Acute lesions of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. Clinical and radiographic review.

We reviewed 36 patients who had undergone reconstructive surgery of the ligaments of the lateral compartment of the ankle between 1981 and 1986. The follow-up period averaged 6 years (range, 3-9 years). Ligamentous lesion was diagnosed by clinical examination and contact thermography. Eighty-six percent of the subjects reviewed achieved a good result, resuming sports activity and regaining full joint stability. Reports in the literature are conflicting: good results have been achieved by both conservative treatment and reconstructive surgery. We are convinced that surgery offers young athletes a better chance of regaining joint stability because it is the only treatment that promotes anatomical healing of the ligaments without lengthening or loss of strength. Contact thermography is an important means of diagnosis because of its few limitations and low cost.