Evaluation and management of high ankle sprains.

Owing to the variability of injury, a mechanism of injury other than external rotation of the foot should not rule out a high ankle sprain. One must consider syndesmotic injury in the differential diagnosis of common ankle sprains and trauma. A high index of suspicion must lead the physician through clinical and radiographic examinations. Early and appropriate treatment of a high ankle sprain can greatly decrease a prolonged return to activity. Patients, especially competitive atheletes, must be educated regarding the morbidity of the condition.