scholarly journals Ankle Fracture Complications in the Elderly

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 2473011418S0038
Author(s):  
Andrew Polk ◽  
Brian Buck ◽  
Michael Robertson ◽  
James Cook ◽  
Courtney Felton

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: In the geriatric patient population, pre-existing medical conditions and poor bone quality often make operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures and fracture-dislocations more challenging. The objective of this study was to characterize the complications that occurred following operative fixation of these injuries at our institution and to determine whether complication rates were higher in our geriatric patient population (65 years and older) as compared to our younger patient population. We hypothesized that complication rates in the geriatric population would be significantly higher relative to complication rates in the younger population. We also hypothesized that in elderly patients, the soft tissue envelope would be less forgiving and require significantly more time for swelling to decrease to a level considered appropriate for definitive surgical fixation to occur. Methods: With IRB approval, a review of medical records for patients diagnosed with ankle fractures or fracture-dislocations and operated on between January of 2015 and December of 2016 was performed. Major complications were defined as any adverse outcomes requiring further surgical intervention such as irrigation and debridement for infection or exposed hardware, nonunion, major hardware failure, or amputation. Minor complications included other adverse outcomes which did not require further surgical intervention such as wound dehiscence, loss of reduction, or delayed union. Data were compared for statistically significant (p<0.05) differences. Results: Medical record review produced 110 patients meeting criteria for inclusion with a mean follow-up of 179 days (range, 0 to 601 days). No significant (p>0.08) differences were noted in rates of major, minor, or total complications between geriatric and younger patients treated at our institution (Fig. 1). An analysis of patient characteristics, demonstrated a significantly (p=0.035) higher proportion of trimalleolar ankle fractures within the geriatric population, but the proportions of other injury types were not significantly (p>0.198) different between age groups. Prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use, illicit drug use, or diabetes mellitus was not found to be significantly different (p>0.058) between age groups. No significant (p=0.12) difference was found in time from injury to definitive surgical treatment between age groups. Conclusion: Complication rates following operative treatment of ankle fractures and fracture-dislocations were not significantly higher in our geriatric patient population, although the incidence of minor complications in the geriatric population was markedly increased relative to the younger population. A lack of significant difference in time from injury to definitive surgical treatment between age groups suggests that geriatric patients may not require a prolonged time for soft tissue swelling to decrease prior to surgery. Further study with a larger sample size is needed to determine if these findings are clinically significant.

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1382-1387 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pierce Ebaugh ◽  
Benjamin Umbel ◽  
David Goss ◽  
Benjamin C. Taylor

Background: Ankle fractures in patients with complicated diabetes have significantly increased the rates of complications and poorer functional outcomes when treated nonoperatively, and there have been only modest reductions when treated operatively. We hypothesized that the minimally invasive, robust construct that tibiotalocalcaneal fixation with an intramedullary nail offers would result in high rates of limb salvage, acceptable rates of complications, and less loss of function, in this difficult patient population. Methods: This was an institutional review board–approved retrospective study of 27 patients with complicated diabetes who underwent tibiotalocalcaneal nailing of their ankle fracture as a primary treatment without formal joint preparation. Patients with complicated diabetes were defined as having neuropathy, nephropathy, and/or peripheral vascular disease. The mean clinical follow-up was 888 days. Patients were screened for associated risk factors. Data were collected on surgical complications. The outcomes measured included length of hospital stay, loss of ambulatory level, amputation, and time to death. The mean age was 66 years with an average body mass index of 38 and hemoglobin A1c of 7.4. Six fractures were open. Results: The limb salvage rate was 96%. The average hospital stay was 6 days, and the mean time to weightbearing was 6.7 weeks. The fracture union rate was 88%. The surgical complication rate was 18.5%, with no instances of malunions, symptomatic nonunions, or Charcot arthropathy. Eight patients died by final follow-up (mean, 1048 days). An ambulatory level was maintained in 81% of the patients. Conclusion: With high limb salvage rates, relatively early weightbearing, maintained ambulatory level, and acceptable complication rates, we believe our technique can be considered an appropriate approach to increase the overall survivability of threatened limbs and lives in this patient population. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.


Author(s):  
Victor Lu ◽  
Maria Tennyson ◽  
James Zhang ◽  
Azeem Thahir ◽  
Andrew Zhou ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Fragility ankles fractures in the geriatric population are challenging to manage, due to fracture instability, soft tissue compromise, and patient co-morbidities. Traditional management options include open reduction internal fixation, or conservative treatment, both of which are fraught with high complication rates. We aimed to present functional outcomes of elderly patients with fragility ankle fractures treated with retrograde ankle fusion nails. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on patients who underwent intramedullary nailing with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail. Twenty patients met the inclusion criteria of being over sixty and having multiple co-morbidities. Patient demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, intra-operative and post-operative complications, time to mobilisation and union, AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores, and patient mobility were recorded. Results There were seven males and thirteen females, with a mean age of 77.82 years old, five of whom are type 2 diabetics. Thirteen patients returned to their pre-operative mobility state, and the average Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) was 5.05. Patients with a low CCI are more likely to return to pre-operative mobility status (p = 0.16; OR = 4.00). All patients achieved radiographical union, taking on average between 92.5 days and 144.6 days. The mean post-operative AOFAS and Olerud-Molander scores were 53.0 and 50.9, respectively. There were four cases of superficial infection, four cases of broken or loose distal locking screws. There were no deep infections, periprosthetic fractures, nail breakages, or non-unions. Conclusion Tibiotalocalcaneal nailing is an effective and safe option for managing unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. This technique leads to lower complication rates and earlier mobilisation than traditional fixation methods.


