Thirty-year follow-up of ankle fractures.

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 years. Eighty-two per cent had no radiographic signs of arthrosis; 83 per cent were free of symptoms. The most common fracture, supination eversion Stage II (49 cases), gave rise to minimal signs of arthrosis in only one patient, who had moderate symptoms. The suggestion that all ankle fractures must be perfectly reduced is not supported by the findings of the present study.