We would like to thank the readers for their positive response to our article. We are pleased that especially colleagues who are not performing surgery could benefit from our article. The fact that this article, independent of the authors' affiliations, has also been used in the education of students, highlights the recognition it has received.
Above all, we like to thank the authors of the two letters for their critical comments which provide additional information.
It is undisputed that surgical treatment should be undertaken as early as possible and that patients with significantly displaced or dislocated fractures require immediate emergency surgery. Our colleagues' notes or rather more specific information with regard to antibiotic prophylaxis and anti-thrombotic treatment are correct. Treatment should be based on the cited guidelines. However, the example of the use of the "walker” in the management of these patients shows once again that decisions made by the treating surgeon based on the specific requirements of an individual patient continue to play an important role.
We believe that this open and critical discussion, especially in Deutsches Ärzteblatt, ensures the constantly high quality of continuing medical education.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest statement
The authors of all contributions declare that no conflict of interest exists.
References
- 1.Goost H, Wimmer MD, Barg A, Kabir K, Valderrabano V, Burger C. Fractures of the ankle joint—investigation and treatment options. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0377. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]