Short-Term Results of a Ruptured Deltoid Ligament Repair During an Acute Ankle Fracture Fixation

Background: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment or preferred method of operation for the management of acute deltoid ligament injuries during an ankle fracture fixation. This study aimed to analyze the outcomes of repairing the deltoid ligament during the fixation of an ankle fracture compared to conservative management. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 78 consecutive cases of a ruptured deltoid ligament with an associated ankle fracture between 2001 and 2016. All of the ankle fractures were treated with a plate and screw fixation. Patients in the conservative treatment for ruptured deltoid ligament underwent management from 2001 to 2008 (37 fractures, group 1), while the operative treatment for ruptured deltoid ligament was included from 2009 to 2016 (41 fractures, group 2). The outcome measures included radiographic findings, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores, visual analog scale scores, and the Foot Function Index. All patients were followed for an average of 17 months. Results: Radiologic findings in both groups were comparable, but the final follow-up of the medial clear space (MCS) was significantly smaller in the group 2 (P < .01). Clinical outcomes were similar between the two groups (P > .05). Comparing those who underwent syndesmotic fixation between both groups, group 2 showed a significantly smaller final follow-up MCS, and all clinical outcomes were better in group 2 (P < .05). Linear regression analysis showed that the final follow-up MCS had a significant influence on clinical outcomes (P < .05). Conclusion: Although the clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the 2 groups, we obtained a more favorable final follow-up MCS in the deltoid repair group. Particularly when accompanied by a syndesmotic injury, the final follow-up MCS and the clinical outcomes were better in the deltoid repair group. In the case of high-grade unstable fractures of the ankle with syndesmotic instability, a direct repair of the deltoid ligament was adequate for restoring medial stability. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative case series.