Treatment options for unstable ankle fractures in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Ankle fractures are the third most common fracture in the elderly. Patients over 60 years are more severely affected by these injuries than their younger counterparts and have a higher rate of complications regardless of the management strategy. Traditional management strategies for unstable ankle fractures include plaster immobilisation and open reduction and internal fixation, with newer modalities such as intramedullary fixation becoming increasingly popular. The aim of this review is to establish the best current evidence for or against different treatment strategies. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing treatment options for unstable ankle fractures in adults over 55 was conducted, with the primary outcome being functional assessment score at 6–12 months (Olerud and Molander Ankle Score). Secondary outcomes were adverse events including infection and re-operation. Results The search strategies identified 426 articles. After screening and full text review, four papers met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, providing data on 754 ankle fractures. Alternative treatment groups were tibio-talo-calcaneal nail, fibular nail and casting and were compared to open reduction and internal fixation. Meta-analysis of the data showed no difference in Olerud and Molander Ankle Score between treatment modalities at 6–12 months. There was, however, a significant reduction in the incidence of adverse events (OR 0.59 (0.44, 0.81)) and wound infection (0.13 (0.05, 0.31)) in the alternative treatment groups compared to open reduction and internal fixation. Conclusion The current evidence shows no significant difference between treatment modalities for ankle fractures in older adults in terms of functional outcome. Open reduction and internal fixation has a higher rate of adverse events and wound infection when compared to alternative treatments. Therefore, surgery should be carefully considered and if undertaken, in a select patient cohort other treatment modalities, such as intramedullary fixation should be considered.