[After care of surgically treated ruptures of the outer ligaments of the anterior ankle joint with special reference to the special Dr. Spring shoe].
P.o. treatment of ankle joint ligament ruptures via the special shoe "adimed-STABIL" can avoid the disadvantages of complete immobilisation with a cast. An essential condition for this type of management is the reliable prevention of extreme movements by means of this shoe, such as supination, adduction as well as maximal extension and flexion. In 10 patients with ankle joint ligament ruptures we could demonstrate that the special shoe could not fulfil these requirements, as demonstrated by stress x-rays with the correctly laced shoe under anaesthesia. Due to these results immobilisation of the ankle joint by cast after reconstruction of the ligaments appears to be the method of choice. Our observations in cases of ankle joint lesions could not confirm the fear that prolonged cast immobilisation would lead to trophic changes and would require functional physiotherapy. Because of the disadvantages of the special shoe in respect of insufficient stability, high cost, lack of ventilation and the problems involved in applying or taking off the shoe, or in remaining in "shoeless condition", we can recommend using this shoe in aftercare treatment in exceptional cases only.