Predictors of first-year postoperative complications after fixation of low-energy ankle fractures: A single-center, retrospective cohort study of 663 consecutive fractures

Rotational ankle fractures are common, have diverse personalities and affect both robust and fragile patients. Postoperative complications are frequent, creating a sizeable economic burden. The primary purpose of this study was to expand current knowledge on predictors of postoperative complications...

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Published inRevista española de cirugía ortopédica y traumatología
Main Authors Andrés-Peiró, J-V, Pujol, O, Altayó-Carulla, M, Castellanos-Alonso, S, Reverté-Vinaixa, M-M, Teixidor-Serra, J, Tomàs-Hernández, J, Selga-Marsà, J, García-Sánchez, Y, Molero-García, V, Joshi-Jubert, N, Minguell-Monyart, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Spain 01.12.2023
Subjects
Malleolar fracture
Reoperation
Fractura de tobillo
Complications
Ankle fracture
Reintervención
Factores de riesgo
Complicaciones
Predictores
Fractura maleolar
Risk factors
Predictors
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Summary:Rotational ankle fractures are common, have diverse personalities and affect both robust and fragile patients. Postoperative complications are frequent, creating a sizeable economic burden. The primary purpose of this study was to expand current knowledge on predictors of postoperative complications after low-energy ankle fracture fixation. A retrospective single-center cohort study was completed of patients undergoing internal fixation OF low-energy ankle fractures. The primary outcome was first-year postoperative complications, classified as major (surgical) or minor (non-surgical). Data on patients, their injuries, and treatments were collected. To identify potential predictors of outcomes, logistic regression methods were used, with a backward-stepwise method used for model fitting. In total, 663 patients of median age 59 years were analyzed. We found a high rate of complications (28.4%), with wound-healing issues and infections predominant. Overall, 14.8% had minor complications, while 13.6% required an unplanned reoperation. On multivariable analysis, the most consistent predictors of complications were older age (OR=1.02 per year), longer operating time (3.32 per hour), and smoking (2.91). Older patients and smokers who sustain fractures requiring more complex surgery are at higher risk of postoperative complications.
ISSN:1988-8856