Clinical Comparison of Ankle Fractures Between the Young and the Elderly / 대한족부족관절학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We compared the clinical features of the ankle fractures treated by operation between the elderly and the young, and reviewed the principles of treatment of the ankle fractures in the elderly. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 49 cases of the ankle fractures, which were treated by open reduction from August 1991 to July 2002. Patients aged more than 60 were designated as the elderly, and patients aged between 15 and 33 were designated as the young. The average follow-up period was 13.2 months. Using the Lauge-Hansen classification, We defined stage I or II fractures as low stage and stage III or IV fractures as high stage fractures. RESULTS: There were 15 cases of high stage fractures (78.9%) in the elderly and 11 cases (36.7%) in the young. High stage fracture rate was significantly higher in the elderly (P=0.004). Hospital day, period between primary injury and operation, and union time were significantly longer in the elderly (P<0.001). However, there was no statistical difference in immobilization time between the two groups. The results of treatment were satisfactory clinically and radiologically by the Meyer's criteria in both groups. CONCLUSION: In the elderly, high stage fractures were more common and longer hospitalization and union time were needed than the young. However, the result of surgical treatment was satisfactory.