|
Year |
2002 |
|---|---|
|
Question Number |
20 |
|
Category |
Musculoskeletal Trauma |
Question
Removal of symptomatic hardware from the fibula following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures has been associated with
1. a higher rate of refracture.
2. a 10% incidence of infection.
3. a 10% incidence of wound breakdown.
4. inconsistent improvement in symptoms.
5. no change in SF-36 score.
Figures
Answer (click for answer)
Preferred response: 4
Complaints following ORIF after malleolar fractures are common. 89% of patients in this study had one or more complaints, typically soreness, decreased ROM, and strain-related pain. 75% of patients reported improvement after removal of hardware.
Reference: Jacobsen S, Honnens de Lictenberg M, Jensen CM, Torholm C:Removal of internal fixation-the effect on patients’ complaints: A study of 66 cases of removal of internal fixation after malleolar fractures. Foot Ankle Int 1994;15:170-171.