EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PATTERNS AND CLASSIFICATION OF ANKLE FRACTURES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Keywords:
ankle fracture, epidemiology, incidenceAbstract
Ankle fractures are among the most common types of fractures, with a rising global incidence, particularly in the elderly population. Despite this, comprehensive epidemiological data on all forms of ankle fractures remain limited. This study aimed to provide a detailed epidemiological analysis of ankle fractures classified by the AO/OTA system within a cohort from a trauma center in Skopje over a seven-year period.
This observational study analyzed data from 559 patients with ankle fractures treated at the University Clinic for Traumatology in Skopje between 2017 and 2024. Fractures were classified using the AO/OTA system, and data on patient demographics, injury mechanisms, and seasonal variations were collected. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the distribution of fractures.
The study found that AO/OTA type B fractures were the most common, accounting for 62.9% of cases, predominantly affecting elderly women. Men under 45 years had a higher incidence of ankle fractures, often associated with high-energy trauma. The mean age of patients was 52 years, with women showing a higher mean age (62 years) than men (53 years). Seasonal variation was evident, with a peak in fractures during the winter months.
This study highlights the prevalence of ankle fractures among elderly women and the impact of high-energy trauma in younger males. The findings underscore the importance of targeted prevention strategies, particularly in high-risk populations, and call for further research through multicenter studies to validate and extend these insights.
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