A reliable method for intraoperative detection of lateral malleolar malrotation using conventional fluoroscopy

ObjectiveTo introduce a new method for intraoperative detection of rotational malreduction of the lateral malleolus using conventional fluoroscopy.Material and methodsFrom January 2014 to December 2017, 56 Weber type C unstable lateral malleolar fractures with syndesmosis injury were identified. The fibular fracture patterns were simple oblique or transverse in 20, comminuted in 25, and Maisonneuve injury with fibular neck fractures in 11 cases. 47 cases were operated with ORIF, and 9 cases of Maisonneuve fractures were operated with CRIF. The mortise view of the contralateral uninjured ankle was used for intraoperative comparison. Two indexes were applied for fluoroscopic detection of distal fibula malrotation, i.e. the contour profile change in lateral malleolar shape, and the intrinsic structure appearance of lateral malleolar fossa cortex. Postoperative talofibular joint congruency was measured on axial CT scan to confirm the reduction quality.ResultsUsing the two radiographic parameters for intraoperative fluoroscopic evaluation, we finally achieved satisfying reduction and fixation of the lateral malleolus in all 56 cases. A more spoon-shaped fibula profile and disappearance of the lateral fossa cortex shadow indicates an internal rotation, while a more pointed blade-shaped fibula profile and disappearance of lateral fossa cortex shadow indicates an external rotation. Postoperative CT scanning identified distal fibular no rotation in 44 cases (78.6%), mild rotation less than 5° in 12 cases (21.4%), with 7 cases internal rotation (mean 3.1°) and 5 cases external rotation (mean 2.8°).ConclusionUsing conventional intraoperative fluoroscopy on mortise view, new radiographic parameters can provide reliable method to detect rotational malreduction of the lateral malleolus.     

S-Type Posterolateral Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Pronation External Rotation Ankle Fractures: Improved Visualisation of the Posterior Joint and the Lateral Malleolus

Pronation external rotation (PER) fractures are unstable ankle fractures that require anatomically stable fixation. However, due to the long distance between the fibula and the posterior malleolus in PER IV, existing approaches may make it difficult for the fixation of the associated posterior joint and the lateral malleolus. We describe an S-type posterolateral approach for the open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolar fractures with an associated lateral malleolar fracture in PER IV.     

Position of the distal fibular fragment in pronation and supination ankle fractures: a CT evaluation

BACKGROUND: Although classically the fibula has been reported to be in external rotation after supination-external rotation (SER) or pronation-external rotation (PER) ankle fractures, a previous CT study demonstrated that what had traditionally been interpreted as external rotation of the distal fibular fracture fragment is actually internal rotation of the proximal fibular fragment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of CT scans in patients who have suffered type IV SER or PER ankle fractures to assess the rotational deformity of the fibular fragment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of the injured and uninjured extremities were performed on 30 extremities which had sustained either SER (21) or PER (9) injuries. The rotational relationship between the tibia and fibula was determined by a measured rotational ratio. A qualitative assessment of the rotational relationship between the tibia and fibula above, at, and below the fracture site at the level of the mortise was also performed. The difference in the ratio (calculated by subtracting the rotation ratio of the normal side from the fracture side) demonstrated whether the fractured fibula is externally or internally rotated compared to the uninjured side. RESULTS: The average rotational ratio difference above the fracture compared to below the fracture for the SER group demonstrated significant external rotation (p < .001). The PER fracture also demonstrated external rotation of the distal fragment compared to the proximal fragment (p = .002). Additionally, qualitative assessment of the relationship demonstrated no obvious change in the rotational relationship in any patient above the fracture site except one where mild internal rotation of the proximal fragment was noted. However, at the level of the mortise, all had a normal talofibular rotational relationship while 24 of 30 had widening of the medial clear space with external rotation clearly evident on 15 of these 24 scans. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the distal fibular fragment in both SER and PER fractures is externally rotated relative to both the contralateral normal side and compared to the proximal fibular fragment.     

Is Fibular Fracture Displacement Consistent with Tibiotalar Displacement?

