Millán DG, Mora RFG, Orozco AC, Rosas MR, Braña RK

Language: Spanish
References: 11
Page: 185-188
PDF size: 831.18 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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