Ankle Fractures: Minimally Invasive Surgery

Abstract

Many patients with ankle fractures present different comorbidities, like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, tobacco use, fractures blisters, etc., and have a high risk of wound healing complications. The potential for wound dehiscence and infection with open reduction and internal fixation is higher in these patients. The minimally invasive technique allows for proper stabilization with a minimal approach and less soft tissue trauma. These percutaneous methods, allow to reduce the damage of the soft tissues, protect vascularization and, consequently, improve the outcomes with faster rehabilitation and faster return to the patient’s activity. According to the anatomic joint reduction and stable fracture fixation criteria, the author developed a minimally invasive technique for the most frequent type of ankle fracture, with good and excellent outcomes in long-term follow-up. The author mentions that this technique involves higher exposition to fluoroscopy.

Level of Evidence: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.