Results of the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia have improved significantly during last two decades. Better understanding of the role of soft tissues has led to the development of a staged treatment strategy of these injuries. Initial application of external fixation provides the restoration of the length of the limb, partial fracture reduction through ligamentotaxis and relatively stable position of the fracture fragments, that is important for the healing of soft tissues. Definitive surgical treatment is delayed until the condition of soft tissues becomes safe. During this time thorough preoperative planning is performed on the base of detailed study of the fracture morphology with CT-scanning. Sophisticated choice of the surgical approach(-es), atraumatic soft tissue handling and the use of modern fixation techniques for the metaphyseal component provide optimal conditions the fracture union and restoration of the limb function.

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