[Secondary interventions in malunited fractures of the ankle joint].

When pain persists and activity is limited as a result of lack of union in a fracture of the upper ankle joint, for us this is a clear indication for a secondary procedure. The goal, of course, is to reconstruct the normal anatomy and correct any deformities present. The time interval between the trauma and secondary reconstruction is no contraindication. The arthrosis present and the patient's age are also not drawbacks. The only contraindication is how severely is function impaired. The final result is not dependent on the degree of malposition nor the arthrosis present before the procedure. In general, this is not predictable. Therefore, secondary reconstruction is the first step in the treatment of post-traumatic malpositioning. Other therapeutic measures such as nettoyage (cleaning up), extra-articular osteotomy, and arthrodesis must be implemented where indicated on an individual basis.