Principles and guidelines in the management of ankle fractures in adults.

Harry Kyriacou,Benjamin M Davies,Wasim S Khan,Ahmed M H A M Mostafa

doi:10.1177/1750458920969029

Harry Kyriacou, Benjamin M Davies + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1177/1750458920969029

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Abstract

Ankle fractures are common injuries that have many physical and psychosocial complications. As a result, it is important to be aware of how these patients present and are managed perioperatively. Detailed guidelines from NICE and the British Orthopaedic Association have been produced on this topic, including recent developments such as the decision to weight-bear early after surgery and the use of virtual fracture clinics. This article provides an overview of the key perioperative factors that need to be considered in cases of ankle fracture and the relevant clinical guidelines.

Highlights

Ankle fractures are common, representing 14% of all fractures requiring hospitalisation (Jennison & Brinsden 2019)
Ankle fractures affect the lateral malleolus in 55% of cases and commonly occur due to sports injuries in adolescents (22%) or low-energy falls in later years (61%) (Elsoe et al 2018)
Ankle fractures are complex orthopaedic injuries associated with significant morbidity and mortality, especially in the perioperative period

Summary

Introduction

Ankle fractures are common, representing 14% of all fractures requiring hospitalisation (Jennison & Brinsden 2019). Ankle fractures affect the lateral malleolus in 55% of cases and commonly occur due to sports injuries in adolescents (22%) or low-energy falls in later years (61%) (Elsoe et al 2018). They are associated with significant morbidity in all age groups and have a one-year mortality rate of 11.9% after hospitalisation in patients over the age of 65 years (Hsu et al 2015). The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published detailed guidelines on how to assess, monitor and manage ankle fractures (NICE 2016a, 2016b). The aim of this article is to raise awareness of these injuries, in the perioperative period, to optimise the care that these patients receive

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Conclusion