[The treatment of fibular ligament lesions using the Ortho-Rehab shoe].

In a prospective study we examined 46 patients (14-49 years of age) with fresh ruptures of the lateral ligaments of the ankle (talar tilt greater than or equal to 10 degrees). Treatment consisted in six weeks of taping combined with wearing of a special rehabilitation shoe (Ortho Rehab). 28 patients were treated conservatively and 18 had an operative repair of their ruptured ligaments. After 8 weeks every patient was clinically controlled. Until now 35 patients were reevaluated more than one year after injury. Treatment was judged as very comfortable and positive. Working capacity was achieved after an average of 14.8 days and all patients returned to their former sports activity 3 to 8 weeks after the event. Mechanical and functional stability after more than one year are excellent with the exception of 3 cases. The results are discussed and compared with other studies.