[Arguments for surgical treatment of severe sprains of the external lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint].

Chronic instability of the ankle joint is a frequent long-term result of treatment of severe sprains. This is due to repeated strains, and may lead to true disability in some cases. It would appear necessary, therefore, when a certain angle of varus, the subject of debate, is exceeded to perform ligamentary suture of the external lateral ligament of the tibiotarsal joint. This procedure, which is simple to carry out, is free from complications and provides constantly good results, should be preferred to orthopedic treatment as confirmed by data described in the conclusion to this article.