Early Weightbearing Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures in a Geriatric Population: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Ankle fracture incidence is increasing in the elderly. There is a growing trend toward early weightbearing. We investigated the effects of early weightbearing after ankle open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the geriatric population.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients aged ≥65 years who underwent ankle ORIF at 3 neighboring community hospitals from 2015 to 2024. A total of 97 were included, with 52 undergoing syndesmotic fixation. Postoperatively, patients were 50% partial weightbearing for 2-3 weeks. Afterward, patients were permitted to bear as much weight as tolerable. Recorded outcomes included fracture union, radiographic maintenance of alignment, hardware failures, wound complications, hardware removals, and the need for

SUBMITTER: Carbajal V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12484916 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature