All Abstracts
2000   -   All Abstracts
1999   -   All Abstracts
1998   -   All Abstracts
1997   -   All Abstracts
1996   -   All Abstracts
1995   -   All Abstracts
1994   -   All Abstracts
1993   -   All Abstracts
1991   -   All Abstracts
1990   -   All Abstracts
1989   -   All Abstracts
1987   -   All Abstracts
1985   -   All Abstracts
1983   -   All Abstracts