[Long term results of treatment of malleolar fractures (author's transl)]

116 malleolar fractures were reviewed after an average follow up of 8 years. 93 had been treated surgically. The results were similar after conservative or surgical treatment - 51% good, 29% satisfactory, 20% poor. 31% of cases were not completely reduced (28% after surgical treatment), 37% had post traumatic arthrosis (34% after surgical treatment). Arthrosis appeared especially in poorly reduced fractures but was usually well tolerated. The indications for surgery are discussed. The severity of fractures situated at a high level in the fibula (type C of Weber) is stressed.