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Understanding risks and complications in the management of ankle fractures

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Abstract

Ankle fracture (AF) is a common injury with potentially signifcant morbidity associated with it. The most common age groups affected are young active patients, sustaining high energy trauma and elderly patients with comorbidities. Both these groups pose unique challenges for appropriate management of these injuries. Young patients are at risk of developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis, with a signifcant impact on quality of life due to pain and impaired function. Elderly patients, especially with poorly controlled diabetes and osteoporosis are at increased risk of wound complications, infection and failure of fxation. In the most severe cases, this can lead to amputation and mortality. Therefore, individualized approach to the management of AF is vital. This article highlights commonly encountered complications and discusses the measures needed to minimize them when dealing with these injuries.

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  1. Department of Orthopaedics Surgery, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester General Hospital, Gwendolen Road, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK

    Saurabh Sagar Mehta, Kishan Rees, Lucy Cutler &  Jitendra Mangwani

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  1. Saurabh Sagar Mehta
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  4. Jitendra Mangwani
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Correspondence to Jitendra Mangwani.

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Mehta, S.S., Rees, K., Cutler, L. et al. Understanding risks and complications in the management of ankle fractures. IJOO 48, 445–452 (2014). https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5413.139829

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