Foot & ankle specialist最新文献

{"title":"Diversity in Medical School, Orthopaedic Surgery Residency, and ACGME-Accredited Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship Training by Gender, Race, and Ethnicity.","authors":"Jason Silvestre, Kola George, Elizabeth K Nadeau, Daniel J Scott, Christopher E Gross","doi":"10.1177/19386400241312945","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400241312945","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Increasing diversity in the US health care workforce is a topic of increasing scrutiny and interest. This study analyzes the pipeline of demographic diversity for Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited foot and ankle orthopaedic surgery fellowship training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study of medical students, orthopaedic surgery residents, and orthopaedic foot and ankle fellows at US-accredited training programs from 2013 to 2022. Self-reported demographic data were available for trainees and compared with the 2020 US Census according to federal guidelines. Participation-to-prevalence ratios (PPRs) were calculated and analyzed to classify representation of demographic groups in orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery training as overrepresented (PPR > 1.2), equivalent (PPR = 0.8-1.2), and underrepresented (PPR < 0.8).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Disparities existed in demographic representation among medical students, orthopaedic surgery residents, and ACGME-accredited orthopaedic foot and ankle fellows among women (48.4% vs 16.1% vs 20.1, P < .001), black (6.9% vs 4.6% vs 4.5%, P < .001), Asian (23.9% vs 14.1% vs 23.9%, P < .001), and Hispanic (6.1% vs 4.6% vs 3.0%, P < .001) trainees. There were no self-reported American Indian/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander trainees in orthopaedic foot and ankle fellowship training (PPR = 0). Women (PPR = 0.40), black (PPR = 0.36), and Hispanic (PPR = 0.16) trainees were underrepresented in orthopaedic foot and ankle training relative to the US population. In contrast, Asian (PPR = 3.45), men (PPR = 1.61), and white (PPR = 1.21) trainees were overrepresented in orthopaedic foot and ankle relative to the US population.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>There is a lack of gender, racial, and ethnic diversity in orthopaedic foot and ankle training relative to the US patient population and earlier stages of medical training. Increased efforts to recruit underrepresented groups may promote diversity and inclusion in the emerging orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery workforce.</p><p><strong>Levels of evidence: </strong>III.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400241312945"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143054438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Computerized Tomography for Diagnosing Traumatic Arthrotomies of the Ankle.","authors":"Elizabeth Cho, Ryan LeDuc, Hector Castillo, Michael S Pinzur, Kamran S Hamid, Adam P Schiff","doi":"10.1177/19386400251314167","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400251314167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Owing to the risk for septic arthritis, traumatic arthrotomies are an urgent surgical problem for the treating orthopaedic surgeon. Traditionally, diagnosis is with the saline load test (SLT), although in the awake patient is an invasive and potentially painful procedure. While computerized tomography (CT) has been shown to be a reliable diagnostic tool for traumatic arthrotomies of other joints, its role has only recently been investigated in the setting of ankle arthrotomy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Eight fresh-frozen mid-tibia ankle cadaveric specimens were included for study. Baseline CT scans were performed to confirm intact ankle joint capsules with absence of intra-articular air. Ankle arthrotomies were performed under fluoroscopic guidance with vertical 1 cm incisions made at the anteromedial or anterolateral portals. After arthrotomy, all ankles underwent a second CT scan, and images were evaluated for the presence of intra-articular air. Finally, SLT was performed and the volume of saline required for extravasation was recorded.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 8 ankles, 100% (n = 8) demonstrated intra-articular air on CT scan following arthrotomy. Computerized tomography scan and SLT both demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing ankle arthrotomies. Average saline volume necessary for extravasation (and positive SLT) was 4 mL (range: 2-7 mL) and did not differ by foot position.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In this small cadaveric study, CT scan and SLT were both able to detect 100% (n = 8) of traumatic ankle arthrotomies with 100% sensitivity and specificity. Further comparative study of CT scan and SLT for detection of traumatic ankle arthrotomy in a clinical setting is warranted.</p><p><strong>Levels of evidence: </strong><i>Level IV</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400251314167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Determination of Pathogens in Surgical Site Infections in Ankle Fractures and Implications for Empirical Antibiotic Treatment.","authors":"Hannah Plasmeijer, Jasper Tausendfreund, Martine Hoogewerf, Diederick Penning, Pieter Joosse, Tim Schepers, Erik Tanis","doi":"10.1177/19386400241313418","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400241313418","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common complication after surgery for ankle fractures. This retrospective study aimed to determine the pathogens cultured in SSI and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns to provide a recommendation for empirical therapy. Patients who underwent surgical treatment for an ankle fracture were included. Cases were screened for the occurrence of SSI and divided into superficial (short course [total of <2 weeks] of oral antibiotics) and deep SSI (surgical debridement and long course [total of >2 weeks] antibiotics). Culture results, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, empirical antibiotic regimen, type and timing of culture collection, and treatment strategies were collected from electronic health records. In total, 81 (9%) out of 931 patients developed an SSI (39 (48%) superficial SSI and 42 (52%) deep SSI). The most common pathogens in 16 superficial SSI and 37 deep SSI with positive cultures were <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>, cultured in 11 (69%) superficial SSI and 23 (62%) deep SSI, and <i>Enterobacter cloacae</i> species, cultured in 5 (31%) superficial SSI and 12 (32%) deep SSI. Higher frequencies of gram-negative bacteria and polymicrobial infections were found in deep SSI. It is recommended to aim for empirical treatment at gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms in the case of both superficial and deep SSI.<b>Level of Evidence:</b> Prognostic, Level 2: Retrospective.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400241313418"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repairing the Deltoid Ligament in Ankle Fractures Is it time for a Paradigm Shift?","authors":"Joy Van den Berg, Diederick Penning, Sebastian Baumbach, Tim Schepers","doi":"10.1177/19386400241307817","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400241307817","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>It remains unclear whether repairing the deltoid ligament (DL) is beneficial in acute ankle fractures. The aim of this review is to critically review the developments in deltoid ligament repair (DLR) in ankle fractures over the course of 44 years.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>An electronic search was conducted on the PubMed and Embase database including comparative studies evaluating the effect of performing DLR in adults suffering from a closed acute ankle fracture with suspected rupture of the DL.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 27 studies were retrieved, of which only one was a randomized study. A total of 1327 patients were reviewed (663 undergoing DLR and 664 receiving non-DLR treatment for an acute ankle fracture). Although earlier studies concluded that DLR holds little necessity in ankle fracture treatment if the anatomy of the ankle is restored, more recent studies support DLR due to more favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>All studies agree that restoration of the ankle anatomy to its pre-fracture state is necessary to achieve the best clinical outcome. However, there is still controversy in whether to standardize DLR in ankle fracture treatment. The literature shows a clear shift toward more frequent restoration of the DL, and in light of improved surgical techniques and implants, there is a need for more rigorous studies to provide a clear indication for DLR in acute ankle fracture treatment.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong><i>III</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400241307817"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142959597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Radiographic and Patient-Reported Outcomes for First Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis Using an Intramedullary Nail for Hallux Valgus Deformity A Consecutive Case Series.","authors":"Connor C Ott, Ayush D Shah, Kayla J Seiffert, Rebecca Stone McGaver, Paul M Cammack, Scott M Holthusen, Jeffrey D Seybold, John C Tanner, William M Engasser","doi":"10.1177/19386400241301822","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400241301822","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>First tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthrodesis is one of the most common procedures performed each year for the correction of hallux valgus deformity, and nonunion rates for first TMT arthrodesis are commonly reported to be between 4% and 15%. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an intramedullary nail system in patients requiring first TMT arthrodesis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An ambispective, multisurgeon, consecutive case series was conducted, in which retrospective and prospective collection of patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) and radiologic data were conducted. Patients who underwent first TMT arthrodesis from July 2019 to July 2022 for hallux valgus deformity with an intramedullary nail system and had adequate records for a minimum of 3 months postoperation (±4 weeks) were included.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventy patients were included in the final analysis, with a median prospective PROM follow-up of 1.6 years. There was an overall union rate of 91.4% (64/70 patients). Nine patients required secondary procedures: 4 hardware removals and 5 nonunion revisions. Collected PROMs and radiologic data showed significant improved from preoperative to prospective follow-up (P < .01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>First TMT arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail system result in nonunion rates and PROMs comparable to other techniques currently being used.</p><p><strong>Levels of evidence: </strong><i>Level IV: Retrospective Case Series</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400241301822"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142840504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Survey of Utilization of Weightbearing Computed Tomography Within AOFAS Membership.","authors":"Sudheer C Reddy, Cesar de Cesar Netto","doi":"10.1177/19386400241297605","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/19386400241297605","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT) has been increasingly employed to evaluate and treat patients with varied pathologies such as progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), posttraumatic deformity, hallux valgus, ankle arthritis, Charcot arthropathy, lisfranc, and syndesmosis injuries. However, little is known regarding its overall availability to foot and ankle providers and how it is being used in clinical practice. The goal of this study is to assess the utilization of WBCT among AOFAS members, identify the indications for use in clinical practice and potential barriers for implementation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A survey was emailed to AOFAS members inquiring about the use WBCT in clinical practice. Practice and demographic information were also collected. A total of 220 responses were collected over a 2-month period. Respondents were queried with respect to the availability of WBCT in practice, indications for use, frequency of use, ownership of the scanner, and barriers to implementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>58% of respondents did not have access to WBCT. Most respondents were in practice 10 years or more (69%). Single-specialty private practice was the most common practice type (39%). Of those with access to WBCT, 5 or fewer scans were ordered per week (57% of respondents). Evaluation of hindfoot/ankle deformity was the most common indication (69% of respondents) with it being used as a preoperative evaluation tool approximately 25% of the time (57% of respondents). Radiology department owned WBCT in most institutions (34%). 75% of respondents with WBCT use it postoperatively less than 25% of the time. Of those without WBCT, 94% stated they would like to have it with cost being the most significant barrier to implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Most respondents surveyed did not have access to WBCT, with cost being the greatest barrier. However, 94% of those without it would like to have access to it. For those with access, it is used 5 or fewer times per week with evaluation of hindfoot/ankle deformity being the most common indication.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level IV (Observational Study).</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"19386400241297605"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142824963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distal Fibula Fractures-Intramedullary Fixation Versus Plating: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials.","authors":"Vikash Raj, Sitanshu Barik, Richa","doi":"10.1177/19386400221118470","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19386400221118470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The aim of the present study is to compare the functional scores and complications of intramedullary fixation versus plate osteosynthesis of distal fibular fractures in adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Study was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses format from MEDLINE, Embase, Ovid, and Cochrane databases. The included articles were assessed according to the risk of bias assessment tool by Cochrane collaboration.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 5 randomized control trials were included for quantitative review. Random sequence generation and allocation concealment of the study subjects were the strengths of all the included studies. There was high heterogeneity among the included studies (I² > 75%). There was no significant difference between the Olerud-Molander scores in both the groups but the trend favored the intramedullary nailing of distal fibula (mean difference of 3.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] of 8.90). Complications were significantly lesser in the intramedullary group across the studies (odds ratio 0.26, 95% CI of 0.81).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Intramedullary nailing of fibula with the use of modern locking fibular nails is an alternative to fibular plating for unstable distal fibular fractures in properly selected cases. There remains the need for standardizing the method of operative treatment of distal fibular fractures which can be done by a well-planned large-scale prospective study design.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong>Level 1.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"621-631"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40417957","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correlation Between Statin Use and Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism Incidence in Patients With Ankle Fracture: A Machine Learning Approach.","authors":"Nour Nassour, Bardiya Akhbari, Noopur Ranganathan, Ahmed Tawakol, Rachel P Rosovsky, Daniel Guss, Christopher W DiGiovanni, Soheil Ashkani-Esfahani","doi":"10.1177/19386400231207692","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19386400231207692","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Identifying factors that correlate with the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) has the potential to improve VTE prevention and positively influence decision-making regarding prophylaxis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the correlation between statin consumption and the incidence of VTE in patients who sustained an ankle fracture.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this retrospective, case-controlled study, cases were those who developed VTE and controls were those who had no VTE, and the ratio was 1:4. Patients' demographics, history of hyperlipidemia, and reported statins use were obtained. A random forest classifier (RFC) model was used to predict whether statin consumers were at risk of VTE after ankle fracture regardless of VTE prophylaxis administration based on statin consumption, body mass index (BMI), age, and biological sex.