Ankle Sprains (Lateral Collateral Ligament injuries)

Ankle ligament injuries or “sprains” are among the most common of sports injuries. There are several patterns of ankle ligament injury, but by far the most common is rupture or partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament complex. This usually occurs during an inversion injury (“flip–over”) of the ankle. It may be associated with an osteochondral lesion or small avulsion fracture.

In most cases the ankle will respond well to physiotherapy aimed at restoring strength to the ankle and compensating for the ruptured ligament. This can usually be started within a few days of injury, though in very severe cases a period of immobilization in a plaster or Aircast boot may be beneficial. Most of the cases that fail to respond to non-operative treatment do well with surgery to repair the damage.