Use of Distal Tibial Cortical Bone Thickness and FRAX Score for Further Treatment Planning in Patients with Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Trimalleolar ankle fractures show a bimodal age distribution, affecting younger men and older women. Postmenopausal women often exhibit low bone mineral density, which contributes to a higher prevalence of osteoporotic-related fractures. The primary goal of this study was to analyse the association of patient characteristics with the cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia (CBTT) in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Methods: A total of 193 patients with a trimalleolar ankle fracture treated between 2011 and 2020 were included. Patient registries were reviewed regarding demographics, mechanism, and type of injury. The CBTT was assessed in radiographs and CT images. The FRAX score was calculated to estimate the probability for an osteoporotic fracture. A multivariable regression model was calculated to identify independent variables affecting the cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia. Results: Patients older than 55 years were 4.22 (95% CI: 2.12; 8.38) times more likely to be female. In the multivariable regression analysis, female sex (beta -0.508, 95% CI: -0.739; -0.278, p < 0.001) and a higher age (beta -0.009, 95% CI: -0.149; -0.003, p = 0.002) were independent variables associated with a lower CBTT. Patients with a CBTT < 3.5 mm had a higher 10-year probability for a major osteoporotic fracture (12% vs. 7.75%; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The assessment of the peripheral bone quality in routine computed tomography demonstrated that higher age and female sex are significantly associated with reduced cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia. Patients with a lower CBTT showed a higher probability for a subsequent osteoporotic fracture. In female patients with reduced distal tibial bone quality and associated risk factors, an osteoporosis assessment should be evaluated.

Automated summary

Trimalleolar ankle fractures predominantly affect younger men and older women, with postmenopausal women having lower bone mineral density and a higher risk of fractures. This study aimed to analyze the association between patient characteristics and cortical bone thickness of the distal tibia in trimalleolar ankle fractures. The results showed that older age and female sex were associated with reduced cortical bone thickness and an increased risk of subsequent osteoporotic fractures.