Ankle fractures are often the result of high energy trauma like what you might experience in a car accident or a collision in athletic activity, but as we get older, it oftentimes takes less force for these types of injuries to occur. A small slip or a fall from a few feet can lead to ankle fractures in older adults, and could these fractures be an indicator of a larger underlying health problem? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.
Ankle Fracture And Osteoporosis Risk
A recent study decided to take a look at whether or not there was a connection between ankle fractures and the onset of osteoporosis among an older individuals. Moreover, they wanted to see if ankle fracture onset could predict that a patient had osteoporosis or was at an elevated risk for developing the condition.
For the study, the team of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational, cross-sectional studies in order to determine if there was a link between bone mass density and ankle fractures in elderly patients. Eventually, they settled on seven quality studies that tracked ankle fractures in postmenopausal women over the age of 50. After reviewing the data, researchers found that ankle fractures were associated with a reduced bone mass density compared with healthy controls of the same age.
“It should be noted that this study does not establish a causal relationship, but rather an association,” said Dr. Eric So, DPM. “However, this relationship should be studied further. Clinicians with a strong interest in osteoporosis should be aware that elderly patients with ankle fractures may benefit from bone density screening.”
The research doesn’t delve into a lot of details, but the takeaway point is that an ankle fracture could be indicative of a larger bone density problem and an indication that you could be at an elevated risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is one of the most common health conditions that affects people over the age of 65, and women are particularly susceptible to the condition. Even mild trauma can lead to ankle, hip or spinal fractures, so it’s important to know if you’re high risk.
Obviously not all ankle fractures are preventable or an indication of osteoporosis, but if the trauma that led to the fracture seemed mild or you have a family history of fractures or osteoporosis, consider talking to your foot specialist or general practitioner to see if a bone density assessment is right for you.