Introduction. Medial calcaneal displacement osteotomy with an FDL tendon transfer is a common method of correcting pes planus deformity secondary to grade II tibialis posterior dysfunction. There is currently no evidence that calcaneal displacement alters the centre of pressure in the foot from a medial to a more central position as the normal shape is reconstituted. Materials and Methods. We prospectively evaluated 12 patients undergoing flatfoot reconstruction. Each patient had a preoperative AOFAS hindfoot score, pedobariographs and antero-posterior and lateral radiographs. This was repeated 6 months following surgery. Results. An angle (α) between the central axis of the foot (calcaneum to 2nd metatarsal head) and the centre of pressure (COP) was calculated for each patient both pre and post operatively and analysed using the Shapiro Wilk and the Students t test. Pressures directly under the 1st and 5th metatarsal heads and the calcaneum were also recorded and the pre and post operative differences analysed. The mean change in α angle is 6.1° (p < 0.01). The mean increase in pressure on the 1st metatarsal head is 460kPa (p = 0.08). The pressure changes on the 5th metatarsal head and the calcaneum are not statistically significant. The mean AOFAS score increases from 39.2 preoperatively to 82.8 postoperatively (p = 0.0019). The Meary angle improves from a mean of 12.7° to 5.7° (p = 0.027) and the calcaneal pitch improves from15.1° to 18.2° (p = 0.12). Conclusion. The medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy is able to significantly lateralise the centre of pressure in the foot and also increases the pressure under the 1st metatarsal head to more closely represent the parameters of the normal foot. The shape of the foot as judged radiographically and the clinical outcomes (AOFAS) are also improved

Medial Displacement Osteotomy (MDO) of the os calcis is used to correct the hind foot valgus in a flat foot deformity. Screw fixation is commonly used although contemporary locking plate systems are now available. This study tested the hypothesis that a 10mm MDO would support a higher load to failure with a locked step plate than with a single cannulated screw. Materials and Methods. Eight pairs of embalmed cadaveric limbs harvested 10cm below the knee joint were axially loaded using a mechanical testing rig. Two pairs served as non-operated controls loaded to 4500N. The remaining limbs in pairs underwent a 10mm MDO of the os calcis and were stabilised with a locked step plate or a 7mm cannulated compression screw. One pair was loaded to 1600N (twice body weight) as a pilot study and the remaining 5 pairs were loaded to failure up to 4500N. The force-displacement curve and maximum force were correlated with observations of the mechanism of failure. Results. In one pair of control limbs, failure occurred with fractures through both os calcis bones, whilst the other pair did not undergo mechanical failure to 4500N. In the pilot osteotomy, the plate did not fail whilst loss of fixation with the screw was observed below 1600N. For the remaining five pairs, the median (with 95% Confidence Intervals) of the maximum force under load to failure were 1778.81N (1099.39 – 2311.66) and 826.13N (287.52 – 1606.67) for the plate and screw respectively (Wilcoxon Signed Rank test p=0.043). In those with screw fixation loaded to 4500N, the tuberosity fragment consistently failed by rotation and angulation into varus. Conclusion. In this model of load to failure with a medial displacement os calcis osteotomy, a locked step plate supported a significantly higher maximum force than a single large cannulated screw

Introduction:

It has been shown that inadequate reduction of the sesamoids can lead to recurrent hallux valgus. It can be difficult however to assess the sesamoid position. We propose a simple method of grading sesamoid position; the sesamoid width ratio. We aim to assess for a difference in ratio between those with and without hallux valgus and subsequent correlation with increased deformity. The new grading system can then be tested for inter-observer reliability.

Background. Undisplaced Lisfranc-type injuries are subtle but potentially unstable fracture-dislocations with little known about the natural history. These injuries are often initially managed conservatively due to lack of initial displacement and uncertainty regarding subsequent instability at the tarsometatarsal joints (TMTJ). The aim of this study was to determine the secondary displacement rate and the need for delayed operative intervention in undisplaced Lisfranc injuries that were managed conservatively at initial presentation. Methods. Over a 6-year period (2011 to 2017), we identified 24 consecutive patients presenting to a university teaching hospital with a diagnosis of an undisplaced Lisfranc-type injury that was initially managed conservatively. Pre-operative radiographs were reviewed to confirm the undisplaced nature of the injury (defined as a diastasis< 2mm at the second TMTJ). The presence of a ‘fleck’ sign (small bony avulsion of the second metatarsal) was also noted. Electronic patient records and sequential imaging (plain radiographs/CT/MRI) were scrutinized for demographics, mechanism of injury and eventual outcome. Results. The mean age of the patients at the time of injury was 42 years (19 Female). 96% (23/24) were low energy injuries and 88% (21/24) had a positive ‘fleck sign’. The secondary displacement rate in this group of patients was 62.5% (15/24) over a median interval of 14 days (range 0 to 482 days). 12 patients underwent open reduction internal fixation after a median interval of 29 days (range 1 to 294 days) from their initial injury. One patient required TMTJ fusion at 19 months and two patients were managed non-operatively. The injury remained undisplaced in 37.5% patients (9/24) with only one patient requiring subsequent TMTJ fusion at 5 months. Conclusion. Undisplaced Lisfranc injuries have a high rate of secondary displacement and warrant close follow-up. Early primary stabilisation of undisplaced Lisfranc injuries should be considered to prevent unnecessary delays in surgical treatment

Aims. To identify a core outcome set of postoperative radiographic measurements to assess technical skill in ankle fracture open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), and to validate these against Van der Vleuten’s criteria for effective assessment. Methods. An e-Delphi exercise was undertaken at a major trauma centre (n = 39) to identify relevant parameters. Feasibility was tested by two authors. Reliability and validity was tested using postoperative radiographs of ankle fracture operations performed by trainees enrolled in an educational trial (IRCTN 20431944). To determine construct validity, trainees were divided into novice (performed < ten cases at baseline) and intermediate groups (performed ≥ ten cases at baseline). To assess concurrent validity, the procedure-based assessment (PBA) was considered the gold standard. The inter-rater and intrarater reliability was tested using a randomly selected subset of 25 cases. Results. Overall, 235 ankle ORIFs were performed by 24 postgraduate year three to five trainees during ten months at nine NHS hospitals in England, UK. Overall, 42 PBAs were completed. The e-Delphi panel identified five ‘final product analysis’ parameters and defined acceptability thresholds: medial clear space (MCS); medial malleolar displacement (MMD); lateral malleolar displacement (LMD); tibiofibular clear space (TFCS) (all in mm); and talocrural angle (TCA) in degrees. Face validity, content validity, and feasibility were excellent. PBA global rating scale scores in this population showed excellent construct validity as continuous (p < 0.001) and categorical (p = 0.001) variables. Concurrent validity of all metrics was poor against PBA score. Intrarater reliability was substantial for all parameters (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) > 0.8), and inter-rater reliability was substantial for LMD, MMD, TCA, and moderate (ICC 0.61 to 0.80) for MCS and TFCS. Assessment was time efficient compared to PBA. Conclusion. Assessment of technical skill in ankle fracture surgery using the first postoperative radiograph satisfies the tested Van der Vleuten’s utility criteria for effective assessment. 'Final product analysis' assessment may be useful to assess skill transfer in the simulation-based research setting. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(6):502–509

Talar body fractures are high energy intraarticular injuries that are best management by anatomical reduction and secure fixation to improve outcomes. The talus is relatively inaccessible surgically and requires extensive soft tissue dissection and/or osteotomies to gain adequate open visualisation. There are a small number of case reports on arthroscopic assisted fixation in the literature. This case series reports on the technique and early outcomes of six patients all of whom presented with significant intraarticular displacement and who were managed entirely arthroscopically. The fractures were of the main body of the talus involving the ankle and subtalar joints and all had preoperative CT scans. All six patients underwent posterior ankle and subtalar arthroscopy with cannulated screws used to stabilise the fractures after reduction. Visualisation of the fracture reduction was excellent. After 10 days in a backslab, the patients were protected in a boot and encouraged to actively move their ankles. Weight bearing was permitted once union appeared complete. There were no early complications of infection, avascular necrosis or VTE. There was one patient that had a non-clinically significant migration of a screw. Two patients were lost to follow up early due to being visitors. The mean length of follow up was 12 months in the remainder. The remaining four patients all returned to their preoperative level of activity. All had demonstrable subtalar stiffness. There was no early post-traumatic arthritis. This series represents the largest so far published. The main flaw in this report is the lack of long term follow up. While this report cannot state superiority over open techniques it is a safe, effective and acceptable technique that has significant conceptual benefits

Aims. The traditional transosseus flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer for patients with Achilles tendinopathy requires two incisions to harvest a long tendon graft. The use of a bio-tenodesis screw enables a short graft to be used and is less invasive, but lacks supporting evidence about its biomechanical behaviour. We aimed, in this study, to compare the strength of the traditional transosseus tendon-to-tendon fixation with tendon-to-bone fixation using a tenodesis screw, in cyclical loading and ultimate load testing. Materials and Methods. Tendon grafts were undertaken in 24 paired lower-leg specimens and randomly assigned in two groups using fixation with a transosseus suture (suture group) or a tenodesis screw (screw group). The biomechanical behaviour was evaluated using cyclical and ultimate loading tests. The Student’s t-test was performed to assess statistically significant differences in bone mineral density (BMD), displacement, the slope of the load-displacement curves, and load to failure. Results. The screw group showed less displacement (loosening) during cyclical loading, which was significant during 300, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 cycles (p < 0.05: other cycles: 0.079 < p < 0.402). Compared with the suture group, the screw group had higher mean ultimate load values (133.6 N, . sd. 73.5 vs 110.1 N,. sd. 46.2; p = 0.416). Conclusion. Fixation of the FHL tendon with a tenodesis screw enables a less invasive procedure to be undertaken and shows similar biomechanical behaviour and primary strength compared with fixation using a transosseus suture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1175–81

Lisfranc injuries were previously described as fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints. With advancements in modern imaging, subtle Lisfranc injuries are now more frequently recognized, revealing that their true incidence is much higher than previously thought. Injury patterns can vary widely in severity and anatomy. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to achieve good outcomes. The original classification systems were anatomy-based, and limited as tools for guiding treatment. The current review, using the best available evidence, instead introduces a stability-based classification system, with weightbearing radiographs and CT serving as key diagnostic tools. Stable injuries generally have good outcomes with nonoperative management, most reliably treated with immobilization and non-weightbearing for six weeks. Displaced or comminuted injuries require surgical intervention, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) being the most common approach, with a consensus towards bridge plating. While ORIF generally achieves satisfactory results, its effectiveness can vary, particularly in high-energy injuries. Primary arthrodesis remains niche for the treatment of acute injuries, but may offer benefits such as lower rates of post-traumatic arthritis and hardware removal. Novel fixation techniques, including suture button fixation, aim to provide flexible stabilization, which theoretically could improve midfoot biomechanics and reduce complications. Early findings suggest promising functional outcomes, but further studies are required to validate this method compared with established techniques. Future research should focus on refining stability-based classification systems, validation of weightbearing CT, improving rehabilitation protocols, and optimizing surgical techniques for various injury patterns to ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1431–1442.

MTPJ instability is very common yet there is no consensus of best surgical technique to repair it. The current techniques range from extensive release, K-wire fixation or plantar plate repair, which requires release of remaining intact plantar plate and all collaterals. Such varieties reflect a controversy regarding its aetiology. The aim of this study was to assess how much each structure contributes towards the stability of MTPJ and describing a simple technique designed by the senior author that can anatomically reconstruct all contributing structures to the pathology. Eleven cadaveric toes in two groups (five in group 1 and six in group 2) were included. Dorsal displacement (drawer test) was used to measure instability in an intact MTPJ followed by two different series of sequential sectioning of each part of collateral ligament (PCL and ACL) and part or complete plantar plate. Group 1 result showed that after incising PCL dorsal displacement was 0.51mm, PCL+ACL was 0.8mm and PCL+ACL+50% plantar plate was 2.39mm. Group 2 results showed that after incising 50% plantar plate dorsal displacement was 0.48mm, after full plantar plate 0.62mm, plantar plate +PCL was 0.74mm and plantar plate +PCL+ACL was 1.06mm. To produce significant instability, both collaterals on one side with combination of 50% plantar plate tear was needed. An isolated 50% tear of plantar plate caused less displacement of MTPJ compared to isolated collaterals. PCL contributed more towards the stability of MTPJ when the plantar plate was intact. Whereas, ACL contributed more stability when plantar plate was sectioned. The current practice of releasing the collaterals to gain access for repairing plantar plate by indirect method should be re-evaluated. A new technique of proximal tenotomy of extensor digitorum brevis tendon looped around the transverse ligament and attached to the neck of metatarsal reconstructs both structures (plantar plate and collaterals)

Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical stability and clinical outcome of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. Methods. Two types of fixation systems were selected for finite element analysis and a dual cohort study. Two fixation systems were simulated to fix the fracture in a finite element model. The relative displacement and stress distribution were analysed and compared. A total of 71 consecutive patients with closed Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the treatment to which they chose: the EFLIF group and the ORIF group. The radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated and compared. Results. The relative displacement of the EFLIF was less than that of the plate (0.1363 mm to 0.1808 mm). The highest von Mises stress value on the plate was 33% higher than that on the EFLIF. A normal restoration of the Böhler angle was achieved in both groups. No significant difference was found in the clinical outcome on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle Hindfoot Scale, or on the Visual Analogue Scale between the two groups (p > 0.05). Wound complications were more common in those who were treated with ORIF (p = 0.028). Conclusions. Both EFLIF and ORIF systems were tested to 160 N without failure, showing the new construct to be mechanically safe to use. Both EFLIF and ORIF could be effective in treating Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. The EFLIF may be superior to ORIF in achieving biomechanical stability and less blood loss, shorter surgical time and hospital stay, and fewer wound complications. Cite this article: M. Pan, L. Chai, F. Xue, L. Ding, G. Tang, B. Lv. Comparisons of external fixator combined with limited internal fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical outcome. Bone Joint Res 2017;6:433–438. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.67.2000640

During surgical reduction of ankle injuries with syndesmotic instability surgeons often use the anteroposterior (AP) and mortise radiographs to assess reduction. Current literature predicts 50% are malreduced mainly in the sagittal plane. Our aim was to develop a radiographic measure based on the lateral view to assess both the normal and abnormal fibula/tibia relationship after simulated syndesmotic malreduction and to evaluate the effect on commonly used AP and mortise measurements. Nine fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens were dissected to the level of the syndesmosis. AP, mortise and talar dome lateral radiographs were obtained before and following syndesmosis division and posterior fibula displacement. On the lateral radiograph a line was drawn (Orthoview) from the anterior border of the fibula bisecting a line drawn from the anterior to posterior lips of the distal tibia. The ratio of the anterior-posterior segments was calculated. Also a line was drawn from the posterior border of the fibula and the distance was measured to the posterior lip of the tibia. At 0, 2, 4 and 6mm of displacement the ratio measured 1.3±0.2, 1.1±0.2, 0.9±0.2 and 0.7±0.2 respectively with all pairwise comparisons being significantly different. Inter- and intra-observer variability varied from substantial to perfect. The only significant medial clear space (MCS) difference was on the mortise view between 0mm (2.0±0.3mm) and 6mm (2.4±0.4mm) displacement. Our new measure of syndesmotic reduction is reproducible and can detect from 2mm of saggital fibular displacement. At maximum fibular displacement the increase in MCS was less than 1mm. This demonstrates standard mortise radiographs are poor at detecting syndesmotic reduction. An interesting observation was in all specimens prior to any displacement, the posterior fibular line always bisected the posterior lip of the tibia or lay just anterior to it, never posterior. This could serve as a useful adjunct for surgeons when assessing syndesmotic reduction intra-operatively

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change in sagittal tibiotalar alignment after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) for osteoarthritis and to investigate factors affecting the restoration of alignment. . This retrospective study included 119 patients (120 ankles) who underwent three component TAA using the Hintegra prosthesis. A total of 63 ankles had anterior displacement of the talus before surgery (group A), 49 had alignment in the normal range (group B), and eight had posterior displacement of the talus (group C). Ankles in group A were further sub-divided into those in whom normal alignment was restored following TAA (41 ankles) and those with persistent displacement (22 ankles). Radiographic and clinical results were assessed. Pre-operatively, the alignment in group A was significantly more varus than that in group B, and the posterior slope of the tibial plafond was greater (p < 0.01 in both cases). The posterior slope of the tibial component was strongly associated with restoration of alignment: ankles in which the alignment was restored had significantly less posterior slope (p < 0.001). . An anteriorly translated talus was restored to a normal position after TAA in most patients. We suggest that surgeons performing TAA using the Hintegra prosthesis should aim to insert the tibial component at close to 90° relative to the axis of the tibia, hence reducing posterior soft-tissue tension and allowing restoration of normal tibiotalar alignment following surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1525–32

Aims

The first metatarsal pronation deformity of hallux valgus feet is widely recognized. However, its assessment relies mostly on 3D standing CT scans. Two radiological signs, the first metatarsal round head (RH) and inferior tuberosity position (ITP), have been described, but are seldom used to aid in diagnosis. This study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of these two signs for a more convenient and affordable preoperative assessment and postoperative comparison.

