Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * patients who present with a closed, isolated fibular fracture classified as suprasyndesmotic (Weber C) with a medial clear space of less than 7 mm in mortise view on primary radiographs. * presentation less than 14 days after the injury. Exclusion Criteria: * previous fractures or ligamentous injury to the injured ankle. * pathological fracture. * diabetic neuropathy or other neuropathies. * drug abuse. * inability to consent and/or comply. * inability to understand Norwegian language. * inability to walk unaided prior to the fracture. * patients with a concomitant tibial fracture requiring surgical treatment are excluded, but patients with undisplaced concomitant tibial fractures can be included. * patients from outside the catchment area of the recruiting hospitals. However, they can be included if they are willing to undergo follow-up visits at one of the recruiting hospitals.