Lateral ligament injuries of the ankle. Results of primary surgical treatment.

76 cases of fresh lateral ligament injuries were operated on by primary suture. The 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 four weeks after the operation. A follow-up study was undertaken 24 to 44 months after the operation. 71 ankles were excellent or good, three ankles were fair, while only two ankles showed a poor operative result. Both patients with a poor result had suffered a recurrent sprain. It is concluded that operative correction of fresh severe lateral ligament injuries gives satisfactory results.