Aims

The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence.

Diagnosis. a. History and exam. i. True Lisfranc fracture dislocations are NOT difficult to diagnose. b. Midfoot sprains or subtle injuries. i. These are DIFFICULT to diagnose. - subtle x-ray findings with minimal displacement. i) Exam: - be “suspicious” of midfoot sprains. - TMT tenderness, swelling. - inability to WB. ii) Mechanism of injury:. - indirect twisting injury (athletic). - crush injury of the foot (trauma). - axial forefoot loading (dancers, jumpers). iii) Investigations:. - X-rays usually normal or subtle widening. need to assess all 3 views in detail. standing AP compare to the other side. -Stress x-rays: - if clinical symptoms indicate - severe injury + pain but x-ray looks normal. - MRI useful for anatomic/instability correlation. - CT scan good for subtle injuries/fractures and displacement. - Bone scan positive in subacute/chronic pain situation. Treatment. a) Surgical Indications. i) Any displacement/positive stress xrays/test. ii) Surgical technique. - open reduction or closed and percutaneus fixation. - anatomic reduction essential. - NWB period up to 6 weeks. - WB with protection for another 4-6 weeks. iii. Screw vs tightrope fixation. iv. Hardware removal. b) Non-operative. i) Stable non-displaced sprain (need to make sure this is stable, ie stress views). - 6 to 8 weeks NWB. - expect prolonged recovery up to 6 months with. proper treatment. Controversial Issues:. a. Do all injuries with mild displacement have to be fixed operatively?. b. Arthrodesis vs fixation for soft tissue lisfranc with mild displacement?. c. Arthrodesis vs fixation subacute or chronic presentation?. d. Hardware removal?

Background:. Calcaneal osteotomy is an established technique in correcting hind foot deformity. Patients have traditionally received an open osteotomy through Atkins lateral approach. In order to reduce the rate of wound complications associated with the Atkins approach, a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) technique has been adopted since 2011. This uses a low-speed, high-torque burr to perform the same osteotomy under radiographic guidance. The results of the new MIS technique, including post-operative complication rates, are compared to the standard open approach. Methods:. The safety of the new MIS technique was investigated by conducting a case controlled study on all patients who underwent displacement calcaneal osteotomy at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford from 2008 to 2014. The primary outcome measure was 30 day post-operative complication rate. Secondary outcome measures included operating time, duration of stay, fusion rates and amount of displacement achieved. Results:. 82 patients underwent calcaneal osteotomy as part of their corrective surgery; 50 patients in the Open approach group and 32 patients in MIS group. The average age at the time of surgery was 47.7 years (range 16–77) for the Open group and 48.5 (range 21–77) in the MIS group. A mean calcaneal displacement of 8.0mm (s.d. 1.32, 7 to 11 mm) and 8.33mm (s.d.1.53, 6 to 10 mm) was achieved through the MIS and open approaches respectively. There were significantly fewer wound complications in the MIS group (6.25%) compared to the Open group (28%, P=0.021) and the MIS group was associated with significantly lower rates of wound infection (3% versus 20%, P = 0.043). Three patients in the Open group experienced sural peripheral neuropathy. Conclusions:. MIS calcaneal osteotomy was found to be a safe technique. It was as effective as calcaneal osteotomy performed through an open lateral approach but was associated with significantly fewer wound complications and fewer nerve complications

Aims

The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes.

