MedPath

Intramedullary Nailing Versus Plate Fixation of Ankle Fractures. A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial.

Not Applicable
Active, not recruiting
Conditions
Ankle Fractures
Interventions
Device: Compression screws and neutralization plate
Device: Acumed Fibular Rod System
Registration Number
NCT03377205
Lead Sponsor
Oslo University Hospital
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to make a survey of functional outcome, radiological outcome and complication rate after intramedullary nailing (IMN) and plate fixation of Weber B ankle fractures in elderly patients, and contribute in choosing the best surgical method for these ankle fractures.

Detailed Description

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the gold standard treatment for unstable Weber B fractures, using compression screws and a neutralization plate. In the elderly, pre-existing co-morbidities, osteoporosis and poor skin conditions may give a high complication rate, including wound complications, symptomatic hardware and hardware failure. Due to concerns with complications related to ORIF, the technique with intramedullary fixation has been introduced. This method may simplify the management when poor skin conditions and osteoporotic bone, and has the potential to reduce the risk of soft tissue and hardware complications. Previous studies have showed that intramedullary fixation is probably the best choice for treating unstable ankle fractures in elderly patients, but more studies are needed to conclude the superiority to standard plate fixation.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
120
Inclusion Criteria
  • Acute unstable Weber B fracture (unimalleolar, bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures).
  • Operable with both methods of surgery within 3 weeks after injury.
  • Men and women ≥ 60 yoa.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Prior injury or pathology with reduced ankle function.
  • Other acute foot/ankle/leg injury that will affect ankle function.
  • Fracture of the posterior malleolus that need fixation.
  • Injury / pathology that may affect rehabilitation.
  • Open fracture.
  • Inoperable patient.
  • Dementia (MMSE score ≤ 24 points), reduced competent to consent, not able to express himself/herself in Norwegian or English.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlateCompression screws and neutralization plateCompression screws and neutralization plate.
Intramedullary nailAcumed Fibular Rod SystemAcumed Fibular Rod System
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score5 years

Functional outcome as assessed by AOFAS score (0-100)

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Delayed wound healing3 months

Number of patients with delayed wound healing

Olerud and Molander Score (OMS)5 years

Patient reported outcome as assessed by OMS (0-100)

Visual analogue scale (VAS)5 years

VAS scores for pain during rest (0-10), during walking (0-10), at night (0-10), and during daily activities (0-10), where 10 is best

Infection3 months

Number of patients with wound infection or deep infection

Malunion as assessed by CT scans5 years

Number of patients with malunion

Nonunion as assessed by CT scans5 years

Number of patients with nonunion

Manchester-Oxford Foot questionnaire (MOxFQ)5 years

Patient reported outcome as assessed by MOxFQ (0-100)

EuroQol-5d (Eq-5d)5 years

Patient reported quality of life as assessed by Eq-5d index score

Osteoarthritis as assessed by CT scans5 years

Number of patients with osteoarthritis assessed according to the criteria by McLennan et al

Fracture reduction as assessed by CT scans3 months

Number of patients with good, fair or poor fracture reduction

Other complications5 years

Number of patients with other complications (e.g. hardware complications, tromboemolism, neurologic complications, peroneus tendon irritation)

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Oslo University Hospital

🇳🇴

Oslo, Norway

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath