Thirty-year follow-up of ankle fractures

Abstract

The natural course of ankle fractures was studied in 143 patients treated by closed methods. The average time elapsing from fracture to follow-up was 29 yr. Eighty-two per cent had no radiographic signs of arthrosis; 83% were free of symptoms. The most common fracture, supination eversion Stage II (49 cases), gave rise to minimal signs of arthrosis in only 1 patient, who had moderate symptoms. The suggestion that all ankle fractures must be perfectly reduced is not supported.