Epidemiological study of ankle’s fractures of public servants state of São Paulo

Abstract

Objective: To determine the epidemiological profile of ankle fractures surgically treated at our hospital and establish prevention strategies to reduce the social and economic impact. Methods: We collected data from all patients with unstable fractures of the ankle and who underwent surgery. Data were collected prospectively for 11 years. Results: Of 488 cases included, most of patients were women (65.9%). Patients’ mean age was 53±16 years; the youngest patient had 13 years and the oldest 89­year­old. The mean age of women was 56.5±14.9 years, i.e., age was significantly higher than men’s age, which was 46.37±15.7 years (pConclusion: Elderlies, especially women, were the main victims of ankle fractures in the assisted population. Osteoporosis, which was mainly observed among postmenopausal women, seems to be related with occurrence of these fractures. Further studies are needed to determine the real influence of low bone mineral density as an adjuvant factor in the development of ankle fracture and the best way to prevent such fractures