We believed open reduction with internal fixation is required for supination-external rotation ankle fractures located at the level of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (Lauge-Hanssen SER II and Weber B) with 2 mm or more fibular fracture displacement. The rationale for surgery for these ankle fractures is based on the notion of elevated intraarticular contact pressures with lateral displacement. To diagnose these injuries, we presumed that in patients with a fibular fracture with at least 2 mm fracture displacement, the lateral malleolus and talus have moved at least 2 mm in a lateral direction without medial displacement of the proximal fibula. We reviewed 55 adult patients treated operatively for a supination-external rotation II ankle fracture (2 mm or more fibular fracture displacement) between 1990 and 1998. On standard radiographs, distance from the tibia to the proximal fibula, distance from the tibia to the distal fibula, and displacement at the level of the fibular fracture were measured. These distances were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. We concluded tibiotalar displacement cannot be reliably assessed at the level of the fracture. Based on this and other studies, we believe there is little evidence to perform open reduction and internal fixation of supination-external rotation II ankle fractures.     

External rotation-lateral view of the ankle in the assessment of the posterior malleolus.

Demonstration of a posterior malleolar fragment on a radiograph of an ankle fracture is important in the diagnosis and evaluation of posterior malleolus fractures. The size and extent of displacement of a posterior malleolar fragment can be evaluated. The diagnosis of non-union of the posterior malleolus is also important because it can lead to failure of reduction of ankle fractures. The authors present a case in which nonunion of the posterior malleolus was diagnosed by an external-rotation lateral view of the ankle. This could not be demonstrated on the AP or the lateral views. Thirteen cadaver feet were then used to study the external-rotation lateral view. A posterior malleolar fracture was created, and the borders of the fracture line were marked with solder wire. The average external rotation angle required to best demonstrate the posterior malleolar fracture was 50 degrees (range, 43 degrees -55 degrees). The actual size of the posterior malleolus fragment was measured and compared to the x-ray measurement. There was a 0.10 correction for the determination of the actual size of the fragment. The unmarked fragment could not be demonstrated on AP and lateral views.     

Finite element analysis of the influence of anterior talofibular ligament injury on Hook test results

AimTo determine whether the anterior talofibular ligament injury will influence the Hook test result.MethodA three-dimensional model of the ankle was established based on CT scan of a healthy volunteer and ligament attachment through references; Four groups (A–D) of operating conditions were set up. In group A, the anterior and posterior ligaments of the inferior tibiofibular joint were cut off and the anterior talofibular ligament was kept intact; in group B, all the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments and the anterior talofibular ligament were cut off; in group C, the medial and lateral ligaments of the ankle joint and the inferior tibiofibular ligament were kept intact; in group D, only the talofibular ligament was cut off and other ligaments were kept intact. The proximal end of the model was restrained in all four groups, an outward pulling force of 100 N perpendicular to the fibula was applied, and displacement and rotation of the distal end of the fibula in the four groups was observed.ResultsWhen the inferior tibiofibular joint injury was associated with an anterior talofibular ligament injury, the Hook test indicated about 3.19 mm of displacement of the distal end of the fibula, and obvious external rotation occurred due to increased activity of the anterior border of the fibula. In the other groups, a single inferior tibiofibular joint injury or a single anterior talofibular ligament injury did not increase displacement or rotation of the distal end of the fibula.     

Posterior malleolar fracture is often associated with spiral tibial diaphyseal fracture: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: It is known that posterior malleolar fracture is often associated with tibial diaphyseal fractures. However, in literature there are very few studies on tibial shaft fractures with respect to posterior malleolus fragment. We hypothesized that the incidence of posterior malleolar fracture is higher than in previous studies. METHODS: A total of 74 closed tibial shaft fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing in Turku University Central Hospital between January 1994 and December 1998. There were 55 men and 19 women, with a mean age of 39 years (range, 16 to 58 years). Two cases were excluded and 72 tibial shaft fractures were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Posterior malleolar fracture was observed in 18 cases (25.0%). Only 10 were observed preoperatively in plain films, seven were detected postoperatively and one was not detected at all during the treatment. Retrospectively, all 18 posterior malleolar fractures were detectable in preoperative plain films. CONCLUSION: A fracture of the posterior malleolus was involved in every fourth tibial diaphyseal fracture. The fractures of the posterior malleolus were always detected in preoperative plain films and should be suspected, especially in cases of low-energy spiral distal tibial diaphyseal fractures. We recommend additional plain films to be taken at the ankle region to better visualize these fractures.     

