[Results of surgical treatment of 248 lateral ligamentous lesions of the ankle joint (author's transl)].

From 1975 to 1980, 414 patients suffering from lateral ligamentous lesions of the ankle joint had undergone surgical treatment. 248 patients were seen in two follow-up examination; of these, 122 patients were examined by x-ray films taken in forced extreme joint position in two planes (a.p. and lateral) of both ankle joints, the uninjured ankle being examined for comparison. In 76.2% of the cases, both ankle joints were found to possess equal stability. Less than 10% of the follow-up patients examined showed slight restriction in mobility of the upper ankle joint. 97% of the patients questioned stated that the results of surgery were good. Only 3% expressed dissatisfaction. A severe complication was observed in 1 patient, who had an infection of the joint; cure was effected by means of arthrodesis of the upper ankle joint.