[Diagnosis of the acute injuries of the lateral ankle joint ligaments with a new holding device (author's transl)].

In one year 437 patients with acute injuries of the ligaments of the lateral ankle joint were examined with a new simple holding device to ensure accurate diagnosis. The rupture is demonstrated by standardized and reproducible stress X-rays. Comparing the instability of the injured side with the contralateral health ankle joint the difference indicates the type and the extent of the injury. In 232 cases (53%) we found a "sprained ankle" and in 205 cases (47%) ruptured ligaments.