Operative treatment of the acutely ruptured lateral ligament of the ankle.

Twenty-seven patients with acute inversion injuries of the ankle were treated surgically during the past ten years. Instability indicative of rupture of the lateral collateral ligament was demonstrated by anteroposterior stress inversion roentgenograms. Ruptures of a component or components of this ligament were found at operation in every case. The ligament and capsule were repaired and the ankle was immobilized by a plaster of Paris cast for six to eight weeks. Of 26 patients available for follow-up examination, none complained of instability although nine had minor residual symptoms. Postoperative stability was demonstrated by roentgenograms in 13 patients. In the other 13, clinical examination showed that the ankles were stable on forcible inversion of the foot and ankle. Our results indicate that surgical repair offers the best prospect for successful treatment when definite passive instability can be demonstrated by properly performed stress inversion roentgenograms.