The stability of the tibio-fibular syndesmosis following rigid internal fixation for type C malleolar fractures: an experimental and clinical study

In 5 cadavers, type C malleolar fractures of the pronation-eversion rotation type, were produced. The stability of the ankle mortice under stress was tested before and after rigid internal fixation of the fracture in the fibula. The intact interosseous membrane above the fracture in combination with the internal fixation of the fibula was sufficient to keep the lateral malleolus in place. A clinical series of 8 equivalent fractures treated with rigid internal fixation without suture of the syndesmodesis was collected and evaluated clinically and radiologically 3 years after the injury. None of the patients had significant complaints and all ankle joints were stable.     

手术治疗外展外旋力所致踝关节骨折

手术治疗外展外旋力引起的踝关节骨折３５例，平均随访２年半，满意率为８８．６％。效果不佳者与软组织损伤严重和关节软骨受损有关。恢复腓骨的长度对防止距骨移位与倾斜十分重要。用钢板固定外踝时要使其下端适应腓骨下段的外翻角。下胫腓联合不论是完全还是不全分离，都应用螺钉固定，以增加踝关节稳定性，早期练习活动。三角韧带断裂时，只要腓骨解剖复位与坚强固定，三角韧带可不予修复。对小于胫骨远端关节面２５％的后踝骨折可不予处理。     

Effects of isolated Weber B fibular fractures on the tibiotalar contact area

Fractures of the lateral malleolus can occur without rupture of the deltoid ligament or fracture of the medial malleolus. Controversy exists regarding the necessity of surgery on supination-external rotation stage II ankle fractures. Theoretically, as long as the medial structures are intact, the talus cannot displace enough to cause degenerative arthritis of the ankle joint. The purpose of this study was to measure changes in contact area between the tibial plafond and the talar dome with serial displacement of the distal fibula in both a lateral and a superolateral direction. Twelve cadaver lower extremities were used. Distal fibular fractures were replicated by creating an osteotomy. Displacement was accomplished with a customized apparatus that displaced and held the distal fibula in a malaligned position. Tibiotalar contact area was measured with pressure sensitive film at the following intervals of fibular displacement: 0 mm, laterally 2 mm and 4 mm, and then posteriorly and superiorly 2 mm and 4 mm. A servohydraulic testing apparatus was used to apply the same physiologic load to all limbs while measuring contact area. Key independent variables included the direction and amount of displacement of the distal fibula. Mean tibiotalar contact area decreased from baseline (no displacement) 361.1 mm2 (SD +/- 49.0) to 162.2 mm2 (SD +/- 81.3) and 82.6 mm2 (SD +/- 30.6) for 2 mm and 4 mm lateral displacement of the distal fibula respectively. With posterior/superior displacement of 2 mm and 4 mm mean tibiotalar contact decreased to 219.3 mm2 (SD +/- 56.7) and 109.2 mm2 (SD +/- 39.0), respectively. Statistical significance was found (P <.001) when comparing normal ankle alignment with displaced fractures at all levels of displacement.     

Ankle Fracture with a Complex Injury Mechanism and Misleading Hook Test Result: A Case Report

Ankle fractures and their mechanisms of injury can be complex. We report a case of a patient with an uncertain mechanism of injury and an uncommon combination of lower extremity fractures, which fit the criteria for a Lauge-Hansen classification pronation-external-rotation fracture, Maisonneuve fracture, Wagstaffe fracture, and posterior pilon fracture. Plain radiographs and computed tomography scan revealed Chaput tubercle avulsion fractures, an anterior distal fibular fracture fragment, multiple lateral malleolar fractures, a posterior malleolar fracture fragment with proximal displacement, a die-punch fragment between the posterior malleolar fragment and the tibia, a proximal fibular fracture, and possible ankle syndesmotic diastasis. Intraoperative hook test was negative after fixation of the fractures, so syndesmotic fixation was not performed. At 3-month follow-up, plain radiographs showed obvious syndesmotic diastasis. At 1-year follow-up, symptoms persisted and syndesmotic fusion was recommended but declined by the patient. This case demonstrates that both ankle fractures and their mechanisms of injury can be remarkably complex and confusing, posterior pilon fractures can occur along with pronation-external-rotation ankle fractures, syndesmotic fixation should be considered for all patients with Maisonneuve fractures, reliance on the hook test for surgical management decisions may not always be reliable, and there exists a need for a more accurate and reliable intraoperative test to determine the presence of ankle syndesmotic injury.     

