[The role of marginal fractures in the prognosis of ankle fractures (author's transl)].

Based on review examination of 224 patients 5 years after their ankle fractures, the authors demonstrate a significant worsening of prognosis with fractures of the anterior or posterior tibial margin. In cases without marginal fractures severe late X-ray, or clinical changes remained less than 4%, in cases with small marginal fractures their number was under 20%, with great articular surface fractures however over 30%. The unfavourable trend becomes evident even in marginal fractures not extending to the articular surface or involving only a minor part of it. It is concluded, that a dislocating force in the sagittal direction is more damaging for the joint than a force acting in the lateral direction.