Ankle instability and intra-articular injuries in children

Ankle instability is a common problem in children and adolescents. What may seem like an initial, relatively benign ankle injury for a child may lead to chronic pain, chronic instability and gradual loss of the ability to participate in certain activities. The complications of an ankle injury can include osteochondral defects, which may require urgent surgical attention and may be associated with an increased long-term risk of osteoarthritis. This article aims to provide trainees and general orthopaedic surgeons with a systematic approach to the assessment, diagnosis and management of ankle instability in the paediatric population. We explore the mechanisms of the initial injury together with factors that may increase the risk of injury to the child. Guidance on clinical examination and of the ankle joint is provided. Though short periods of immobilization and proprioceptive activities are the mainstay of treatment, there is a small subset of these patients who will benefit from further imaging and surgical intervention to prevent the chronic sequelae of ankle instability.