Management of ankle fractures in the elderly

[摘要] Both the incidence and severity of ankle fractures in elderly patients with considerable comorbidity is rising steadily in most European countries.1 The patients are predominately women with considerable comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases, obesity, chronic pulmonary diseases and complicated diabetes. Poor bone quality in osteoporotic and diabetic patients may lead to more complicated fracture patterns and problems with fixation.2 The soft tissue envelope may be compromised through chronic vascular disease, prolonged steroid medication, and diminished skin turgor leading to open injuries even in low energy fractures.3 Mobilisation of the patients after surgery will be complicated by sarcopaenia, decreased strength, co-ordination and compliance.

[学科分类] 神经科学

[关键词] osteoporosis;diabetes;complications;posterior tibia;dislocation;syndesmosis;Charcot neuroarthropathy