Operative Ankle Fractures in Complicated Diabetes: Outcomes of Prolonged Non-Weightbearing

Diabetes increases the risk of developing postoperative complications such as superficial and deep infection, wound dehiscence, and revisional surgery. Prolonged non-weightbearing and/or augmented fixation may reduce postoperative complications in complicated diabetic ankle fractures. This study's purpose was to compare the development of postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, and revisional surgery in complicated diabetic ankle fractures with respect to weightbearing status. We hypothesized that fewer complications would occur in patients with prolonged non-weightbearing. Medical records of 90 surgically treated complicated diabetic ankle fractures were retrospectively reviewed for postoperative radiographs, weightbearing status, and complications. Complicated diabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥ 8% within 1 year of surgery. Twenty-four out of 90 patients had prolonged non-weightbearing status, which was defined as ≥ 8 weeks of non-weightbearing postoperatively. Twelve out of 90 patients had augmented fixation, which was defined as standard open reduction and internal fixation plus ≥ 2 tetra-cortical or > 2 tri-cortical syndesmotic screws with medial plate, external fixation, or other combination. Thirty-three out of 90 patients (36.7%) patients developed complications postoperatively. Patients with prolonged non-weightbearing had less complications (29.2% vs 39.4%, p = .37) and larger HbA1c values compared with early weightbearing patients (10.0 vs 9.3, p = .04). A one-unit increase in creatinine value (mg/dL) revealed a 3.15-fold increase in development of complications (95% confidence interval 1.29-7.65, p = .01). Although not statistically significant, complicated diabetic ankle fractures treated with prolonged non-weightbearing had less complications postoperatively except for ankle Charcot. Creatinine can be utilized as an independent risk factor for postoperative complications in this population.