PubMed · 413690
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A E Ellison. 1977. Skiing injuries.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/413690/
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Most ankle injuries are straightforward ligamentous injuries. However, the clinical presentation of subtle fractures can be similar to that of ankle sprains, and these fractures are frequently missed on initial examination. Fractures of the talar dome may be medial or lateral, and they are usually the result of inversion injuries, although medial injuries may be atraumatic. Lateral talar process fractures are characterized by point tenderness over the lateral process. Posterior talar process fractures are often associated with tenderness to deep palpation anterior to the Achilles tendon over the posterolateral talus, and plantar flexion may exacerbate the pain. These fractures can often be managed nonsurgically with nonweight-bearing status and a short leg cast worn for approximately four weeks. Delays in treatment can result in long-term disability and surgery. Computed tomographic scans or magnetic resonance imaging may be required because these fractures are difficult to detect on plain films.
The results of total ankle arthroplasty were poor in the 1970s and 1980s compared to those of the arthrodeses. Because of the good long term results this technique has been accepted as the treatment of the choice for posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle. Recently the development of an unconstrained total ankle arthroplasty with an additional mobile polyethylene inlay between the fixed tibial and the talar component which enables a three dimensional range of motion seems to improve significantly the long term results of total ankle replacement. This technique, however, is an extremely demanding procedure. The range of motion after total ankle replacement following posttraumatic arthritis is poor compared to the results of total ankle replacement for rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, these data are obtained yet only by a few experienced surgeons in specialized centers. Further clinical trials have to be performed to answer the question whether the total ankle arthroplasty is a reliable alternative treatment of posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle. At present, the arthrodesis should be regarded as the treatment of choice for the posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle joint.
Direct sonographic examination of the lateral ligaments of the talocrural joint after fresh, primary supination trauma, without the need for local anesthesia, is an extremely cost-effective and reliable tool to evaluate the ligamentous state. After clinical evaluation and a native X-ray to exclude any osseous lesions, ligamentous tear stability should be tested--either indirectly with classic radiology or directly with sonography. We assume that because of the complete and direct depiction of the fibular ligamentous structures there is no diagnostic alternative to using the 12-MHz technique of modern high-end devices.