The value of osteosynthesis in the treatment of bimalleolar fractures.

A total of 69 patients with displaced bimalleolar fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation, 35 using AO/ASIF implants and 34 using biodegradable self-reinforced polyglycolide or polylactide devices. A third group consisted on 35 patients who were treated non-operatively. The result of treatment was evaluated after a minimum follow-up time of twelve months. A would infection complicated the course in four patients treated with AO/ASIF implants. A transient local fluid accumulation was seen in two patients with biodegradable implants. Four patients under non-operative treatment suffered redisplacement of the fracture. In conclusion, biodegradable internal fracture fixation devices proved to be a valuable new method for the treatment of displaced ankle fractures.