Short summary

This study aims to explore if, surgery with intramedullary nailing versus plating in fractures of the lateral malleoli in elderly patients over 70 years of age, is a better option when looking at possible wound-healing complications.

Rationale

Ankle fractures in Denmark make for about 9-10% of all fractures a year.

The trauma mechanisms are often high-energy accidents in younger patients and low-energy fall accidents in elderly patients. If dislocated, treatment would often be surgery, with open reduction and internal fixation.

Intramedullary nailing of the fibula, is still a fairly new treatment option, at least in Denmark. Few studies find it non-inferior to conventional plating, in terms of function, in balanced cohorts in randomized controlled studies.

We wish to examine the possible benefit of the small incision of the surgery/osteosynthesis in elderly patients, who often have a troublesome time healing after surgery. Thous reducing the amount of wound-healing complications.

Description of the cohort

The cohort consists of elderly patients, often with comorbidities, eg. diabetes mellitus, smoking, and vascular deficiencies, over the age of 70 with a surgery- requiring fracture of the lateral malleoli.

All the patients have been treated in Region Syddanmark.

Data and biological material

Data will be retrieved from the electronic patient journal system.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Odense University Hospital

• Bjarke Viberg