Abstract

Injuries of the ankle joint are among the most common sports injuries. Although the majority of them are relatively trivial lesions, the examination of ankle injuries should be active and thorough in order to avoid misdiagnosis and possible later instability, which may hamper athletic training as well as cause trouble in everyday life. Active examination consists of the clinical examination, native radiographs, arthrography of the ankle joint and stress Xray pictures. Experience is needed in the interpretation of the clinical and radiological findings. With relatively little training, however, one can learn to use the above-mentioned methods moderately well. The treatment of ankle injuries should be active in young and physically active people. The anatomy should be restored to as normal a state as possible, by exact reduction of the fractures and by suturation of the ruptured ligaments or bony avulsions. Active rehabilitation is started during the immobilization period and is intensified after removal of the casts and braces, aiming to restore full athletic activity without health risks. Verf.-Referat