[Arthrography of the ankle, its use in indications for surgery of sprains].

The attitude toward severe spraining of the ankle is reviewed. Where at least one ligament is torn, it is now well established that only surgery can ensure stability of the ankle. To ascertain whether a ligament is torn, three tests are available: anteroposterior varus stress film, anterior subluxation of the talus tests in comparison with the operative observations showed that: - Arthrography is the most accurate test, without any false positive or false negative results if performed within 48 hours. - Anterior subluxation of the talus is also a good test, but less accurate (12% false negative). - Anteroposterior varus stress film provides only gross information which is difficult to interpret.