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 1175 patients with ankle fractures, 238 had confirmed VTE (case group), and 937 had no symptomatic VTE (control group; ratio 1:4). Fifty (21%) cases and 407 (43%) controls were on a statin. Statin users had a significantly lower incidence of VTE after ankle fracture, odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.49, P < .001. Our model showed an area under the receiving operator curve (AUROC) of 78%, a sensitivity of 73%, and a specificity of 83% in predicting the risk of VTE. The importance of the predictors of VTE, other than the use of statins (model importance = 0.1), were age (model importance of 0.72), BMI (model importance of 0.24), and biological sex (model importance of 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Statins were significantly associated with a lower rate of VTE in our population of patients who sustained an ankle fracture.</p><p><strong>Levels of evidence: </strong><i>3</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"604-612"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"71415724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Fibular Malrotation on Tibiotalar Joint Contact Mechanics in a Weber B Ankle Fracture Model.","authors":"Alfonso E Ayala, Ansab Khwaja, Brianna C Goodison, Simeon L Smith, Samuel Y Kim, Jared T Irwin, L Daniel Latt","doi":"10.1177/19386400221127835","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19386400221127835","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In minimally displaced Weber B ankle fractures, the distal fibular fracture fragment can be externally rotated. This malrotation is difficult to detect on radiographs and, when left malreduced through nonoperative treatment, may contribute to altered joint mechanics, predisposing to posttraumatic osteoarthritis. This study evaluates the effects of fibular malrotation on tibiotalar joint contact mechanics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six cadaveric ankles were tested using a materials testing system (MTS) machine. A tibiotalar joint sensor recorded contact area and pressure. Samples were tested in the intact, neutrally rotated, and malrotated state. Each trial applied a 686N axial load and a 147N Achilles tendon load in neutral position, 15° dorsiflexion, and 15° plantarflexion.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the comparison of malrotated to intact ankles, peak contact pressure was found to be significantly greater at neutral flexion (intact 5.56 MPa ± 1.39, malrotated 7.21 MPa ± 1.07, P = .03), not significantly different in dorsiflexion, and significantly decreased in plantarflexion (intact 11.2 MPa ± 3.04, malrotated 9.01 MPa ± 1.84, P = .01). Significant differences in contact area were not found between conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that fibular malrotation contributes to significant alterations in tibiotalar joint contact pressures, which may contribute to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis. When malrotation of the fibula is suspected on plain radiographs, a computer tomography (CT) scan should be obtained to evaluate its extent and further consideration should be given to surgical treatment.</p><p><strong>Levels of evidence: </strong>Level V: Bench testing.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"577-584"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33494971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Management of Open Ankle Fractures in Elderly Patients With a Fibula Nail is a Safe and Reliable Technique.","authors":"Abdulrahman Odeh, James Archer, Basil Budair, Alastair Marsh, Paul Fenton","doi":"10.1177/19386400221099660","DOIUrl":"10.1177/19386400221099660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ankle fractures are becoming more common in the elderly and their management is frequently challenging. There is increasing evidence of good outcomes following fibula nail fixation in the management of ankle fractures. The use of a fibula nail in open fractures comes with potential advantages such as minimal soft tissue dissection, early rehabilitation, and decreased wound complications. We aimed to assess their use in the management of open ankle fractures in the elderly.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A review of patients aged 60 years or older with an open ankle fracture treated with a fibular nail at a major trauma center was conducted. All patients were managed with joint Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgical input to determine their optimal management. Functional outcome scores, postoperative complications, and re-operation rates were determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen patients were identified with a mean age of 76 years. Patient-reported outcomes (Olerud and Molander Score) were calculated in 73% of patients. Our results demonstrated excellent outcome scores (>91) in 1 patient, good outcome scores (61-90) in 7 patients, and fair outcome scores (31-60) in 3 patients. There were no postoperative complications or re-operations within our study group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This article is the largest series presenting the outcomes of fibula nails in the management of open ankle fractures in elderly patients. We conclude that it can be used as a treatment option to safely manage open ankle fractures in the elderly. It provides a stable fixation, early weight-bearing, low risk of postoperative complications while maintaining good patient-reported functional outcomes.</p><p><strong>Level of evidence: </strong><i>Level 4</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":73046,"journal":{"name":"Foot & ankle specialist","volume":" ","pages":"561-566"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"40410272","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}