Ankle Fractures in Elderly Patients with Osteopenia and Neuropathy.

Ankle fractures are increasingly common in elderly patients given the number of aging individuals who remain active. The already difficult aspects of ankle fixation are amplified by the compromised soft-tissue envelope and bone quality present in elderly patients with an ankle fracture. In addition, elderly patients with an ankle fracture often have compromised neuroprotective mechanisms and are physically unable to follow postoperative protected weight-bearing protocols during ambulation. Surgeons should be aware of strategies to improve fixation and maintain the tibiotalar relationship during ambulation in elderly patients with an ankle fracture.