Ankle Ligament Tear

Ligament tears in the ankle represent the more severe forms of ankle sprains (see section on ankle sprains). These often occur in high energy ankle injuries such as car accidents, falls, significant sports injuries and ankle dislocations. These may also occur with ankle fractures as well.

The most common and significant ligament tears include tears in the Anterior TaloFibular Ligament (ATFL), CalcaneoFibular Ligament (CFL), and the large Deltoid ligament complex. These are the primary ligaments for ankle joint stability and when significant injury occurs to them, ankle joint instability, pain and dysfunction will occur.

The diagnosis of these injuries is made based on a physical examination to evaluate each ligament and an MRI. Typically these injuries (in the absence of a surgical fracture being present) can be treated with immobilization and a course physical therapy. The type of immobilization, length of immobilization and length of physical therapy required will depend upon the specific ligaments that are injured and the extent of the injury to each. If the ligaments do not heal sufficiently by this method, then they typically will require a surgical reconstruction (replacement) of the damaged ligaments if symptoms from instability persist.