Background

Ankle fractures in the elderly are increasingly prevalent and are associated with significant morbidity and loss of independence.

Method

Patients over the age of 70 suffering ankle fracture were identified using ICD-9-CM patient coding. Fracture stability was assessed using patient records and radiographic evidence. Management strategy, length of inpatient stay, time non-weight bearing, pre-admission residence, discharge destination and discharge care needs were studied.

Results

169 patients with a mean age 80.3 years were studied. Management strategy was shown to have a significant effect on a patient’s care requirements (p = 0.012) and ability to return to their primary residence (p = 0.014). Management via an intramedullary rod was associated with the lowest rates of increased care needs (29.7%) and the highest rate of returning home on discharge (88.9%).

Conclusions

Early weight bearing had a significant effect on a patient’s ability to maintain independent living and were more likely to return to their own home.

中文翻译：

---

老年踝关节骨折患者的早期负重可减少护理需求并保持独立性

背景

老年人的踝关节骨折越来越普遍，并且与显着的发病率和独立性丧失有关。

方法

使用 ICD-9-CM 患者编码识别 70 岁以上患有踝关节骨折的患者。使用患者记录和影像学证据评估骨折稳定性。对管理策略、住院时间、非负重时间、入院前居住地、出院目的地和出院护理需求进行了研究。

结果

研究了 169 名平均年龄为 80.3 岁的患者。管理策略显示对患者的护理要求 (p = 0.012) 和返回其主要住所的能力 (p = 0.014) 有显着影响。通过髓内棒进行管理与护理需求增加率最低 (29.7%) 和出院回家率最高 (88.9%) 相关。

结论

早期负重对患者维持独立生活的能力有显着影响，并且更有可能返回自己的家中。