Isolated calcaneofibular ligament injury: a report of two cases

Abstract

Injury to the lateral ankle ligaments is very common among both athletes and nonathletes alike. Although anterior talofibular ligament injuries and combination anterior talofibular ligament and calcaneofibular ligament injuries are considerably common, an isolated injury to the calcaneofibular ligament has rarely been reported. We present the case reports of 2 patients, both of whom had sustained an isolated calcaneofibular ligament injury. In both patients, the diagnosis was obtained from the clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging. Also, in 1 patient, formal open surgical inspection was performed. We advocate conservative treatment initially using the same protocols used for common lateral ankle ligament injuries and, if necessary, surgical intervention to address this unique and rare pathologic entity.

Keywords: Broström; ankle; diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); sprain; surgery.