Rupture of the ankle ligaments.

A prospective randomised trial of treatment of ruptured ankle ligaments was carried out at our institute. Two hundred patients were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups. The results at 1 and 2 years after injury showed that functional treatment with a newly designed brace appeared to be the method of choice. This gives good mechanical stability, a shorter time off work and the ability to resume full sporting activity within 3 months of injury. Operation is only indicated for dislocations of the ankle and foot, ankle ligament rupture with additional intraarticular damage and second stage injuries or re-ruptures.