Der Unfallchirurg
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In children and adolescents, injuries of the ankle are seen frequently in routine practice. The fracture pattern is less dependent on the mechanism of injury than on the maturity of the growth plate. ⋯ In displaced articular fractures an anatomical reconstruction of the articular surface and stable osteosynthesis have to be achieved to minimize the risk of early osteoarthritis. Growth arrest is not always avoidable despite an ideal reconstruction and can occur in all fracture types; however, with optimal conservative or surgical treatment, iatrogenic damage of the epiphysis can be avoided thereby reducing the incidence of growth disorders as a complication of ankle fractures in children and growing adolescents.