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Ankle fractures most common fractures in foot, ankle region
Ankle fractures were found to be the most common fractures in the foot and ankle region, whereas midfoot fractures were the least common, according to a recent study.
Researchers analyzed the frequency and proportion of 280,933 fractures of the foot and ankle using National Trauma Bank data from 2007 to 2011. Fractures were classified as ankle, rearfoot, midfoot and forefoot. The researchers also analyzed the proportions of open fractures within each fracture location and broader anatomic category.
Ankle fractures (56%) were most common type of fracture seen at major U.S. trauma hospitals. The prevalence of rearfoot and forefoot fractures were similar at approximately 17%, and midfoot fractures were least common. Approximately 20% of all foot and ankle fractures were open fractures, according to the researchers.
“We did this study because we wanted to provide a reference for those dealing with foot and ankle fractures,” Naohiro Shibuya, DPM, MS, FACFAS, an associate professor in the department of surgery at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, told Orthopedics Today. “Our findings showed that the prevalence of ankle fractures exceeds all of the foot fractures combined in the major trauma centers. Though clinically and surgically it may not change treatment plans, the information is important for health services and setting up prevention programs.” — by Casey Tingle
Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.
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