Open or arthroscopic ankle fusion (AAF) is a successful operative treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis. Evidence suggest that AAFs have better outcomes. In addition to the operative technique other patient-factors can influence outcomes. The most significant complication of ankle fusion is a non-union. To better understand the risk factors related to this we undertook a retrospective investigation of primary AAFs. We reviewed all AAFs conducted at our institution over a 10-year period. Patients excluded if they had simultaneous fusion of neighbouring joints or were lost to follow-up. The primary outcome variable was radiographic union. Other operative complications were analysed as secondary outcomes. Two hundred and eighty-four eligible AAFs in 271 patients were performed over the study period.Background
Methods
Malnutrition has been suggested to increase the risk of falls in frail elderly. It has been hypothesised that elderly, orthopaedic trauma patients may be malnourished. We conducted an observational study to identify if this was the case. 30 trauma patients (? 65 years) admitted for surgical intervention for a fracture were recruited. Consent/ethical approval was obtained. Serum markers (LFTs, CRP, U&Es, FBC, magnesium), anthropometric measurements (triceps skin-fold thickness [TSF], mid-arm circumference [MAC], body mass index [BMI]) and short form mini-nutritional assessment (MNA-SF®) were carried out at presentation and at 3 months post-operation. Serum markers were also repeated at day 1 and day 3 post-operation.Background
Methods
