Postoperative Medial Malleolar Fractures in Total Ankle Replacement Are Associated With Decreased Medial Malleolar Width and Varus Malalignment: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Background:

There are limited data regarding risk factors associated with periprosthetic medial malleolar fractures in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). This case-control study aimed to identify the risk factors and analyze the effect of prophylactic screw fixation in preventing a medial malleolar fracture after TAA.

Methods:

A case-control study was conducted on 149 patients who underwent primary TAA. Twenty patients with postoperative medial malleolar fractures >4 weeks postoperatively (cases) were identified. An additional 129 patients (controls) were randomly selected from the TAA database. Radiographic evaluation included tibial component coronal alignment and postoperative medial malleolar width. Demographics and radiographic variables were compared between cohorts. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between medial malleolar fracture and postoperative coronal alignment, medial malleolar width, and prophylactic fixation of the medial malleolus.

Results:

Mean (SD) medial malleolar width was significantly smaller in the fracture cohort (8.52 mm [1.6]) than in the control group (11.78 mm [1.74]) (P < .001). Mean (SD) tibial component coronal alignment was 92.17 degrees (2.77) in the fracture cohort and 90.21 degrees (1.66) in the control group (P = .002). Regression analysis identified a significant negative association between postoperative medial malleolar width and the probability of fracture (OR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.26, P < .001). Varus malalignment of the tibial component was positively associated with the probability of fracture (OR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.27, 2.86, P = .002). Prophylactic screw fixation resulted in more than 90% reduction in the odds of a fracture (OR = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01, 0.45, P = .01). ROC curve analysis determined a medial malleolar width of 10.3 mm as a potential threshold for predicting fracture.

Conclusion:

Decreased medial malleolar width and postoperative varus malalignment were associated with an increased risk of postoperative medial malleolar fracture. Therefore, surgeons should consider prophylactic screw fixation in patients with a medial malleolar width <10.3 mm or at risk of postoperative varus deformity.