Nonoperative treatment of double lateral ligament tears of the ankle*

Abstract

In this article the objective evaluation of 39 cases of double lateral ligament tears of the ankle treated by cast immobilization is described. Such treatment resulted in a 79.5% success rate as determined by repeat stress roentgenograms. In addition, a statistical method which may aid the orthopaedist in deciding whether to use nonoperative or operative treatment is presented.