A PROSPECTIVE study of acute disruption of the lateral ligament of the angle is presented where stressed AP and lateral radiographs, taken under general anaesthesia, were compared with the surgical findings to determine whether the talar tilt and anterior drawer signs could differentiate between individual ligament tears. Eighty percent of the entire series had combined anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligamen tears. Ninety-two percent of patients with combined lesions had a talar tilt of 10° or more and an anterior drawer sign of 10 mm or more. It is concluded that if carefully done, this method can yield a satisfactory diagnosis. Primary surgical repair produced pain-free functionally stable ankles, and can be offered to patients whose recreational activities necessitate perfect ankle function.