TY - JOUR
T1 - Utility of Post-Splinting Conventional Radiographs in Adult Patients With Ankle Fractures Presenting to the Emergency Department
AU - Walraven, Lucia Francisca Joseph
AU - Ridderikhof, Milan Lennaert
AU - Schepers, Tim
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2022 The Author(s).
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Background: Post-splinting radiographs are often performed in patients with ankle fractures to identify displacement that potentially occurs during splinting. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of post-splinting conventional radiographs, with an emphasis on stable ankle fractures, not requiring reduction. Methods: A retrospective study in which all adult patients presenting with ankle fractures to the emergency department of a level 1 trauma center were included. The primary outcome was frequency of displacement at post-splinting radiographs. Secondary outcome was the rate of successful reduction attempts. Results: A total of 225 patients were included and the majority had a Supination-External Rotation (SER) type 2 or Weber B ankle fracture. One hundred fifty patients (mainly SER 2 fractures [68%] or Weber B [89%] fractures), were treated with a splint without fracture reduction. Post-splinting radiographs in these patients, as well as in all patients with a Supination-Adduction (SA) type 1 and 2 fractures, did not show loss of alignment. Conclusion: Post-splinting radiographs are probably not necessary in any SA and SER type 2 or Weber A/B ankle fractures without medical clear space widening or need for reduction as no loss of alignment occurred when applying a splint.
AB - Background: Post-splinting radiographs are often performed in patients with ankle fractures to identify displacement that potentially occurs during splinting. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of post-splinting conventional radiographs, with an emphasis on stable ankle fractures, not requiring reduction. Methods: A retrospective study in which all adult patients presenting with ankle fractures to the emergency department of a level 1 trauma center were included. The primary outcome was frequency of displacement at post-splinting radiographs. Secondary outcome was the rate of successful reduction attempts. Results: A total of 225 patients were included and the majority had a Supination-External Rotation (SER) type 2 or Weber B ankle fracture. One hundred fifty patients (mainly SER 2 fractures [68%] or Weber B [89%] fractures), were treated with a splint without fracture reduction. Post-splinting radiographs in these patients, as well as in all patients with a Supination-Adduction (SA) type 1 and 2 fractures, did not show loss of alignment. Conclusion: Post-splinting radiographs are probably not necessary in any SA and SER type 2 or Weber A/B ankle fractures without medical clear space widening or need for reduction as no loss of alignment occurred when applying a splint.
KW - ankle injuries other
KW - conventional radiograph and splinting
KW - emergency department
KW - trauma fractures
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85136719328&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400221118898
DO - https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400221118898
M3 - Article
C2 - 36004619
SN - 1938-6400
JO - Foot and Ankle Specialist
JF - Foot and Ankle Specialist
ER -