[Diagnosis and therapy of lateral ligament rupture of the upper ankle joint]

Symptoms, diagnosis and therapy of the ligaments at the malleolus lateralis are demonstrated. It is only the x-ray examination in fixed talar drawer position that enables exclusion of an instability with certainty. Hence, we may infer that every distorsion of the articulation must be x-rayed in talar drawer position to make sure that no rupture of the ligaments is omitted. Posttraumatic weak ankle due to neglected rupture of the fibular collateral ligaments can be avoided by suturing the rupture and fixation by plaster. Indications for surgery are: 1. considerable instability of the ankle joint compared with the healthy side, 2. a suspected covering of one periosteum or ligament as an interposition. 3. a suspected lesion of the cartilage or "flake fracture".