DOES CHANGE IN SUPPLIER AFFECT THE RATE OF COMPLICATION IN ANKLE FRACTURE FIXATION?

This study compares the rate of complication experienced after ankle fracture fixation, following a change in supplier of the surgical implants. We reviewed outcomes of over 400 patients who had ankle fracture fixation at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Patients had operations between May 2023 and July 2025. Information collected included date of operation, implant supplier, implant type, post-op infection, revision, and re-operation for other reasons. 476 patients were identified. Of those, 426 patients had primary ankle fixation using either Stryker or Synthes plates. 210 patients were fixed with Stryker plates, 216 with Synthes plates. Of the Stryker group, 4 required revision (1.9%). Of the Synthes group, 11 required revision (5.09%). There is no significant difference in the rate of revision for either supplier (p = 0.074). There was no significant difference in the infection rate for Synthes or Styker plates (p = 0.292) and no significant difference in the rate of reoperation (p=0.213). In a comparison between patients who had their ankle fixation within the first 8 months of changing supplier (Early), and the patients who had their operation after that (Late), the rate of revision is significantly higher in the Early Group (p= 0.03). Findings show the change in supplier initially has a significant effect on rate of revision, but that the rate of revision approaches pre-supplier change rate over time. The change in supplier has no significant effect on rate of infection or rate of reoperation.