Osteoporotic Ankle Fractures

Complications in ankle fracture surgery

“…In ankle fracture surgery, angular stable implants have been emphasized especially in geriatric patients (Strauss and Egol 2007, Lynde et al 2012, Olsen et al 2013, in obese patients (Chaudhry and Egol 2011), and in patients with diabetes (Wukich and Kline 2008). The advantages of locking plates include preservation of the periosteal blood supply, and better resistance to bending and torsional forces compared to conventional plating (Wagner 2003).…”

“…Interestingly, osteoporosis is not a risk factor, nor does prior ankle fracture predict subsequent major osteoporotic fractures (Hasselman et al 2003, Hak et al 2011, Pritchard et al 2012, Olsen et al 2013). However, osteoporosis is a risk factor for loss of reduction (Kettunen and Kröger 2005, Strauss et al 2007, McKean et al 2013, Olsen et al 2013, thus locking plates may be necessary in elderly patients to enhance angular stability (Kettunen andKröger 2005, McKean et al 2013). Taken together, in elderly patients osteopenia and osteoporosis pose a challenge to achieve stable fixation.…”

Complications in ankle fracture surgery

“…SSI is a strong predictor of mortality in elderly patients (Lee et al 2006), and controversies remain regarding the risks and benefits of operative treatment in geriatric patients (Koval et al 2007, Strauss and Egol 2007, Hak et al 2011, Shivarathre et al 2011, Lynde et al 2012, McKean et al 2013, Olsen et al 2013, Zaghloul et al 2014. The risks of surgical treatment should be carefully evaluated in all elderly patients (Kettunen and Kröger 2005).…”

“…Taken together, in elderly patients osteopenia and osteoporosis pose a challenge to achieve stable fixation. However, if stable fixation is achieved, these patients are likely to experience results similar to those without poor bone quality (Strauss et al 2007, Lynde et al 2012, Olsen et al 2013). …”

“…The number of geriatric patients sustaining rotational ankle fractures is rising (Kannus et al 2002, Olsen et al 2013. Recent studies have a shown an increase in more complicated bi-and trimalleolar fractures in these patients (Thur et al 2012).…”