Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42163791›Full record

ReviewDeutsches Arzteblatt international2026

The Diagnosis, Treatment, and Aftercare of Ankle Fractures.

Sebastian Felix Baumbach, Hans Polzer, Sabine Ochman, Thomas Mittlmeier, Stefan Rammelt

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Deutsches Arzteblatt international, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Sebastian Felix BaumbachDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery. Musculoskeletal University Center Munich, (MUM), Munich, Germany
Hans PolzerDepartment of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery. Musculoskeletal University Center Munich, (MUM), Munich, Germany
Sabine OchmanDepartment of Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Münster, Germany
Thomas MittlmeierClinic and Polyclinic for Trauma, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, University Medical Center of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
Stefan RammeltThe University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAnkle fractures are among the most common types of fracture among adults in Germany, with an incidence of 74 ± 32 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Treatment strategies have changed considerably over the past decade. In this review, we present the current treatment strategies for ankle fractures, aftercare, and long-term results.

methodsCurrent treatment strategies for ankle fractures were summarized in the framework of a narrative review and expert consensus of the German Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (

resultsStable, non- or minimally displaced unimalleolar fractures (AO 44A and 44B) can be treated non-operatively with an early return to function. Stability should be verified by bilateral, weight-bearing radiography. Fractures that are unstable or displaced should be treated surgically. Active individuals seem to benefit from anatomic reduction and the stabilization of all fractures and unstable syndesmotic injuries (360° treatment). Minimally invasive techniques are recommended in case of critical soft-tissue conditions or major comorbidity. The benefit of the currently prevailing restrictive postoperative regimens (six weeks of immobilization and reduced or no weight-bearing) has been called into question by the findings of a large number of randomized controlled trials. Early weight-bearing and mobilization improve early functional outcomes without increasing complication rates. Long-term studies have shown that a moderate to poor functional outcome can be expected in up to 20% of cases ≥ 10 years after the operative treatment of an ankle fracture.

conclusionTreatment strategies and aftercare regimens have evolved over the past decade. Future studies will need to determine whether these new strategies yield better long-term clinical outcomes.

Indexed as

AftercareAnkle FracturesFracture Fixation, InternalGermanyHumansPostoperative CareTreatment Outcome

Identifiers

PMID42163791
PMCPMC13472181

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.