2026, Number 3
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Acta Med 2026; 24 (3)
Complications in the retention or removal of the situational screw in postoperative patients with ankle fractures
Millán DG, Mora RFG, Orozco AC, Rosas MR, Braña RK
Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 185-188
PDF size: 831.17 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Ankle fractures are common injuries that can significantly
impact mobility and quality of life. Injuries to the tibiofibular
syndesmosis joint can cause instability and abnormal
movement. Surgical treatment, particularly with the use of a
situational screw, has proven more effective than conservative
techniques or no repair. However, there is debate about whether
the screw should be removed after recovery. Although this
practice has had few reported complications, many orthopedic
surgeons have opted to leave the screw in place, arguing that
there are no significant differences in outcomes. In a study
of 69 patients who underwent open reduction and internal
fixation for ankle fractures, 39 were women and 30 were men,
only 26 had the situational screw removed, with residual pain
being the most common complication (16 cases). Among the
43 patients whose screws were not removed, stiffness was
the predominant complication. Other complications, such
as surgical site infection, syndesmotic diastasis, or screw
exposure, were not observed in this group. These findings align
with international reports, showing that leaving the situational
screw in place is increasingly common, with a low incidence
of severe complications.
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