Long-term inversion stability of the ankle after rupture of the lateral ligaments.

The late results of surgical and nonsurgical treatment of recent ruptures of the lateral ligaments of the ankle are compared in two groups of 52 patients. By means of a questionnaire, physical examination and inversion stress roentgenography (at an average of three years after the injury), the functional and mechanical stability of the ankle were determined. After both surgical repair and treatment with plaster cast alone, more than 90% of patients achieved inversion stability of the ankle.