Clinical Characteristics and Trends of Lateral Ankle Ligament Injuries:

Abstract

Background: Recurrent inversion injuries are a major contributor to chronic ankle instability (CAI), resulting in long-term functional limitations, reduced physical activity, and diminished quality of life. While both arthroscopic and open surgical techniques are routinely employed worldwide, their outcomes remain unstudied in Mongolia. This study aimed to describe the national epidemiology of ankle ligament injuries and provide foundational data to inform future clinical and surgical research. Aim: To determine the prevalence, patterns, and associated demographic and environmental factors of ankle ligament injuries recorded in Mongolia between 2014 and 2023, and to conduct an epidemiological analysis. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross sectional, single-center epidemiological analysis using anonymized secondary data from the National Trauma and Orthopedic Research Center (NTORC), Mongolia’s national tertiary referral hospital. Patient records from January 2, 2014, to December 28, 2023, were extracted from the E-Health national database and coded using ICD-10. Eligible cases included malleolar fractures, ligament sprains, dislocations, nerve injuries, and other lower limb traumas. Data on age, sex, residence, admission date, length of stay, and injury mechanism were categorized into 167 specific etiologies and 14 major groups. Results: Falls were the predominant injury mechanism (71.1%), particularly among females (83.3%) and urban residents (76.4%). A seasonal peak occurred in winter, with 8.1% of injuries linked to iceand snow-related falls. Rural males had a higher proportion of transport-related injuries, notably involving motorcycles. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATaFL) was the most frequently affected structure. Individuals aged 15–44 years represented the largest proportion of ligament injury cases. Conclusion: Between 2014 and 2023, 4,757 ankle ligament injuries were recorded in Mongolia. Males accounted for 57.7% of cases, with the highest incidence observed in individuals aged 15–44 years (68.8%). Seventy-five percent of injuries occurred in Ulaanbaatar. Falls were the leading mechanism (>70%), particularly during winter, followed by road trafÏc accidents. Emergency department visits increased over time, while hospitalization rates remained low and stable.