Association between ankle fractures and obesity.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Trauma Surgery
• Public Health

Background:

• Obesity is a significant public health concern in the US, linked to musculoskeletal issues.
• Ankle fractures, particularly Weber C type, involve the distal fibula and can lead to instability.
• Understanding risk factors for severe ankle fractures is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obesity and the severity of ankle fractures.
• To determine if body mass index (BMI) correlates with specific Weber classifications of ankle fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 280 patient radiographs with ankle fractures.
• Classification of fractures using the Weber system (A, B, C).
• Analysis of associations between BMI (≥30 kg/m²), gender, age, diabetes, tobacco use, and osteoporosis with fracture severity.

Main Results:

• Obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m²) was associated with a higher likelihood of Weber C fractures (OR 1.78).
• Younger age (≤25 years) showed a strong association with more severe fractures (OR 3.97).
• Male gender also correlated with increased odds of severe ankle fractures (OR 1.74).
• Diabetes, osteoporosis, and tobacco use were not significantly linked to fracture severity.

Conclusions:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for sustaining more severe distal fibula fractures (Weber C).
• Younger age and male sex are also associated with increased risk of severe ankle fractures.
• These findings highlight the importance of weight management in reducing the incidence and severity of ankle fractures.