The deltoid ligament. An evaluation of need for surgical repair.

Forty-two patients were treated surgically for ankle injuries, including complete disruption or incompetency of the deltoid ligament, without any surgical repair as part of the initial operation. In a retrospective study, 36 patients were followed for one year or longer. The functional results appeared satisfactory provided surgical reductions of the medial joint space and lateral malleolus were accurate and maintained until bone repair was complete. No evidence of ligamentous instability of the foot or ankle was noted.