Advantages of preoperative planning using computed tomography scan for treatment of malleolar ankle fractures

Malleolar ankle fractures have been classified using plain radiographs, and there is no consensus regarding the role of computed tomography(CT) scans in preoperative planning. We analyzed critical aspects, such as limits of standard radiographs, types of injury, classification methods and cost/benefit evaluations. CT scans allow a 3 D analysis of the fracture to be obtained and consequently assess the indication for surgical procedure, surgical access and the type of fixation devices required. This exam is useful for detecting lesions that may go unnoticed on radiographs and will help surgeons to clarify the pathoanatomy of ankle fractures. According to Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association(AO/OTA) classification, CT scan is recommended in medial malleolar fractures with vertical rim, type 44 B fractures with posterior malleolar involvement and all type 44 C fractures(according to AO/OTA). Also Tillaux-Chaput fractures(43-B1 according to AO/OTA), malleolar fractures in the presence of distal tibial fractures(43 according to AO/OTA) and distal tibia fractures in adolescents should be studied with CT scans.     

Posterior Malleolus Fracture Displacement Is Associated with Rotational Ankle Fracture Stability in Patients Without Medial Malleolar Fractures

Background

The optimal method for the determination of ankle stability remains controversial in rotational ankle fractures without medial bony injury.

Questions/Purposes

The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate whether posterior malleolar (PM) fracture displacement is associated with deltoid ligament injury in supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fractures and (2) compare the diagnostic accuracy of PM displacement and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation of the deep deltoid ligament in identifying fractures with deltoid ligament incompetence.

Methods

Patients with rotational bimalleolar injuries containing lateral malleolar and PM fractures without bony medial injury were included. After operative lateral and PM fixation, an external rotation stress test was performed to evaluate deltoid ligament stability. Operative dictations were reviewed to confirm injury pattern, stability on stress test, and visual inspection of the deltoid ligament. Maximum PM displacement was assessed on lateral X-ray. Pre-operative MRI of the ankle was performed following closed reduction and splinting.

Results

The final cohort consisted of 13 trimalleolar equivalent fractures (torn deltoid ligament) and 20 bimalleolar fractures (medial malleolus and deltoid ligament intact). Average PM displacement was significantly higher for SER trimalleolar equivalent patterns when measured on lateral X-ray. The sensitivity of detecting trimalleolar equivalent fracture was higher on all reported X-ray findings than the sensitivity obtained by the reported MRI findings of deltoid ligament injury.

Conclusion

PM displacement on X-ray is a useful adjuvant along with external rotation stress radiography and MRI evaluation of deep deltoid integrity to distinguish between stable and unstable fracture patterns and thus helps facilitate treatment decisions.

     

Comparison of routine computed tomography and plain X-ray imaging for malleolar fractures—How much do we miss?

PurposeMost patients with ankle arthrosis have a history of ankle fracture. Evaluation of malleolar fractures solely on X-ray may be insufficient to identify many pathologies that potentially contribute to ankle arthrosis, with a consequent poor prognosis. We investigated the pathologies that may be overlooked in malleolar fractures evaluated solely on plain X-ray.MethodsDuring 2012–2019, 65,479 patients attended our Emergency Department, of which 6508 complained of an ankle joint problem. X-rays indicated a fracture in 454 of these patients. Patients with isolated, simple fracture of the lateral or medial malleolus, or talus, or a history of surgery to this area were excluded; finally, 67 patients were enrolled (31 males, 36 females; mean age: 51,2 years (range: 9–83 years). Patients underwent X-ray imaging of both ankles in anterio-posterior, lateral, and Mortise views, as well as CT scans. Three independent observers with varied experience in diagnostic imaging (orthopaedic resident, experienced orthopaedic surgeon, and musculoskeletal radiologist) evaluated X-ray images blinded to CT scans. Their diagnoses were subsequently compared with CT findings.ResultsModeling results indicated that about 40% [95% CI: 32%, 50%] of pathologies may be overlooked based on X-ray evaluation, regardless of evaluator experience. The most frequently overlooked injuries were: Tillaux fracture, Pillon fracture, loose bodies and syndesmosis injury. All of that missed pathologies required dedicated treatment and could be easily missed with standard surgical approach.ConclusionEvaluation of malleolar fractures by X-ray only inevitably results in overlooking of many pathologies, despite the clinician’s experience. Routine CT scan can help to improve the accuracy of diagnosis, and thereby reduce the risk of ankle osteoarthrosis.     

Nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture in an adolescent athlete secondary to lateral ankle instability: A case report

IntroductionMedial malleolar stress fractures are relatively uncommon. This report describes the successful treatment of nonunion of a medial malleolar stress fracture due to chronic lateral ankle instability.Presentation of caseA 13-year-old middle school student who belonged to a football club presented to our clinic with chronic medial left ankle pain lasting over a year. He had sprained his left ankle several times 6 years earlier. A plain anteroposterior ankle radiograph showed a vertical fracture line in the medial malleolus involving the epiphyseal plate, and computed tomography demonstrated the vertical fracture seen on the plain radiographs and bone sclerosis at the fracture site. We performed internal fixation for nonunion of the medial malleolar stress fracture with arthroscopic modified Broström for lateral ankle instability. Two years after surgery, the Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire improved in all parameters, and both the anterior drawer and varus stress tests were negative.DiscussionEarly diagnosis of medial malleolar stress fracture is important for a rapid return to sports. Magnetic resonance imaging is helpful for early diagnosis. Because lateral ankle instability can cause medial malleolar stress fracture, arthroscopic modified Broström procedure is meaningful for medial malleolar stress fracture with lateral ankle instability.ConclusionInternal fixation and the arthroscopic modified Broström procedure could achieve good clinical outcomes for medial malleolar stress fractures with lateral ankle instability.     

Operative treatment of ankle fractures in adults: correlation between types of fracture and final results.

By means of a simple and easy classification, namely uni, bi- and trimalleolar ankle fractures, and the localization of the fracture at the level of the fibula; all of the 612 ankle fractures that were surgically treated at the Leuven University Hospital were easily classified. In 590 cases the results were collected 1 year after the operation by means of an evaluation system based on symptoms, clinical findings and radiographic findings. The influence of the type of fracture was analysed and led to the following conclusion: 1. Unimalleolar fractures have a better prognosis than trimalleolar fractures. 2. An isolated medial malleolar fracture gives a worse final result than an isolated lateral malleolar fracture. 3. Multimalleolar fractures, including the medial malleolus, have a worse prognosis than multimalleolar fractures without medial malleolar fractures. 4. Even after perfect internal fixation, the presence of a posterior fragment larger than one-third of the articular surface leads to a worse final result than a small unfixed fragment. 5. Weber's classification may not be useful for prognosis.     

河北医科大学第三医院956例后踝骨折的流行病学分析

目的探讨后踝骨折特点及其变化,为治疗后踝骨折制订更合理的方案。 方法回顾性分析2009年1月至2014年12月河北医科大学第三医院收治的后踝骨折患者的临床资料,分析患者性别、年龄、骨折部位分布等特点。 结果共收集踝关节骨折4 278例,956例发生后踝骨折,其中男性555例（58.05%）,女性401例（41.95%）,男女比为1.38∶1。骨折高发年龄为20~60岁;≤50岁的患者中,男性明显多于女性;>50岁的患者中,女性明显多于男性;各年龄段性别构成比差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。前三年骨折高发部位为后踝骨折合并外踝骨折（37.7%）,其次为后踝合并内踝骨折（10.2%）和三踝骨折（1.9%%）,后三年骨折高发部位为三踝骨折（26.1%）,其次为后踝合并内踝骨折（7.0%）和后踝合并外踝骨折（4.5%）;两时间段骨折部位构成比差异有统计学意义（P<0.001）。致伤原因的前三位分别为扭伤（35.4%）、交通伤（28.1%）和摔伤（23.0%）。 结论后踝关节骨折高发年龄段为20~60岁,男性多于女性;骨折高发部位为后踝骨折合并外踝骨折,后三年三踝骨折人数明显增加,致伤原因以扭伤、交通事故和摔伤为主。     

