Management of High-Risk Ankle Fractures

Deficiencies in bone strength, fracture healing, soft tissue resilience, and host comorbidities in elderly and diabetic patients create significant challenges for the treatment of unstable ankle fractures. Patients in these high-risk groups should not be managed in the same manner as their healthy counterparts. Our experience with the treatment of these patients demonstrates satisfactory and predictable outcomes with the rational application of internal fixation principles and early cast or brace protected weight bearing in select patient groups.

Automated summary

Deficiencies in bone strength, fracture healing, soft tissue resilience, and host comorbidities present challenges for treating unstable ankle fractures in elderly and diabetic patients. However, satisfactory outcomes can be achieved through rational application of internal fixation principles and early cast or brace protected weight bearing in select patient groups.