Ankle Lateral Collateral Ligament Injury Rehabilitation: Current Issues and Future Trends

Abstract

Lateral ankle ligament injuries are one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal injuries accounting for 40 percent of all sports-related trauma. Inadequate rehabilitation may result in a high incidence of re-injury and chronic ankle instability, which causes a lasting effects on mobility and quality of life. This paper discusses the anatomy of the lateral ankle ligament tears, existing rehabilitation evaluation techniques and management plans, and some of the obstacles and opportunities that define future clinical trends. The outcomes of the research show that the most vulnerable structure is ATFL and the primary subject of graded rehabilitation. Under the POLICE principle, functional rehabilitation has consistently outperformed as opposed to immobilization. Re-injury can be reduced through neuromuscular training and criterion-based return-to-sport protocols. High-grade injuries have yielded positive surgical results, particularly when there is particularly with early postoperative mobilization. The existing gaps are the inadequate prevention of chronic ankle instability, lack of individual protocols, psychological issues, a lack of specificity in exercises and long-term outcomes. Thus, a precision rehabilitation model comprising wearable technology, AI-assisted decision-making, and tailored individual care strategies holds strong potential to address current limitations and improve long-term patient outcomes.