SynthesisJournal of orthopaedic surgery and research2023
Arthroscopically assisted versus open reduction internal fixation for ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 6 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
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Who cites it
6 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it, 6 citations in OpenAlex.
- Arthroscopically assisted (AORIF) ankle fracture treatment seems to lead to superior results when compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) only: results of a systematic review.Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery · 2025Pooled it
- Uncertainty and risk of misleading conclusions: an umbrella review of the quality of the evidence for ankle arthroscopy.Acta orthopaedica · 2025Pooled it
- The minimally invasive approach for lateral malleolus fractures plating demonstrating less pain, shorter operative time and earlier discharge compared to open approach: a prospective randomized controlled trial.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2026Trial
- The Diagnosis, Treatment, and Aftercare of Ankle Fractures.Deutsches Arzteblatt international · 2026Review
- Double mini-locking plates for unstable Danis-Weber B distal fibular fractures: superior functional outcomes and lower implant removal rates.Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research · 2026Article
- Case Report: Arthroscopic treatment of cedell fracture, shepherd fracture, and avulsion fracture at the insertion of the calcaneofibular ligament.Frontiers in surgery · 2025Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundOpen reduction and internal fixation were routinely used to treat patients with unstable ankle fractures (ORIF). However, some patients may experience persistent ankle pain and disability following ORIF due to untreated intra-articular lesions. Moreover, ankle fractures may be treated with arthroscopically assisted reduction and internal fixation (ARIF). This study aimed to compare the feasibility and benefits of ARIF versus ORIF for ankle fractures.
methodsWe performed this meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic search was conducted for comparative studies comparing ARIF and ORIF for ankle fractures. Nine studies were included in the analysis of clinical and secondary outcomes. In summary, we calculated the mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), confidence interval, and p value.
resultsThis meta-analysis demonstrated that the ARIF group achieved a higher Olerud-Molander Ankle (OMA) score (MD: 6.6; 95% CI 0.20 to 13.0; p = 0.04) and lower visual analog scale (VAS) score (MD: - 0.36; 95% CI - 0.64 to - 0.10; p = 0.01) at the final follow-up. Nevertheless, the smallest treatment effect of OMA score and VAS score did not exceed the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). There were longer surgery time (MD: 15.0; 95% CI 10.7 to 19.3; p < 0.01) and lower complication rates (RR: 0.53; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.89; p = 0.02) in ARIF compared with ORIF. The random-effect model suggested no significant difference in the arthritis change rate between the two groups.
conclusionIn summary, the results of this meta-analysis indicated that ARIF and ORIF are comparable in terms of providing pain relief and improving function for patients with ankle fractures. Therefore, the choice between the two techniques should be based on the patient's individual factors and the surgeon's personal preference.
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