PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine which intra-articular @entity130 are associated with chronic @entity158 and functional instability after an @entity3681 . METHODS: From 2008 to 2010, records of all @entity1 who underwent ankle joint arthroscopy with @entity158 and functional instability after an @entity3681 were reviewed. A systematic arthroscopic examination of the intra-articular structures of the ankle joint was performed. Location and characteristics of the @entity130 were identified and recorded. RESULTS: A total of 36 ankle arthroscopic procedures were reviewed. A soft-tissue occupying mass over the lateral recess was present in 18 @entity1 (50  %). A partial injury of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was observed in 24 @entity1 (66.6  %). Cartilage abrasion due to the distal fascicle of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament coming into contact with the talus was seen in 21 @entity1 (58.3  %), but no thickening of the ligament was observed. Injury to the intra-articular posterior structures, including the transverse ligament in 19 @entity1 (52.7  %) and the posterior surface of the distal tibia in 21 @entity1 (58.3  %), was observed. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular pathological findings have been observed in @entity1 affected by @entity158 after an @entity3681 . Despite no demonstrable abnormal lateral laxity, morphologic @entity1347 has been observed on arthroscopic evaluation. An injury of the ATFL is present in @entity1 with chronic @entity158 and functional instability after an @entity3681 . A degree of microinstability due to a @entity1347 could explain the intra-articular pathological findings and the @entity1 ' complaints. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Minor or occult ankle instability as a cause of @entity158 after XXXX .

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity3681 :: ('MESH:D016512', 'Disease') :: ['ankle sprain'] @entity1347 :: ('MESH:C537775', 'Disease') :: ['deficiency of the ATFL', 'ATFL abnormality'] @entity158 :: ('MESH:D010146', 'Disease') :: ['anterolateral pain'] @entity130 :: ('MESH:D014947', 'Disease') :: ['injuries']
@entity3681 :: (MESH:D016512,Disease) :: ['ankle sprain']
