Use of Weightbearing Radiographs to Determine Treatment of bi- and Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures

Inclusion Criteria: -With bi- and trimalleolar ankle fractures with less than 7 mm medial clear space on non-weightbearing radiographs that are deemed stable by weightbearing radiographs. With type B medial malleolus fractures between the tip and the plafond and type C medial malleolus fractures at the level of the plafond (Herscovici classification). (6) With fractures in the distal 1/3 of fibula (not-Maisonneuve) Enabling stability evaluation within 14 days after injury 18-75 years of age with pre-injury walking ability without aids Exclusion Criteria: - With primary unstable ankle fractures, > 7mm medial clear space on primary radiographs With fracture reduction prior to initial radiographic evaluation, open fracture, fractures resulting from high-energy trauma or multi trauma and pathological fracture With type A medial malleolus avulsion fractures < 5mm (at the tip of the malleolus), that are not suitable for surgical intervention. With Herscovici type D fractures, involving Lauge-Hansen SA2 fractures (supracollicular fracture - vertical, oblique or transverse direction of the plafond) With displaced posterior malleolus fractures that needs fixation in the judgement of the attending surgeon With neuropathies and symptomatic joint diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis That are assumed not compliant (such as drug abuse, cognitive- and/or psychiatric disorders) With previous history ipsilateral ankle fracture With previous history ipsilateral major ankle-/foot surgery Who live outside the hospital catchment areas not available to follow up With insufficient Norwegian or English language skills Non-compliant