Tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary closure for the management of open ankle fractures in the elderly patient; results from a major trauma centre

Abstract

IntroductionOpen ankle fractures in elderly patients are challenging injuries to manage. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of elderly patients with open ankle fractures treated with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary wound closure. MethodsWe identified all open ankle fractures in patients over 65 referred to our major trauma centre managed with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary wound closure over 10 years. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidities, injury mechanism, length of stay, operation, weightbearing status, re-operations, infections and mortality. ResultsWe included 34 patients with an average age of 87 (73−99). We found 56 % of patients’ mobility status declined post-operatively and 21 % of patients were discharged directly home. Four patients required further unplanned surgery including two deep infections requiring amputation. We had a 6 % three month mortality rate. ConclusionUse of a tibiotalocalcaneal nail with primary wound closure offers a reasonable treatment option for open fractures of the ankle in the elderly patient.