Lateral Ankle Instability: Review of the Diagnosis & Treatment

Abstract

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can progress into chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). Definitive diagnosis and optimal treatment of CLAI are still controversial. Multiple studies have been conducted to better understand the anatomy and underlying pathophysiology of CLAI. History and physical examination are essential tools in the diagnosis of CLAI. Further imaging studies, including stress views, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound, can aid in diagnosis if the physical examination findings are vague. Conservative treatment is often successful in the acute setting and can also be considered the first line of treatment in CLAI. Anatomic and nonanatomic procedures are described in the treatment of CLAI. Open anatomic repair with the Broström-Gould procedure seems to be the gold standard technique. Arthroscopic intervention emerged in the last decade, but there is still not enough evidence to support this procedure over the open Broström-Gould procedure. This review article aimed to summarize the diagnostic methodology and treatment options for CLAI.