Epidemiology of ankle fractures: A prospective population-based study of 212 cases in Aalborg, Denmark

Abstract

We studied the epidemiology of ankle fractures prospectively during 1 year in a population of about 200,000. The overall incidence rate was 107 fractures per 10(5) person-years. Below the age of 50, ankle fractures were commonest in men. After this age, females became predominant and the age-specific incidence rates decreased in both sexes. The main cause of fracture was falls (87%), on the ground, on stairs or from a height. 137 fractures (55%) occurred in sports, play or other leisure activities. Most patients (64%) were walking, running or jumping at the time of injury. Alcohol and slippery surfaces were each involved in nearly a third of the cases. The distribution of the fractures according to both the Lauge-Hansen and the AO Weber classification systems were within the limits of previous series. Nearly half the patients were hospitalized and the fractures were operated on with osteosynthesis. Our findings indicate that ankle fractures are mainly caused by substantial trauma sustained during physical activity. Osteoporosis seems to be of minor importance.

Classifications in Brief: Lauge-Hansen Classification of Ankle Fractures

“…Supination external rotation injuries, the most commonly occurring of Lauge-Hansen's categories, were produced in seven experiments [8,12]. In Stage 1, the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) was injured.…”

Symmetrical Trimalleolar Fractures of the Bilateral Ankles: A Case Report

“…At follow-up 5 years later, he had no symptoms. 100 000 person-years [3]. Koval et al reported that 14.2% were trimalleolar fractures in the investigation into 33 704 ankle fractures [4].…”

A retrospective study of functional outcome of surgically managed malleolar fracture at the ankle joint by subjective, objective and radiological assessment

“…The annual incidence of ankle fracture is between 107 and 187 per 100,000 persons [4][5][6] , and around 2% of ankle fractures are open fractures [4] . Ankle fractures usually affect young men and older women, however, below the age of 50 ankle fractures are the commonest in men.…”

“…After this age, females become predominant. Alcohol and slippery surfaces are each involved in nearly a third of the cases [6] . Twisting injuries and falls, followed by sports injuries [4] are the most common causes of ankle injuries.…”