A randomized prospective clinical study comparing wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) and spinal anesthesia in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures.

Abstract

Background: Ankle fractures are common injuries that often require surgical intervention to restore proper alignment and stability. Traditional anesthesia methods, such as general and spinal anesthesia, may not be suitable for patients with significant comorbidities. The wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) technique has emerged as a viable alternative, particularly for patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of WALANT and spinal anesthesia in the surgical treatment of ankle fractures.

Methods: This prospective, randomized study included patients with bimalleolar fractures who underwent surgery between June 2022 and November 2023. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the WALANT group (n=16) or the spinal anesthesia group (n=19). Preoperative demographic data, intraoperative parameters (including surgical time), and postoperative outcomes, such as pain scores assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) morphine consumption, and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at 12 months postoperatively, were evaluated.

Results: Both groups had similar demographic characteristics (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in operating room time between the groups (WALANT: 180.47 minutes vs. Spinal: 190.94 minutes, p=0.30). Postoperative pain, assessed using VAS scores at 12 and 24 hours, did not significantly differ between groups. Morphine consumption via PCA was also similar (WALANT: 19.57 mg vs. Spinal: 22.8 mg, p=0.291). At the 12-month follow-up, AOFAS scores were similar between groups (WALANT: 80 vs. Spinal: 83.1, p=0.388). However, preoperative anxiety levels were higher in the WALANT group (p=0.001).

Conclusion: The WALANT technique provides comparable postoperative pain control and functional outcomes to spinal anesthesia in ankle fracture surgery. Although preoperative anxiety was higher in the WALANT group, no significant differences were observed in postoperative pain or long-term recovery. WALANT represents a feasible and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, especially in settings with limited access to anesthesiologists, such as during natural disasters or pandemics. It may be particularly advantageous for patients with cardiovascular or pulmonary comorbidities, helping to avoid the risks associated with systemic anesthesia.