2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 399-402 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andre J. Pagliaro ◽  
James D. Michelson ◽  
Mark S. Mizel

It is widely accepted that operative fixation of unstable ankle fractures yields predictably good outcomes in the general population. The current literature, however reports less acceptable results in the geriatric population age 65 years and older. The current study analyzes the outcome of the surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in patients at least 65 years old. Twenty three patient over 65 years old were surgically treated after sustaining 21 (91%) closed and 2 (9%) open grade II unstable ankle fractures. Fractures were classified according to the Danis-Weber and Lauge-Hansen schemes. Fracture type was predominantly Weber B (21/23, 91%), or supination external rotation stage IV (21/23, 91%). Fracture union rate was 100%. There were three significant complications including a lateral wound dehiscence with delayed fibular union in an open fracture dislocation, and two below knee amputations, neither of which was directly related to the fracture treatment. There were three minor complications; one superficial wound infection and two cases of prolonged incision drainage, all of which resolved without further surgical intervention. Complications were associated with open fractures and preexisting systemic disease. These results indicate that open reduction and internal fixation of unstable ankle fractures in geriatric patients is an efficacious treatment regime that with results that are comparable to the general population.


Author(s):  
Alejandro Márquez-Salinas ◽  
Carlos A Fermín-Martínez ◽  
Neftalí Eduardo Antonio-Villa ◽  
Arsenio Vargas-Vázquez ◽  
Enrique C. Guerra ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Chronological age (CA) is a predictor of adverse COVID-19 outcomes; however, CA alone does not capture individual responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Here, we evaluated the influence of aging metrics PhenoAge and PhenoAgeAccel to predict adverse COVID-19 outcomes. Furthermore, we sought to model adaptive metabolic and inflammatory responses to severe SARS-CoV-2 infection using individual PhenoAge components. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we assessed cases admitted to a COVID-19 reference center in Mexico City. PhenoAge and PhenoAgeAccel were estimated using laboratory values at admission. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to estimate risk for COVID-19 lethality and adverse outcomes (ICU admission, intubation, or death). To explore reproducible patterns which model adaptive responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection, we used k-means clustering using PhenoAge components. Results We included 1068 subjects of whom 222 presented critical illness and 218 died. PhenoAge was a better predictor of adverse outcomes and lethality compared to CA and SpO2 and its predictive capacity was sustained for all age groups. Patients with responses associated to PhenoAgeAccel&gt;0 had higher risk of death and critical illness compared to those with lower values (log-rank p&lt;0.001). Using unsupervised clustering we identified four adaptive responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection: 1) Inflammaging associated with CA, 2) metabolic dysfunction associated with cardio-metabolic comorbidities, 3) unfavorable hematological response, and 4) response associated with favorable outcomes. Conclusions Adaptive responses related to accelerated aging metrics are linked to adverse COVID-19 outcomes and have unique and distinguishable features. PhenoAge is a better predictor of adverse outcomes compared to CA.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 804-805
Author(s):  
Nicole Armstrong ◽  
Jennifer Deal ◽  
Hang Wang ◽  
Jennifer Schrack ◽  
Qu Tian ◽  
...  

