Ankle sprains and other soft tissue injuries

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Rehabilitation Science

Background:

• Lateral ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports.
• Evaluation requires considering all soft tissue structures around the lateral ankle.
• Treatment has shifted from immobilization to functional rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the evolving treatment of lateral ankle sprains.
• To address the controversy surrounding surgical intervention for acute severe ankle sprains.
• To highlight the challenges in managing persistent lateral ankle pain post-injury.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on lateral ankle sprain management.
• Discussion of diagnostic approaches for persistent ankle pain.
• Consideration of intra-articular and extra-articular pathologies.

Main Results:

• Most ankle sprains successfully treated with functional rehabilitation.
• A subset of patients experience residual pain and instability.
• Persistent pain can stem from various intra- or extra-articular issues.

Conclusions:

• Surgical timing for acute severe ankle sprains remains a clinical debate.
• Accurate diagnosis of persistent lateral ankle pain is essential.
• Comprehensive evaluation including history, physical exam, and ancillary studies is key for optimal patient outcomes.