Patient Information Resources


Hand and Thumb Specialty Centers
8715 Village Drive
Suite 504
San Antonio, TX 78217
Ph: 210-251-4362
drcoleman@thatsc.net






Ankle
Fractures
Hand
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

Bimalleolar Fractures More Frequent in Older People

Posted on: 11/30/1999
Ankle fractures are very common and orthopedic surgeons see many in their practices. The fractures are classified into one of two categories, according to how they are broken; one is called the supination-external rotation (SER-2) plus a deltoid ligament rupture or medial malleolar fracture, the two together are called a bimalleolar fracture (SER-4). Both types of SER-4 fractures respond better to surgery than to casting alone. For this study, the researchers wanted to compare the outcomes of the surgery for these two types of fractures.

Four hundred fifty six patients were followed for this study. All underwent similar surgeries and followed similar post-surgery rehabilitation. The researchers followed up with the patients at months 3, 6, and 12 after surgery with physical examinations, x-rays, and discussions about complications.

Results showed that 61 percent of the patients had a bimalleolar fracture, the remainder, a lateral malleolar fracture. The group was fairly even between men (53 percent) and women. the average age was 42.5 percent, with a range between 18 and 89 years. Bimalleolar fractures were more common in the over 60-years group (24 percent) compared with 6 percent under 60, and they were more common in women. The average age of patients with the fractures was 47.3 years. With the other fracture, the average age was 38.7 years. Thirteen percent of all the patients had diabetes.

The results showed that there were 26 complications (26 patients) in the group, with 21 of the patients asking to have the hardware removed because it was causing symptoms. The authors did not find any connection between patients with diabetes and the surgical outcome, but they point out that an earlier study did find a higher rate of complications, as well as hospital length stay among diabetic patients.

The authors conclude that the bimalleolar ankle fracture occurs more often in older people and functional outcome in this group is not as good with the lateral malleolar fracture.

References:
Nirmal C. Tejwani, MD, et al. Are Outcomes of Bimalleolar Fractures Poorer Than Those of Lateral Malleolar Fractures with Medial Ligamentous Injury? In The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery. July 2007. Vol. 89. No. 7. Pp. 1438-1441.

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.