[Early complications and fatalities following surgical treatment of fractures of the upper ankle joint].

In a retrospective study of 1,140 patients (1970-1988) with ankle joint fractures, treated according to the AO principles, we analyzed the surgical treatment. After surgical treatment of 501 patients the rate of early complications was 5% and the mortality 1%. In our opinion all fractures should be treated by the AO principles to ensure a good follow-up result.