The outside (lateral) ligaments of the ankle may be damaged due to a significant ankle sprain. Most sprains recover without problems but a number of patients may experience recurrent giving way of the ankle joint. The ankle may invert (go inwards) with minimal force or on uneven surfaces.
Rehabilitation with strengthening and proprioceptive exercises may overcome this. An ankle brace may also help.
Surgery can be used to stabilize the ankle. This usually takes the form of a repair of the damaged ligments. In severe cases, or in cases where repair has failed, tendons may be used to reconstruct the damaged ligaments.