Summary
Between 1959 and 1966, 82 patients with 84 fractures of the distal end of the tibia into the ankle joint were treated by open reduction, anatomical reconstruction, and internal fixation. The follow-up, 50.3 months later, showed good functional results in over 73 per cent of the cases, compared with about 40 per cent after conservative treatment. Five years later, on average 9 years after the accident, 54 of these patients were reviewed once more. Comparing the earlier results of these 54 cases with the present ones, an overall improvement of function was found and only exceptionally deterioration. It is believed that especially in the severely comminuted fracture, open reduction with anatomical reconstruction and stable internal fixation is worth while, provided that there is good surgical technique with careful soft-tissue handling and that a complete set of instruments is used.