Treatment of ankle fractures in patients with diabetes

Abstract

Patients with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of complications after sustaining an ankle fracture, including fracture displacement, superficial and deep infection, hardware failure, and neuropathic arthropathy. With the increased incidence of diabetes among the aged, the increased incidence of complications due to diabetes mellitus and its sequelae are important to keep in mind when treating ankle fractures. Ankle fractures are one of the most common orthopedic injuries. More than 260,000 ankle fractures are diagnosed annually in the United States, and these numbers are increasing as the population ages. Approximately one-quarter of all ankle fractures are treated surgically. With the increased incidence of diabetes among the aged, the increased incidence of complications due to diabetes mellitus and its sequelae are important to keep in mind when treating ankle fractures.