Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics Main Menu Home Page Management and rehabilitation of ligamentous injuries to the ankle. Torg E. University of Pennsylvania, Sports Medicine Center, Philadelphia. The management of ligamentous injuries to the ankle is controversial. Neither the methods for classification and diagnosis, or the procedures for treatment are clear cut.
Ankle sprains are a common occurrence, with the majority involving the lateral ligament complex.
Within this complex, the anterior talofibular ligament is injured most frequently, usually while the foot is in the plantar flexed position. The purpose of the stress roentgenogram is to measure the degree of talar tilt. However, it does not always yield consistent, reliable results. This inconsistency has led to the use of arthrography. There is debate over its use as well, however, Ankle sprains can be classified into three groups, according to functional loss.