Diagnostics and Therapy of Ankle Instability

Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries and therefore often treated in the emergency department or in the general practitioner's office. In the majority of cases, the lateral ligamentous complex is affected. If treated correctly, ligamentous ankle injuries have a good prognosis and in about 80% of cases full recovery can be achieved. Risk factors for the development of chronic ankle instability are an inappropriate treatment of the ankle sprain, injury of the deltoid ligament, hyperlaxity and rearfoot deformities (e.g., cavovarus foot). Diagnostics after an ankle sprain include a medical history, focused physical examination, and appropriate imaging. Concomitant injuries such as fractures, osteochondral defects or tendon injuries should be excluded. Ankle sprains are usually treated conservatively, involving bracing or immobilization - depending on the severity of ligament damage - followed by functional rehabilitation. Patients with chronic ankle instability refractory to conservative treatment, should be considered for surgical interventions.