[Acute injury to the lateral ligament of the ankle joint in the athlete].

The ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries in sports. It is useful to classify the grade of injury clinically. Stress x-rays, stress ultrasound or radiographic examinations are not necessary. Based on the analysis of 24 controlled studies we conclude that functional treatment is sufficient. It does not lead to higher subjective or objective instability nor to a greater number of reinjuries. Functional treatment has no complications. Although controlled studies about the treatment of athletes are missing, but there is no reason for a different treatment in athletes.