Multidirectional Chronic Ankle Instability: What Is It?

Foot Ankle Clin · Jun 2023 · Review

de Cesar Netto C, Valderrabano V, Mansur NSB

University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, Brazil 04023-062

Foot & Ankle

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis review discusses multidirectional chronic ankle instability, explaining how underestimated sprains and associated medial or syndesmotic instability contribute to persistent joint dysfunction beyond isolated lateral ligament injury.
Abstract, as published

Not all ankle sprains are the same and not all ankles behave the same way after an injury. Although we do not know the mechanisms behind an injury producing an unstable joint, we do know ankle sprains are highly underestimated. While some of the presumed lateral ligament lesions might eventually heal and produce minor symptoms, a substantial number of patients will not have the same outcome. The presence of associated injuries, such as additional medial chronic ankle instability, chronic syndesmotic instability, has been long discussed as a possible reason behind this. To explain multidirectional chronic ankle instability, this article aims to present the literature surrounding the condition and its importance nowadays.

Featured in the 2026-08-12 issue.

← Ankle Impingement: A Critical Analysis Review.Postoperative Sensory Nerve Complications Following Ankle Art… →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.