Changes in Calcaneal Bone Density and Correlation With Clinical Outcomes Following Ankle Fractures

Introduction: The study investigates the long-term bone quality and its influence on clinical results after surgical treatment of Weber B-type fractures. Methods: Surgery treated isolated Weber B-type fractures between 2006 and 2016 were included. Bone density was determined by ultrasonography densitometry of the calcaneus. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Foot Function Index, Olerud-Molander-Ankle-Score, Hannover-Score, and Short Form Health Survey SF 36 were recorded. Results: Sixty patients were followed up. Mean follow-up was 6.6 years (range, 2 to 12 years). Mean bone density T-score of the treated foot was significantly lower than that of the contralateral untreated side (−0.6 versus −0.3; P = 0.05). Higher T-scores on the injured side were significantly and positively correlated with improved outcomes in the AOFAS, Olerud-Molander-Ankle-Score, and SF-36 physical component summary but negatively correlated with the Hannover score (P ≤ 0.05). A significant correlation existed only between the pain scores of the AOFAS and Foot Function Index. Controlling for potential confounding variables, such as age and smoking status, in a linear regression model, increased bone density was only associated with the AOFAS score. Discussion: A significant reduction in bone density persists for more than eight years in some individuals. Statistically significant correlation between reduced bone density and clinical outcomes was found only for the AOFAS scoring system.