[Surgery of bimalleolar fractures. Results of a series of 70 cases with a follow up of 3 to 8 years (author's transl)].

The authors analyse a series of 70 bimalleolar fractures treated surgically with a follow up of 3 to 8 years. The late functional and radiological result was favourable in 85.7% of cases. They were able to determine from this series a certain number of unfavourable factors on which surgery has a better influence than immobilisation: e.g. fractures with a large displacement, impaction of the roof of the mortar, open fractures. Complications were rare; in 50% they were the result of technical errors avoidable with experience. The indications are noted; the authors consider that certain fracture should be operated straight away, that others should not be operated on, and that finally, an intermediate group should first be treated by immobilisation.