Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis vs Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures in High-Risk Patients: A National Database Analysis
Retrospective analysis shows higher complication and readmission rates with TTCA vs ORIF in high-risk patients, suggesting need for careful case selection.
Key Points
TTCA patients had a 35% overall complication rate, significantly higher than the 13% rate for ORIF patients.
Readmission rates were notably higher for TTCA patients at 25% for 30 days compared to 13% for ORIF patients.
Multivariable analysis indicated TTCA was associated with a 4.10 adjusted odds ratio for higher complication risk.
Findings suggest ORIF may be preferable in most cases, with TTCA reserved for carefully selected patients.