During the last 5 years, we have performed the operation for the torn lateral ligament in 58 ankles of fresh cases. According to Mure's classification, type of the tear of the anterior talo-fibular ligament during the operation could be classified into 7 groups. We compared the findings of our observation between each group according to talar tilt angle measured radiologically. Furthermore, in the cases that talar tilt angles were more than 15 degrees when they were injured, we compared the improvement of talar tilt angle between groups with the calcaneo-fibular ligament repaired and not repaired.
Radiological results of the transverse tear of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (type c) were not good.
In addition to the repair of the anterior talo-fibular ligament, the cases which received treatment of the torn calcaneo-fibular ligament indicated better improvement than those which were not treated for the ligament.
Hence, it is considered from these findings, that if a transverse tear of the anterior talo-fibular ligament with more than 15 degrees of talar tilt is observed, further examination would indicate a calcaneo-fibular ligament problem. These data suggest that it will be better for the patient's long term stability to provide treatment of the calcaneo-fibular ligament as well an talo-fibular ligament.
