types of ankle sprain

Last reviewed 01/2018

Three ankle ligaments are susceptible to trauma:

• inferior tibio-fibular ligaments:
• these ligaments, in conjunction with the interosseous membrane, prevent lateral displacement of the fibula and lateral drift of the talus during dorsiflexion
• usually accompanies severe injury to the ankle, often with fracture
• treatment involves stabilisation of the tibia and fibula by a screw from one bone to the other

• lateral ligaments:
• the lateral ligaments consist of three parts, any one of which can be damaged by sprains, but especially inversion injuries
• compromised lateral ligaments permit the talus to move relative to the tibia and fibula, possible resulting in chronic instability
• operative repair is not performed acutely in the UK
• late repair repair is not possible - the usual treatment being tenodesis e.g. the Dilwyn-Evans procedure

• medial ligaments:
• the fan-shaped medial deltoid ligaments are far stronger than their lateral counterparts, hence stress here tends to pull the medial malleolus off of the shaft of the tibia
• reduction of the ligament and bone may be required