ANKLE FRACTURE IS ASSOCIATED WITH OSTEOPOROSIS

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Evidence indicates that ankle fractures are becoming increasingly more common among older people, presenting a significant burden to the US healthcare system, with annual costs exceeding $17 billion for osteoporosis-related fractures, explains Eric So, DPM. “The injury pattern can be quite complex due to the poor bone quality—a proven risk factor for surgical failure and post-operative complications—and strength,” he says. “Assessing bone mineral density in elderly patients who suffer ankle fractures can be an important consideration in the perioperative management of an ankle fracture.”

 

Dr. Eric So

 

Results of the meta-analysis indicate that patients with ankle fractures had a reduced BMD when compared with health controls of similar age, with an effect size of 0.34 (Figure). Whereas BMD measurements of the lumbar spine, total hip, and distal one-third radius were not associated with ankle fractures, an association was determined between low BMD at the femoral neck and ankle fracture in the studied patients. “It should be noted that this study does not establish a causal relationship, but rather an association,” adds Dr. So. “However, this relationship should be studied further. Clinicians with a strong interest in osteoporosis should be aware that elderly patients with ankle fractures may benefit from bone density screening.” He notes, however, the variability in association with ankle fractures depending on the anatomic site.

 

Source: Physician's Weekly [7/3/20]


Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News



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