Outcomes and Quality of Life After Ankle Fractures in Older Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nilsson Gertrud, Jonsson Kjell, Ekdahl Charlotte, Eneroth Magnus
Primary Institution: Lund University
Hypothesis
What is the outcome and quality of life 6 and 12 months after ankle fractures in patients aged 65 and older who underwent surgery?
Conclusion
One year after surgery for ankle fractures, many patients still experience symptoms and functional limitations, particularly women.
Supporting Evidence
- 83% of patients responded to the questionnaire at 6 months.
- 60% of patients rated their ankle function as 'good' or 'very good' at 12 months.
- 82% were physically active before injury, but only 18 returned to their pre-injury activity level after one year.
Takeaway
Older people who have surgery for ankle fractures often still feel pain and have trouble moving around a year later.
Methodology
Patients completed questionnaires including the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) at 6 and 12 months post-surgery.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported outcomes and lack of a control group.
Limitations
The study lacked a non-injured control group and baseline function data before injury.
Participant Demographics
60 patients aged 65 and older, with 34 women and 16 men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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