Injuries to the ankle and foot in athletics

Accurate diagnosis in ligament and ligament-bone injuries of the foot and ankle demands a knowledge of the anatomy and mechanics of the foot and ankle, a good history of the mechanism of injury, clinical examination including fingertip palpation and assessment of stability, and adequate x-ray studies, perferably in the deformed position, with stress films and arthrograms in selected cases. By making an accurate diagnosis, early proper treatment is instituted, the athlete is restored to health sooner, and, almost as important, the athlete and the coach get a more realistic prognosis regarding the end result and duration of disability.