Incidence of occult fracture in children with acute ankle injuries

BACKGROUND: In skeletally immature children, it can often be difficult to differentiate occult Salter-Harris I fibula fractures from ankle sprains based on physical examination, and often, initial radiographs in both conditions are only notable for soft tissue swelling. The likelihood of a child having subsequent plain radiographic evidence of a fracture in this setting and the likelihood of subsequent fracture displacement have not been previously reported. The purpose of our study was to determine the incidence of occult fracture in these patients and the risk of fracture displacement. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of all children seen for acute ankle injuries over a 14-month period at a large tertiary care children's hospital. To be included in the study, patients needed to have acute ankle trauma, an open distal fibula physis, normal radiographs, and localized distal fibular tenderness on examination. Thirty-seven consecutive children met the inclusion criteria, with 1 child having 2 isolated injuries, one of each ankle, 4 months apart. All patients were initially placed in a short leg walking cast and allowed to weight bear as tolerated. Anteroposterior, mortise, and lateral radiographs of the ankle taken 3 weeks after injury were evaluated for periosteal new bone formation and/or fracture displacement. RESULTS: By 3 weeks after injury, there was periosteal new bone formation about the distal fibula in 7 (18%) of 38 ankles. No fractures were displaced during treatment, and no radiographs had greater than 1 mm of new bone formation visible. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first investigation reporting the frequency of plain radiographic evidence of occult distal fibula fractures in children. This study finds that 7 (18%) of 38 acute ankle injuries in children presenting with distal fibula tenderness and normal radiographs show evidence of periosteal new bone formation on follow-up radiographs, implying the presence of an occult fracture. There was no evidence of fracture displacement during treatment, and no fracture demonstrated greater than 1 mm of periosteal new bone.     

Incidence of Chondral and Osteochondral Lesions in Ankle Fracture Patients Identified With Ankle Arthroscopy Following Rotational Ankle Fracture: A Systematic Review

A systematic literature search was performed using the PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses guidelines on May 20, 2019. The keywords used were: ankle, distal tibia, distal fibula, fracture, arthroscopic, cartilage, and chondral. The objective of this study is to systematically review the characterization of intra-articular chondral injuries of the talus, tibial plafond, medial malleolus, and lateral malleolus in patients who undergo ankle arthroscopy following ankle fracture. Studies evaluating the incidence of chondral lesions at the time of arthroscopy for ankle fractures within any timeframe were included. The incidence of intra-articular chondral lesions was recorded, the location within the ankle, ankle fracture type, time of arthroscopy, characterization of chondral injury, complications, and outcome if available. Fifteen studies with 1355 ankle fractures were included. About 738 demonstrated evidence of chondral or osteochondral lesion (54.5%). Statistical analyses were carried out with statistical software package SPSS 24.0 (SPSS, Chicago, IL). We compared incidence rates of chondral injury based on Weber classification, malleolar fracture type, and Lauge-Hansen classification, using Pearson chi-square test. For all analyses, p < .05 was considered statistically significant. We found a high incidence of intra-articular chondral lesion in the setting of ankle fractures as demonstrated by arthroscopy.     

Frakturen des oberen Sprunggelenks

Malleolar fractures predominately result from a dislocation force at the ankle and are usually accompanied by injuries of the collateral ligaments and the tibiofibular syndesmosis. Forced abduction, adduction or external rotation of the foot against the tibia produce the typical sequence of bony and ligamentous injuries at the ankle joint. With the foot in supination at the time of injury, the deforming force acts first on the lateral malleolus, with the foot in pronation the force acts first on the medial malleolus. Fracture-dislocations must be reduced as an emergency under sufficient analgesia. Early stabilization is generally preferable for all displaced and unstable ankle fractures. With operative treatment, exact reconstruction of the articular surface, restoration of the length and rotational alignment of the fibula and fixation of osseous or ligamentous syndesmotic injuries are important prognostic factors. Non-operative, functional treatment leads to good long-term results in isolated, non-displaced fractures of the medial or lateral malleolus provided that instability of the ankle mortise has been definitely ruled out. Treatment of pediatric and adolescent malleolar fractures follows the same principles and has to respect the growth plate which ossifies over an 18 month period. Special attention has to be paid to hereditary or acquired neuropathy with dramatically increased healing times and complication rates.