Acute ankle injury.

Abstract

Acute ankle injury is a problem observed in people performing daily and work activities as well as in the athlete. The ankle is the most commonly injured joint in the body. Understanding the anatomy and mechanism of injury facilitates evaluation, diagnosis, and management. Evaluation, diagnostic imaging, and treatment options are presented. Most injuries can be managed conservatively in the primary care setting. A systematic approach to ankle evaluation can differentiate between injuries requiring orthopedic referral and those that can be managed by the nurse practitioner.