Epidemiology of ankle fractures in Rochester, minnesota

The epidemiology of ankle fractures was examined among Rochester. Minnesota, residents during the 3-year period 1979-1981. Ankle fractures occurred with an overall age- and sex-adjusted incidence rate of 187 per 100,000 person-years; this is higher than in earlier population-based studies. the most frequent cause of ankle fractures was sports-related trauma. the incidence of fractures associated with moderate trauma, on the other hand, increased markedly in middle-aged women, but declined in elderly women. Diabetes mellitus and obesity were associated with fractures in middle-aged and older adults. of accepted classifications, the Lauge-Hansen system provided the most clinically relevant information.