Abstract
Routine deltoid ligament repair (DLR) during operative management of ankle fractures remains controversial.
To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs), complications, and radiographic outcomes in patients with bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures treated with or without DLR.
Retrospective cohort study.
Adult patients who underwent operative fixation of bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures at two level 1 trauma centers between 2010 and 2023 were retrospectively identified. The primary outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes included additional PROs, complications, and radiographic measurements. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between DLR and the odds of achieving an excellent (≥91) versus non-excellent OMAS.
A total of 260 patients (median age 36.4 years, 38.4% female) were included. Thirty-one (12%) patients underwent DLR and 229 (88%) did not. PROs were obtained from 92 patients (18 DLR, 74 non-repair) at a median of 7.0 years postoperatively. Median OMAS was similar between cohorts (90 vs. 90, P=0.79). DLR was not associated with increased odds of achieving an excellent OMAS (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.52–7.08, P=0.335). Secondary PROs and complications were comparable between cohorts. Radiographic measurements in 111 patients (26 DLR, 85 non-repair) revealed a decreased median tibiofibular clear space in the DLR group (4.50 mm vs. 5.09 mm, P=0.012). Medial clear space and tibiofibular overlap were similar between cohorts.
Patients with bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures had comparable long-term PROs and complication rates regardless of DLR. Radiographic findings suggested adequate restoration of ankle joint congruity and medial stability in both cohorts.