Open Dislocated Bi-Malleolar Ankle Fracture in a Diabetic Treated with the Illizorov Apparatus: A case report in early ambulation and stabilization

Abstract

The Foot and Ankle Online Journal 3 (2): 2 The authors describe a case report of a diabetic patient with an open bi-malleolar ankle fracture sustained after a motor vehicle accident that was treated immediately after injury. Treatment included extensive pulse lavage with antibiotic impregnated saline solution and reduction of the fractures using external fixation. Recovery lasted several months, followed by usage of a Pneumatic CAM walker. The external fixator allowed the patient to ambulate throughout the healing process. No internal fixation was utilized. After months of follow-up, there was good healing of the fractures with no infection of the tibia, fibula, and talus. The authors recommend reduction of tibial and/or fibular fracture(s) using the Ilizarov methodology especially in diabetic patients with open fractures and/or contaminated wound. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. It permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. ©The Foot and Ankle Online Journal (www.faoj.org) istorically, an open ankle fracture commonly equated with much morbidity and mortality. However with more modern therapy, the expected outcome has improved significantly. 1 The purpose of this article will be to describe a report of a diabetic patient with an open dislocated ankle fracture and the significance of treatment with the use of an Illizarov apparatus. In this article, discussion will focus on the classification, complications, and treatment protocols of open fractures to the ankle joint.