Abstract Individual sensory deficits have been associated with adverse outcomes, including dementia, in older adults. Using data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) (N=259) and Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) (N=962), we examined the prevalence of one, two, or three sensory deficits (hearing, vision, and olfaction) among older adults ≥70 years. Any hearing loss was the most prevalent sensory deficit (70-79 year-olds: 41.3% [BLSA] and 51.2% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 82.6% [BLSA] and 74.2% [ARIC]), followed by vision loss and olfactory loss. Hearing and vision impairments were more prevalent than hearing and olfactory losses as well as vision and olfactory losses in both age groups and studies There were few people with deficits in all three senses (70-79 year-olds: 3.3% [BLSA] and 2.0% [ARIC]; ≥80 year-olds: 5.8% [BLSA] and 7.4% [ARIC]). Further research should investigate the potential impact of multisensory impairments on older adults.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramy Khojaly ◽  
Ruairí Mac Niocaill ◽  
Muhammad Shahab ◽  
Matthew Nagle ◽  
Colm Taylor ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that extended periods of immobilisation and weight-bearing limitation may lead to poorer clinical outcomes. Traditional non-weight-bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates. Methods A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 h versus non-weight-bearing (NWB) and immobilisation in a cast for 6 weeks, following ORIF of all types of unstable adult ankle fractures (lateral malleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar with or without syndesmotic injury) is proposed. All patients presenting to three trauma units will be included. The exclusion criteria will be skeletal immaturity and tibial plafond fractures. The three institutional review boards have granted ethical approval. The primary outcome measure will be the functional Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes include wound infection (deep and superficial), displacement of osteosynthesis, the full arc of ankle motion (plantar flexion and dorsal flection), RAND-36 Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) scoring, time to return to work and postoperative hospital length of stay. The trial will be reported in accordance with the CONSORT statement for reporting a pragmatic trial, and this protocol will follow the SPIRIT guidance. Discussion Traditional management of operatively treated ankle fractures includes an extended period of non-weight-bearing. There is emerging evidence that earlier weight-bearing may have equivocal outcomes and favourable patient satisfaction but higher wound-related complications. These studies often preclude more complicated fracture patterns or patient-related factors. To our knowledge, immediate weight-bearing (IWB) following ORIF of all types of unstable ankle fractures has not been investigated in a controlled prospective manner in recent decades. This pragmatic randomised-controlled multicentre trial will investigate immediate weight-bearing following ORIF of all ankle fracture patterns in the usual care condition. It is hoped that these results will contribute to the modern management of ankle fractures. Trial registration ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN76410775. Retrospectively registered on 30 June 2019.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Direk Tantigate ◽  
Gavin Ho ◽  
Joshua Kirschenbaum ◽  
Henrik C. Bäcker ◽  
Benjamin Asherman ◽  
...  

Background. Fracture dislocation of the ankle represents a substantial injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle. There has been only limited reporting of functional outcome of ankle fracture-dislocations. This study aimed to compare functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation in ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of surgically treated ankle fractures over a 3- year period was performed. Demographic data, type of fracture, operative time and complications were recorded. Of 118 patients eligible for analysis, 33 (28%) sustained a fracture-dislocation. Mean patient age was 46.6 years; 62 patients, who had follow-up of at least 12 months, were analyzed for functional outcome assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The median follow-up time was 37 months. Demographic variables and FAOS were compared between ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Results. The average age of patients sustaining fracture-dislocation was greater (53 vs 44 years, P = .017); a greater percentage were female (72.7% vs 51.8%, P = .039) and diabetic (24.2% vs 7.1%, P = .010). Wound complications were similar between both groups. FAOS was generally poorer in the fracture-dislocation group, although only the pain subscale demonstrated statistical significance (76 vs 92, P = .012). Conclusion. Ankle fracture-dislocation occurred more frequently in patients who were older, female, and diabetic. At a median of just > 3-year follow-up, functional outcomes in fracture-dislocations were generally poorer; the pain subscale of FAOS was worse in a statistically significant fashion. Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III


Author(s):  
Sergey K. Zyryanov ◽  
M.S. Chenkurov ◽  
Marina A. Ivzhits ◽  
Yu.A. Batechko ◽  
E.B. Ivanova ◽  
...  

Objective. To investigate the mortality rate, comorbidity prevalence, and etiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in elderly patient population. Materials and Methods. Hospitalized elderly patients with CAP were distributed into the following age groups: 65–74 years (group I), 75–84 years (group II) and 85–94 years (group III). The patients’ medical records were used for determining comorbidities and mortality rate. In order to determine etiology of CAP, sputum or BAL samples were collected. A total of 171 isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS. Results. The mortality rates were 27.1%, 31.5% and 45.7% in age groups I, II, III, respectively. The most common concomitant diseases in all age groups were arterial hypertension (47.4%, 54.6%, and 62.8% for groups I, II, and III, respectively), chronic heart failure (45.7%, 50.9%, and 60.0%, respectively), and coronary heart disease (15.2%, 25.9%, and 24.3%, respectively). The most frequently isolated bacteria by age group were the following: group I – non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria (NFGNB) (7.4%), Enterobacterales (6.6%), S. aureus (6.6%); group II – Enterobacterales (13.9%), S. aureus (5.6%), Enterococcus spp. (5.6%), NFGNB (2.8%); group III – NFGNB (15.4%), S. aureus (7.7%), Enterococcus spp. (7.7%), Enerobacterales (7.7%). Conclusions. The mortality rates in elderly patients with CAP were high and varied from 27.1% in 65–74 years old patients to 45.7% in 85–94 years old patients. The most common comorbidities in all age groups were arterial hypertension (up to 62.8%), chronic heart failure (up to 60%), and coronary heart disease (up to 25.9%). The main pathogens causing CAP in elderly patient population were Enterobacterales and non-fermenting Gram-negative bacteria.


2012 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sami Walid ◽  
Nadezhda Zaytseva ◽  
William Perez

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