Medial ankle ligament tears
These are less common; these injuries sometimes require surgery but this is assessed on an individual basis. They may be associated with lateral and syndesmotic ligament tears.
Syndesmotic tears
These are relatively common and are also known as “high ankle sprains”. Usually we carefully assess these and do not recommend surgery. However, there is a need for proper assessment because the varieties that need surgery really do require an operation and should NOT be managed without surgery.
A sports doctor or orthopaedic surgeon should assess these patients, usually organise an MRI and weight bearing Xray and then make a careful judgement as to whether surgery is needed.
Postoperative treatment will include the use of crutches for a period of time, with physiotherapy and perhaps delayed removal of fixation needed for the surgery.