title: [Differentiated protocol for the conservative/surgical treatment of ankle fractures in adults].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of the long-term results of protocol treatment of adult patients with ankle fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  St Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective long-term follow-up study.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients (n = 579) with an ankle fracture (580 fractures) in the period 1985-1989, who had not died soon after the injury and in whom the morbidity was not caused mainly by other conditions (n = 30) were treated according to a protocol which specified the indications for conservative or surgical therapy depending on the particular fracture type. After a median follow-up period of 5 years (range: 2.25-8.17 years) the treatment results could be evaluated in 92% of the patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinically "good' or "excellent' results ranging from 79-90.5% types A, B and C fractures (according to the Swiss Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) were achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A broad indication for conservative, even functional (tape bandaging) treatment and restricted use of implants during osteosynthesis appear justified considering the results obtained.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Ziekenhuis, afd, Heelkunde, Utrecht.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Van Laarhoven
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Oostvogel
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: van der Werken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome