Short‑Term Outcomes and Quality of Life Following Surgical Treatment of Bimalleolar Ankle Fractures Publisher



M Teimouri MEHDI ; H Ravanbod HADI ; A Salehi ASHKAN ; M Shahsavan MOHAMMAD ; R Yusofvand REZA ; Sr Sharifzadeh Seyyed REZA ; A Hassanzadeh AKBAR ; H Ranjbar HOSSEIN
Source: Advanced Biomedical Research Published:2025

Abstract

Background: Bimalleolar ankle fractures, particularly those resulting from supination–external rotation (SER) mechanisms, are common injuries. This study evaluates the short‑term clinical outcomes and quality of life following surgical treatment of these fractures. Matеrials and Methods: This prospective cohort study was conducted at two trauma centers in Isfahan, Iran. A total of 34 adults, with SER‑type bimalleolar ankle fractures, underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Additionally, a matched control group comprising 34 healthy individuals was included in the study. Functional outcomes were evaluated using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Short Form‑36 (SF‑36) in the control group, as well as at three and six months post‑surgery for the patient group. Results: The study included 24 males (70.6%) and 10 females (29.4%) in the case group, with a mean age of 32.8 years (SD ± 9.7) and a mean BMI of 26.01 kg/m2 (SD ± 1.91). Significant improvements were observed in the patient group from three to six months post‑surgery across multiple FAOS and SF‑36 domains. FAOS pain scores increased from 67.8 ± 7.5 to 83.9 ± 8.3 (P < 0.001), and activities of daily living improved from 75.3 ± 8.0 to 88.7 ± 8.5 (P < 0.001), approaching control levels. SF‑36 physical functioning scores rose from 63.5 ± 8.2 to 81.3 ± 7.9 (P < 0.001). However, domains, like symptoms, sports/recreation, social functioning, and role‑emotional, remained lower than controls at six months (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Surgical treatment of bimalleolar ankle fractures leads to significant short‑term functional improvements, with a low complication rate. While promising, continued rehabilitation beyond six months may be necessary for complete functional restoration. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.