[Ultrasound examination of fibular ligament ruptures]

Direct sonographic examination of the lateral ligaments of the talocrural joint after fresh, primary supination trauma, without the need for local anesthesia, is an extremely cost-effective and reliable tool to evaluate the ligamentous state. After clinical evaluation and a native X-ray to exclude any osseous lesions, ligamentous tear stability should be tested--either indirectly with classic radiology or directly with sonography. We assume that because of the complete and direct depiction of the fibular ligamentous structures there is no diagnostic alternative to using the 12-MHz technique of modern high-end devices.