The ankle is the most congrous joint in the lower extremity, bearing up to five times the body weight. Many clinical studies of ankle fractures have proven that good results depend upon an antomic reduction of the fracture. There remains, however, controversy as to the best method of obtaining this goal. More recently there has been interest in anatomic reduction & authors analysed 58 cases of ankle fractures treated operatively at Chosun University Hospital from january 1981 to December 1988.

1. The result of treatment was good or exellent in 49 cases(84.5%) of clinical results in 51 cases(87.9%) of radiological result, according to the criteria of Meyer.

2. Operative treatment affords the most predictable way to carry out an absolutely anatomic reduction of fractures & a low complication rate.

3. Most of the unsatisfactory group were severe displacement, commivuted fracture due to high violence.