Factors influencing functional results after surgery for ankle fractures

Ankle fractures are frequent and have a significant impact upon the function of the lower limb, as this joint has a crucial role in standing and especially in walking. Several classification systems have been developed concerning these fractures, connecting the traumatic mechanism to their treatment. Due to their character of articular fractures, functional restoration of local anatomy is necessary; therefore, surgery is mandatory in displaced fractures, affecting the congruency, the stability or the mobility of the ankle joint. The purpose of this paper is to describe the factors influencing the results of surgical treatment in these fractures, as it results from the experience of a level 1 Trauma Centre.