[Benefits and risks of surgical therapy of acute lateral fibular ligament rupture of the upper ankle joint. Results of a retrospective study].

In 60 patients with an intra-operatively confirmed first-time tear of the lateral ligaments of the ankle joint an examination carried out after a period ranging from 11.6 and 35 months post-op. showed that ligament suturing coupled with immobilisation for 6 weeks was not associated with any major or persistent impairment. The important advantage of the procedure was the possibility of accurately determining the extent of the injury, together with the chance of providing suitable and immediate correction. In 91% of the patient group, a comparison of sides revealed equal or greater stability of the surgically treated ankle joint. Even when occasional temporary, varyingly pronounced, sensory disorders are taken into account, in comparison with the possibilities of conservative therapy, we consider that these results confirm a tear of the lateral ligaments of the ankle to be a justifiable indication for surgery.