The outcomes of the management of complex distal tibia and ankle fractures in elderly with tibiotalocalcaneal nail in a minimum 12-month follow-up period

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of the use of tibiotalocalcaneal nail for the treatment of complex distal tibia and ankle fractures in elderly people, in a major trauma centre. Elderly patients (age > 65) with distal tibia or ankle fractures that underwent stabilization with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail were eligible to participate. Exclusion criteria were patients that died or were lost to follow-up and cases in which the nail was used in a chronic setting, such as malunion and non-union. Main parameters evaluated were fracture union, complications and functional outcomes. The functional outcome was assessed using the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). The minimum follow-up was 12 months. Thirty-two consecutive patients (12 males) with a mean age of 80.2 years (range 66–98) met the inclusion criteria and formed the basis of this study. Fracture union was achieved in 93.8