Foot and ankle surgery : official journal of the European Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
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Open reduction with internal fixation for unstable ankle fractures is relatively predictable with excellent outcomes. However, the management of ankle fractures in the elderly remains less predictable secondary to the various co-morbidities associated with advanced age. ⋯ Overall, the results suggest that surgical treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly is fairly predictable with an acceptable complication rate. The complication rates are higher with increased age and diabetes, but they failed to reach statistical significance. Conventional plating appears to provide adequate stability without increased risk of hardware failure. In addition patients that were allowed to walk within the first 2 weeks postoperatively did not experience a higher rate of hardware failure.
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The aim was to see if as surgeons we were providing safe, efficient and effective, regional blocks for patients undergoing day case, forefoot surgery. We also assessed the costs of, providing this service. ⋯ These blocks are quick and easy to perform by orthopaedic surgeons. They are well, tolerated and effective. They result in considerable cost savings to the Hospital.