Patients with obesity display greater risk of ankle fracture

Data suggest that obesity presents a greater risk of a more severe ankle fracture, according to this study from researchers in California.

Researchers reviewed the radiographs and medical records of 280 patients with an ankle fracture from January 2008 to December 2008. Patients were classified using the Weber classification, which was then associated with BMI, gender, age, diabetes, tobacco use and osteoporosis.

According to study results, patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m²or greater were 1.78 times more likely to have either Weber C vs. Weber A or B or Weber B and C vs. Weber A. Men also had 1.74 times greater odds of having a higher fibular fracture compared to women. Researchers found 3.97 times greater odds of a Weber C ankle fracture in patients aged 25 years or younger vs. Weber A or B fracture, as well as 3.97 times greater odds of a Weber B or C fracture vs. a Weber A fracture.

Researchers found no significant association between osteoporosis/osteopenia and current tobacco use with the severity of ankle fracture.

“It is important to recognize the potential risks of obesity, including the possibility of a more severe ankle fracture, to help manage the injury in all phases of treatment,” the authors wrote.

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Source:

King CM. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2012;doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2012.05.016.