Surgical versus conservative management of ankle fractures in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Author
Javed, OA; Javed, QA; Ukoumunne, OC; Di Mascio, LDate
2020-10-01Source Title
Foot and Ankle SurgeryPublisher
ELSEVIERUniversity of Melbourne Author/s
Ukoumunne, ObiohaAffiliation
Paediatrics (RCH)Metadata
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Journal ArticleCitations
Javed, O. A., Javed, Q. A., Ukoumunne, O. C. & Di Mascio, L. (2020). Surgical versus conservative management of ankle fractures in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. FOOT AND ANKLE SURGERY, 26 (7), pp.723-735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fas.2019.09.008.Access Status
Access this item via the Open Access locationAbstract
AIMS: This study compared outcomes of surgical versus conservative management of ankle fractures in adults through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: We searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases (1946-June 2019) for randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing surgical versus conservative management of closed adult ankle fractures of any type. Estimates of effect were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: 1153 patients from 7 trials were included. Our primary outcome, ankle function score, was not statistically significantly different at 6-months (pooled mean difference (surgical minus conservative) = 1.0; 95% CI: -2.3 to 4.3; p = 0.55) or 12-months or more (pooled mean difference = 4.6; 95% CI: -1.0 to 10.2; p = 0.11) between surgical and conservative groups in three trials assessing displaced or unstable fractures, and two trials using non-validated questionnaires. One trial assessing AO-type-B1 fractures without talar shift had a statistically significant difference favouring conservative management, which was not clinically meaningful. Surgery had lower rates of early treatment failure and malunion/non-union, but higher rates of further surgery and infection. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical and conservative management of displaced or unstable ankle fractures produce similar short-term functional outcomes. The higher risk of early treatment failure and malunion/non-union in the conservative group versus higher rates of further surgery and infection in the surgical group should be considered. Trials are needed to assess longer-term results and inform management of select patient groups.
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