[Conservative or operative fracture treatment--alternative information in relative indications]

The aim of every treatment of bone fractures is the recovery of function. The treatment - conservative or operative - assumes the consent of the patient. This consent is only effective, if the patient is well informed about course and risks of the treatment. In case of alternative indication the information has to be alternative in reference to the typical risks. The information of the patient before immediate operative treatment and alternative indication might be problematic. It is possible to renounce any information but renunciation of information assumes a basic knowledge of both possible kinds of treatment.