On October 01, 2014, the Department of Trauma Surgery of the University Hospital Magdeburg under the direction of Prof. Dr. med. Felix Walcher together with the Olvenstedt Clinic organized the kick-off event for the Magdeburg Interdisciplinary Forum for Musculoskeletal Surgery with the topic "Complex Ankle Fracture", which was founded by Prof. Dr. Walcher and PD Dr. Draijer. The training series focuses on the diagnosis, therapy and follow-up treatment of complex injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system, which can only be optimally treated through close cooperation between the individual clinics in the region and their established colleagues. The various topics are therefore addressed to staff members of clinics of all care levels in Saxony-Anhalt, surgical and general medical practices, D-doctors in private practice, orthopaedists, physiotherapists and other occupational groups who deal with the problems of the postural and musculoskeletal system  and related specialist areas.

We were able to welcome 200 participants from all areas of medical care to the kick-off event at "Halber 85" in Magdeburg, where they were offered excellent presentations on topics relating to ankle injuries, from preclinical care to rehabilitation. At the opening of the event, Dr. Hülsemann, in his function as Medical Director of the University Hospital Magdeburg, congratulated the Clinic for Trauma Surgery of the University Hospital on its official appointment as Supraregional Trauma Centre (ÜTZ) and wished Professor Walcher and his team good luck and success for the tasks ahead of them.

Prof. Dr. Walcher opened the event with a lecture on the preclinical treatment of luxated ankle fractures and demonstrated to the audience the correct reduction in a luxation fracture of the upper ankle using instructional videos.

Subsequently, PD. Dr. Draijer presented the different osteosynthesis procedures for ankle fractures and explained the special features of the individual types of restoration.

This was followed by Prof. Dr. Infanger with his presentation on the possibilities and complications of soft tissue coverage after a complex ankle fracture, in which he also addressed the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation between the individual departments. Dr. Schenk discussed the advantages and disadvantages of ankle arthrodesis and a comparison with the OSG prosthesis with the audience and presented interesting studies from her own patient group. Finally, Dr. Rudolf explained various rehabilitation measures on the basis of the latest literature in order to be able to reintegrate the patients as quickly as possible into professional life or their everyday life..

During the break as well as before and after the event, visitors had time to visit the very interesting industrial trade fair and find out about the latest medical products.

At the end of the evening, the organizers invited the participants to a buffet in a cosy atmosphere to get to know each other and to talk to their colleagues.