2021 Annual Meeting Foot & Ankle Access Pass-Talus Visualization in Ankle Fractures: How Much Are We Really Seeing?

Talus Visualization in Ankle Fractures: How Much Are We Really Seeing?

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presenter discussed ankle fractures, common orthopedic injuries often requiring surgery but sometimes yielding poor long-term outcomes due to undetected chondral lesions, which increase osteoarthritis risk. Their study used cadaveric specimens to quantify talus visualization through fracture fragments in supination external rotation ankle fractures, finding only about 15% of the talus surface visible via open exposure. This limited view suggests many cartilage injuries remain unseen. Given that intra-articular lesions occur in up to 65% of ankle fractures and can impair function, the study highlights ankle arthroscopy as a valuable tool to better detect and manage these lesions, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Asset Caption

Dr. Jeff Hassebrock

Keywords

ankle fractures

chondral lesions

osteoarthritis risk

talus visualization

ankle arthroscopy