Trimalleolar fractures: late results after fixation of the posterior fragment

From 1969 to August 1981 60 trimalleolar fractures were operated on with fixation of the posterior fragment. A late follow up (average 8 years) including radiographs was possible in 45 patients. In 36 patients, there are no complaints and full function has been obtained. Films of the articulation are normal in 17 cases and show isolated osteophytes in 19. Five patients show some benign arthrosis but only occasional pain and slightly reduced function; four patients show severe arthrosis caused by clearly visible operative technical faults. Depressed areas in the articular surface were present in ten patients. Their prognosis is doubtful. Thus, a correctly reduced and fixed posterolateral fragment helps avoid or reduce postoperative arthrosis in trimalleolar injuries.