Functional Orthosis Versus Cast Immobilization for Partially Unstable Weber B Ankle Fractures

Evidence suggests that Weber B ankle fractures should be treated nonoperatively if the ankle mortise is stable. Stability is maintained if the deltoid ligament is intact, also known as a Weber B/SER2 injury. Functional orthosis treatment is advised for these injuries. Recently, authors have demonstrated that the fractured ankle can be functionally stable even with a partial deltoid ligament injury. Our interpretation of a partial deltoid ligament injury is when weightbearing radiographs indicate stability (no increase in medial clear space), while concomitant gravity stress radiographs indicate instability (due to increase in medial clear space). It is suggested that this is referred to as a Weber B/SER4a injury. Although now considered for nonoperative treatment, partially unstable/SER4a injuries were traditionally treated operatively. Today, the superiority of one method of nonoperative treatment over another for partially unstable/SER4a injuries remains unclear. Some authors advocate cast immobilization while others have shown good outcomes after inconsistently using different orthoses and cast devices. The argument for cast immobilization appears to be a fear of posttraumatic osteoarthritis because of potential recurrent instability. As a result, cast immobilization of partially unstable/SER4a fractures is implemented in reference European guidelines, and thus must be considered the reference treatment. To our knowledge, no study has documented increased prevalence of osteoarthritis associated with functional treatment of partially unstable/SER4a fractures. The use of cast immobilization remains a precautionary principle, but the choice is not so clear cut because cast immobilization comes with an increased risk of joint stiffness and thromboembolic complications. Long-term radiographic and patient-reported outcome data evaluating possible non-inferiority of functional orthosis treatment compared to cast immobilization will assist in guiding future treatment strategies of these common fractures.