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SURGERY FOR COMPLEX ANKLE FRACTURE IN A PATIENT WITH UNCONTROLLED DIABETES

SURGERY FOR COMPLEX ANKLE FRACTURE IN A PATIENT WITH UNCONTROLLED DIABETES

03/05/2025

Recently, the team of Orthopedic specialists in AIH successfully performed surgery on a patient with complex ankle fracture and uncontrolled diabetes – a considerable challenge in orthopedic surgery. The procedure required not only a high level of expertise, but also close interdisciplinary collaborations between endocrinology, anesthesiology & resuscitation and surgery team, ensuring optimal safety for the patient.

Challenge Posed by Underlying Diabetes

Patient G.T.Q, 45 years old, sustained a left ankle injury after a fall. Initially, the injured site was immobilized with a plaster cast at another hospital, where he was diagnosed with a left ankle fracture. On the following day, the patient presented to American International Hospital (AIH) for evaluation due to concern about the condition of the injury. At the hospital, under the care of Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh, Second Degree Specialist, Depute Head of General Surgery Department, X-Ray results showed that the patient had complex medial and lateral malleolus fracture, expanding to the ankle joint, which bears the most weight of the body. Dr Thinh recommended surgical reduction to restore the articular surface and preserve the ankle’s mobility function.

However, the patient had a history of uncontrolled diabetes, with blood glucose levels nearly four times the normal limit upon admission. If blood glucose levels are not brought under control before the surgery, it can lead to an increased risk of serious complications during and after the operation, including delayed bone healing, surgical wound infection, tissue necrosis, nerve damage, or even long-term joint instability.

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Interdisciplinary Consultation – A Comprehensive Treatment Plan

Understanding the complexity of this case, the Surgical team consulted with the doctors from Endocrinology and Anesthesiology to thoroughly assess and design a comprehensive treatment plan for the pre , intra , and postoperative phases.

The goal was to keep the blood-glucose levels under control before the operation, ensuring optimal safety during the intervention. Postoperatively, the patient was under close monitoring to support fracture healing and maintain long‑term control for diabetes.

The surgery was performed using precise fracture reduction techniques to fully restore the ankle joint surface and firmly stabilize the joint. This effectively helps prevent complications such as joint instability, stiffness, and early degeneration, allowing the patient to recover more quickly and return to normal activities once healed .

After surgery, the patient was closely monitored with strict blood glucose control and careful wound care to prevent infection and tissue necrosis. After four days of inpatient treatment, the patient was discharged in stable condition, with minimal pain at the surgical site and no signs of infection. The fracture had been firmly stabilized, and the ankle joint structure was accurately restored, promising a favorable prognosis for functional recovery in the near future.

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Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh, Second Degree Specialist – Deputy Head of General Surgery at AIH, shared: “Proper blood glucose control before surgery is a mandatory requirement to reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, assessing and preparing diabetic patients prior to surgery is a crucial, yet complex and challenging task. The success of the surgery not only depends on advanced surgical techniques, but also on the close collaboration between the Endocrinology and Anesthesiology departments in developing a comprehensive treatment plan. At American International Hospital (AIH), diabetic patients are thoroughly examined and their blood glucose levels are carefully managed before, during, and after surgery, with the goal of minimizing surgical complications and promoting rapid recovery.”

To book a consultation with our Orthopedic Surgery specialists at AIH, please schedule an appointment at https://m.me/aih.com.vn or contact our hotline at (028) 3910 9999.

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Book a Consultation at American International Hospital (AIH)

Hotline: (028) 3910 9999

🌐 Website: www.aih.com.vn

📍 Address: No. 6, Bac Nam 3 Street, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City

(Entrance via 199 Nguyen Hoang Street)

  • by Admin AIH
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