Ankle Arthroscopy for Diagnosis and Treatment of Full Thickness Cartilage Lesions in the Setting of Ankle Fracture
Authors: Karnovsky Sydney , Drakos Mark , Schairer William , Da Cunha Rachael 
Published: September 2017

Category:

Ankle, Arthroscopy, Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

Ankle fractures treated with anatomic open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can still be associated with poor clinical outcomes. The presence of radiographically occult intra-articular chondral injury is a known entity, however the clinical relevance in the setting of ankle fractures is not well established. The purpose of this study aims to evaluate the prevalence of chondral lesions, in particular full thickness talar dome lesions, with concurrent arthroscopy in acute ankle fracture ORIF and determine if there is a correlation with patient and fracture characteristics. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the treatment effect on clinical outcomes to establish the role of concurrent arthroscopy in ankle fracture management.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted from prospectively collected registry data at the investigators’ institution from 2011 to 2016. All patients that underwent an acute ankle fracture ORIF with concurrent arthroscopy were identified. Patients with concomitant injuries were excluded. Baseline patient and fracture characteristics were recorded. Fracture type by the Lauge-Hansen classification as well as by anatomic location were determined. Charts were reviewed to determine the prevalence and grade of chondral lesions. The treatment performed for each chondral lesion was determined. Clinical outcomes with a minimum of one year follow up were assessed using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS).

Results:

One hundred and sixteen consecutive patients undergoing acute ankle fracture ORIF with concurrent arthroscopy were included. A chondral lesion was identified in 78% (90/116). Of those, a Grade IV full thickness talar dome chondral lesion was identified in 43% (39/90). Patient age was a significant predictor, with patients less than thirty being less likely to have a chondral injury compared to those greater than thirty (59% vs 85%, p=0.0077). Of the patients that sustained a dislocation at the time of injury, 100% had a chondral lesion which was statistically significant (p=0.039). Patients with complete syndesmosis disruption and instability were also more likely to have a chondral lesion (96% vs 73%, p=0.013). Patients with chondral lesions had statistically significant worse clinical outcomes than those without (Table).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopy performed concomitantly with ankle ORIF is useful in diagnosing chondral injuries. In particular, full thickness talar dome chondral lesions are quite common. Increased fracture severity, as indicated by the presence of a dislocation at presentation, and a syndesmotic injury may be more likely to present with a chondral lesion and thus should raise suspicion and prompt evaluation. The presence of a concurrent talar chondral injury has a negative impact on clinical outcomes. Concurrent arthroscopy allows for simultaneous diagnosis and acute treatment of full thickness talar lesions.