[Ligament injuries of the upper ankle joint: 10 years experience with a stable shoe]

To avoid cast fixation after injuries of the ankle ligaments, in 1980 we presented a new high top sports-boot with stabilizing plastic sticks on both sides of the shoe as a new method of after treatment; The original Stabil-S shoe. The follow up after 5 and 10 years experience shows good results and cast immobilisation of the ankle joint is practically not used any more for the above mentioned indication. Patients go back to work after 25 days on an average which is about 3 weeks earlier then with cast immobilisation. This is the reason why insurance companies in Europe cover the costs for this kind of after treatment, the Stabil-S shoe. To verify the fibular ligament lesions we use stressed x-ray examination in addition to the clinical tests and the patients history. The indication of operative or conservative treatment is still discussed. The late results however show better stability and function after operative treatment, especially for the group of young and active sport patients. The further development of the Stabil-S shoe will try to obtain a normal gait as well as sufficient stability around the ankle joint. This means mobility for the patient and stability around the ankle joint.