Acute and chronic lateral ankle instability in the athlete

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Ankle sprains are common sports injuries, frequently affecting the lateral ligamentous complex.
• The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) are most often injured.
• Injury typically results from forced plantar flexion and inversion of the ankle.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the epidemiology, mechanism, and management of ankle sprains.
• To differentiate treatment strategies for acute versus chronic ankle instability.
• To outline surgical options for chronic ankle instability refractory to conservative care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of ankle sprain injuries.
• Analysis of injury mechanisms and ligamentous involvement.
• Evaluation of conservative and surgical treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eighty percent of acute ankle sprains achieve full recovery with conservative management.
• Twenty percent of acute sprains progress to chronic ankle instability.
• Surgical intervention (Brostrom-Gould repair or reconstruction) is indicated for chronic instability unresponsive to rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management is effective for most acute ankle sprains.
• Chronic ankle instability necessitates consideration of surgical repair or reconstruction.
• Timely and appropriate treatment is crucial for preventing long-term ankle dysfunction.