The importance of fixation of the medial malleolus was stressed in the treatment of ankle joint fractures in the early 60s; later more attention was paid to the effects of the treatment of the lateral malleolus. Fibular integrity is essential in stabilizing of the ankle joint. Loss of lateral malleolus may result in separation of inferior tibiofibular joint, ankle instability and talus displacement. Eventually this leads to traumatic arthritis.

The authors experienced 3 cases of loss of lateral malleolus which were treated at Yongdong Severance hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The results were obtained as follows; total loss of lateral malleolus leads to adductioin instability of talus and slightly lateral talar shift, and partial loss of lateral malleolus leads to no lateral talar shift. But the results are obtained for short term and long term follow up is needed.