[Present state and trends in treating closed lower leg fractures in adults (author's transl)]

The treatment of closed lower leg fractures requires a differentiated indication. Type of fracture and many important concomitant factors have to be considered. Stability and optimal blood supply are the most important criteria to favour osteosynthesis. But conservative treatment after Böhler can even today be regarded as an efficient procedure. About 60% of these fractures have been found to yield good results in adequate time when treated conservatively. Also the efficacy of the functional method described by Sarmiento has been proved. Special indications can be attributed to interlocking nailing. The operative therapy today is highly specialized therefore it should be practiced only in adequate staffed and equipped hospitals. A questionnaire answered from 110 surgical departments supports this demand.