[Injuries to the lateral ankle ligaments]

Acute sprains and ruptures of the lateral ankle ligaments are the most common injuries of the ankle joint. They are often related to sporting activity and predominantly affect individuals under 40 years old. Lateral ligament injuries occur due to supination trauma. The anterior talofibular ligament is most commonly affected often in combination with the calcaneofibular ligament. In contrast, ruptures of all three lateral ankle ligaments (luxatio pedis supinatoria) or complete ruptures of the medial and lateral ligaments (luxatio pedis cum talo) are extremely rare. The clinical diagnostics have a high sensitivity and specificity and X-ray images are used to exclude fractures and other accompanying injuries. In cases of acute injuries conservative treatment in an orthosis for 5-6 weeks to prevent supination is the method of choice. Surgical treatment is reserved for exceptional indications. For both operative and conservative forms of treatment the functional treatment with initial movement exercises in a semi-rigid orthosis and the following proprioceptive training are crucial for the success of treatment and show superior results compared to immobilization in a surgical cast.