LATERAL LIGAMENT INJURIES OF THE ANKLE RESULTS OF PRIMARY SURGICAL-TREATMENT

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 71  (3) , 161-163
Abstract
Cases (76) of fresh lateral ligament injuries were operated on by primary suture. Preoperative diagnosis of severe lateral ligament sprain was based on clinical and radiological instability as seen by talar tilt and anterior drawer sign tests. A good diagnostic accuracy was achieved. A walking cast was worn for 4 wk after the operation. A follow-up study was undertaken 24-44 mo. after the operation. Most ankles (71) were excellent or good, 3 ankles were fair, while only 2 ankles showed a poor operative result. Both patients with a poor result had suffered a recurrent sprain. Operative correction of fresh severe lateral ligament injuries gives satisfactory results.