Comparison of Risk Factors for Postoperative Complications Across Age Groups in Patients Undergoing ORIF of the Ankle

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are commonly-seen orthopaedic injuries across all age groups, and often warrant operative management. Postoperative complications are particularly common among elderly patients, and can lead to a progressive culmination of negative outcom...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Foot & ankle orthopaedics 2019-10, Vol.4 (4)
Main Authors: McKissack, Haley, Anderson, Matthew, Wilson, John T., Moraes, Leonardo V. M., Viner, Gean C., Jha, Aaradhana. J., Buddemeyer, Katherine, Jones, James R., McGwin, Gerald, Shah, Ashish B.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Age
Ankle
Patients
Risk factors
Terminology
Tobacco
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Summary:Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Ankle fractures are commonly-seen orthopaedic injuries across all age groups, and often warrant operative management. Postoperative complications are particularly common among elderly patients, and can lead to a progressive culmination of negative outcomes. Although several studies have focused on the risk factors for and prevention of such complications in elderly patients, a paucity of literature exists addressing risk of postoperative complications in younger patient populations. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of and risk factors for various postoperative complications between younger and older patient populations. Methods: Patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for an ankle fracture at a single institution between the years 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively identified based on seven different Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes: 27829, 27784, 27822, 27814, 27769, 27792, and 27766. Patient charts were reviewed for demographic data and comorbid conditions. Patients with open fractures, pilon fractures, and polytraumatic injuries were excluded. The sample was stratified into two cohorts based on age in years: 18-49 (group 1), and 50 and older (group 2). Incidence of various postoperative complications—including infection, wound dehiscence, sepsis, DVT, implant failure, revision surgery, and non-union— was compared between groups. Secondary analysis was conducted to compare risk factors for these complications between ages 18- 49 and older than 50. Results: 881 patients were included. A significantly greater number of patients in group 2 experienced wound dehiscence (p = 0.033) and nonunion (p
ISSN:2473-0114
2473-0114
DOI:10.1177/2473011419S00299