The ankle fracture as an index of future fracture risk: A 25–40 year follow-up of 1063 cases

Abstract

In 1992 a retrospective case control study was performed, based on all patients with ankle fractures (n 1063) treated at the Department of Orthopedics in Malmö, Sweden, between 1950–1951 and 1961–1965. As all radiographic examinations have been saved in Malmö, we were able to study all subsequent fractures that this group had sustained. 260 patients from 1961–1965 who were still living in Malmö today were also compared with an age-and gender-matched control group regarding the location and type of subsequent fractures.

The group with former ankle fractures continued to have a two-fold increased incidence of all sorts of fractures. The same result was found when looking at the upper and lower extremities separately. However, the risk of sustaining new fractures in the once-fractured extremity was not increased compared to the uninjured side.