Saline Load Test and Quilting Sutures to Treat Intractable Lateral Malleolar Bursitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with intractable lateral malleolar bursitis who were treated using the intraoperative saline load test to find communication between the bursal sac and the ankle joint and the quilting sutures after bursectomy to reduce the dead space. We reviewed a total of 28 patients who had been treated with quilting sutures after bursectomy between April 2014 and June 2017. When there was capsular opening detected with the saline load test, it was closed with sutures or augmented with periosteum. On the final follow-up office visit, the lateral malleolus was examined for the recurrence of bursitis. Patient medical records were reviewed for postoperative wound dehiscence, skin necrosis, infections, and nerve symptoms. The saline load test was positive in 11 (42%) cases. The mean foot function index improved from 25.94 ± 20.46 to 11.73 ± 5.27 (p = .003). Fourteen (54%) patients were very satisfied with the results, 9 (35%) were satisfied, 2 (8%) rated their satisfaction as fair, and 1 (4%) was dissatisfied. No cases required skin graft or flap surgery. Intractable lateral malleolar bursitis was successfully treated using the saline load test and quilting sutures after bursectomy. Closure of the capsular opening prevented fluid drainage around the wound. Quilting sutures after bursectomy reduced dead space underneath the wound to prevent fluid accumulation and promoted healing of the skin on the underlying soft tissue.