The unresolved ankle sprain is one of the most common referrals to a specialist orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon.

These injuries occur in sports people as well as workers, and frequently cause prolonged sporting inactivity or time off work.

The unresolved ankle sprain can be defined as that injury which does not resolve with appropriate conservative treatment within six weeks. The pathology causing an ankle sprain to be unresolved can involve soft tissue or bony structures.

Thorough clinical and radiological assessment is necessary to secure the diagnosis, institute effective surgical treatment and counsel the patient accurately with regards to prognosis for the injury.

This paper discusses the differential diagnosis & surgery in order to resolve prolonged disability after the common ankle sprain.