Introduction. Ottawa ankle rules originally described in 1992 have been shown to improve the pick-up rates of ankle fractures and avoid the need for unnecessary X-rays, thus minimising cost and radiation to the patient. We decided to carry out an audit at our hospital to look at the pick-up rates of ankle fractures and ways to minimise x-rays for the patient both in A&E and in the orthopaedic department. Methods. Ankle x-rays of 1088 trauma patients over a 7 month period from Dec 2009 to June 2010 (inclusive) were reviewed. Patients with ankle fractures were classified according to Weber type, and whether they were treated surgically or non-operatively. Non-operatively treated ankle fractures then formed the main sub-group of our study, looking at the number of follow-up X-rays and the amount of subsequent displacement. The amount of displacement was classified into non-displaced (0 mm), minimally displaced (<2mm) and displaced (>2 mm). Results. 171 patients (out of 1088) were found to have fractured their ankle giving a pick up rate of 16%. (cf a pickup rate of 26% described in literature with implementation of Ottawa rules). The pick up rate fluctuated each month from 31% in December to a meagre 6% fractures in June and this could be due to summertime sports injuries causing less fractures and more sprains. We noted a third more x-rays were ordered in Spring than Winter. There were no changes in junior staff in either the A&E or the orthopaedic department to account for the monthly variations. Conservatively managed fractures were followed up in the fracture clinic (n = 95, 56%) 16% (n = 11) of the conservatively managed patients were classified as Weber A fractures 84% (n=58) as Weber B fractures. No Weber C fractures were conservatively managed. Of the eleven Weber A fractures only one was minimally displaced. Conservatively managed Weber A fractures received an average of 1.36 x-rays on follow up in the Orthopaedic department. Of the Weber B fractures 42 were non-displaced whilst 16 were minimally displaced, and these received an average of 3.23 x-rays on follow up. None of these progressed to displacement > 2mm. Conclusion. Based on our audit, we have introduced a policy to limit the number of follow-up of X-rays for minimally displaced and undisplaced Weber A & B fractures to one. We have also re-emphasized the importance of Ottawa rule implementation in our A&E department

Introduction. The conservative management of stable Weber B fibula fractures remains variable. We thought that the current trend in our institution poses an unnecessary burden on fracture clinics. Methods. We reviewed patients referred with Weber B ankle fractures over an 18 month period. Our inclusion criteria were non-diabetic adults, with isolated stable Weber B fractures. Fractures were deemed stable if they had no evidence of talar shift on initial radiographs (< 5mm medial clear space and < 1mm variation between superior and medial clear spaces). Exclusion criteria were unstable fractures on radiographs, or no local follow-up. Management was reviewed from case notes and radiographs. Primary outcome was the stability of the fracture by the end of treatment. Secondary measures were duration of treatment, number of follow up appointments and radiographs, and complications. Results. 182 cases were reviewed. 82 were excluded leaving 100 patients for follow-up. Mean age was 53 (18–99). Mean number of outpatient appointments was 2.63 (1–6), follow up radiographs was 2.34 (0–6). 74 were treated in a walking boot and 15 in a walking cast for a mean of 6 weeks (4–9) and allowed to full weight-bear. 10 were kept non weight-bearing in a cast for 6 weeks and 1 was partially weight-bearing. Mean follow-up time was 7.3 weeks (1–30). No fractures displaced and one patient developed an ulcer from a cast. Conclusion. Our study suggests that in isolated Weber B fractures, with no radiographic instability on initial presentation, further displacement is unlikely. We propose that these injuries can be treated safely in a removable boot with full weight-bearing for 6 weeks then clinical and radiologic assessment if required. Casting or restricted weight-bearing does not confer any additional advantage. We question the necessity and rationale behind weekly clinical and radiological follow-up for such cases

Introduction. Isolated Weber B fractures usually heal uneventfully but traditionally require regular review due to the possibility of medial ligament injury allowing displacement. Following recent studies suggesting delayed talar shift is uncommon we introduced a functional treatment protocol and present the early results. Methods. 141 consecutive patients presenting acutely with Weber B fractures without talar shift between January and December 2015 were included. Patients were splinted in a removable boot and allowed to weight bear. ED notes and radiographs were reviewed by an Orthopaedic consultant. Patients without signs of medial injury were discharged with an information leaflet and advice. If signs of medial ligament injury were noted or the medial findings were not documented the patient was reviewed in fracture clinic at 4 weeks post-injury. If talar shift developed the patient was to be converted to operative treatment. Olerud and Molander scores were collected between 6 and 12 months post-injury. Results. 65 of 89 patients with signs of medial ligament injury or no documented medial findings attended fracture clinic. Of 51 patients without signs of medial ligament injury 23 were discharged according to protocol and 28 patients attended fracture clinic. One discharged patient re-accessed care. Of 93 patients reviewed in the fracture clinic none developed delayed talar shift. One underwent delayed ORIF for ongoing fibula discomfort and the remainder continued with non-operative treatment. 99 (70%) patients provided outcome scores. The mean score at a minimum of 6 months follow-up was 87 and the median score was 100. No significant difference was found between treatment arms. The scores were comparable to those in the published literature. Conclusion. We conclude the risk of delayed talar shift is low and satisfactory outcomes can be safely achieved with our functional protocol. Additional tests/imaging to establish the integrity of the medial ligament may be unnecessary