ABSTRACT
Recurrent instability of the ankle usually occurs after repeated acute inversion injuries. The three parts of the lateral collateral ligament are partially or completely torn and heal in a lengthened position, resulting in lateral joint laxity. This commonly affects the anterior talo-fibular and calcaneo-fibular parts, allowing anterior subluxation of the talus in the ankle mortice (anterior draw sign of the ankle). It has been suggested that repeated ‘going over on the ankle’ may be due to proprioceptor damage in the ligament rather than laxity.
