[Indication for surgical treatment of recent fibular ligament lesions. Comparative study after surgical and conservative therapy]

Results of clinical and or radiological follow-up examination of 134 patients with recent rupture of the lateral ankle ligaments are analysed. 69 cases have been treated conservatively, 65 cases by surgery. With regard to the findings at the first examination after the trauma conclusions are drawn concerning the indication for surgery. Operative findings and results of the treatment show conclusively that surgery is indicated when the opening of the injured ankle joint at strain is 10 degrees or more when compared with the intact side.