Inversion lateral ankle trauma: differential diagnosis, review of the literature, and prospective study.

This study is comprised of 71 patients with inversion injuries. The purpose of this article is to present a logical and orderly approach in evaluating these injuries. A comprehensive review of the literature concerning diagnostic techniques and mechanisms of injury related to inversion ankle trauma is presented. Inversion ankle injuries are frequently misdiagnosed as simple sprains when frequently there are other pathologies present. The standard approach of evaluating inversion ankle injuries is often inadequate.