[Treatment and results in malleolar fractures]

The authors compared the therapy results of 100 conservatively treated malleolar fractures and 100 malleolar fractures operated upon with the therapy results of the malleolar fractures registered at the documentation centre of the A. O. (working association for osteosynthesis) in Bern. The comparison shows that after surgical treatment, the therapy periods are scarcely shorter than after conservative treatment, the therapy results, however, are significantly better. There is a smaller rate of complications and subjective troubles after surgical treatment. The results of clinical and X-ray check-up examinations were essentially better after surgical treatment than after conservative treatment. The ability of patients concerning their professional and private activities was less disturbed after surgical treatment.