Early mobilization versus immobilization after ankle ligament stabilization

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Sports Medicine
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Chronic lateral ankle ligament instability often requires surgical reconstruction.
• Postoperative management strategies, including immobilization versus early mobilization, impact patient recovery.
• Optimizing functional outcomes and joint stability after ligament repair is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare functional outcomes, radiographic stability, and ankle joint torque between early mobilization and cast immobilization after anatomical lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of early range of motion training versus traditional casting.

Main Methods:

• Thirty patients with chronic lateral ankle instability underwent anatomical ligament reconstruction.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: 6-week cast immobilization (Group A) or early controlled range of motion with an ankle brace (Group B).
• Functional outcomes, stress radiographs, and plantar flexion/dorsiflexion muscle torque were evaluated postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Functional results were satisfactory in 80% of the cast group and 93% of the early mobilization group (not significant).
• Early mobilization (Group B) showed significantly higher peak plantar flexion torque at 3 months.
• No significant differences in ankle laxity or torque were observed at 2-year follow-up; one superficial wound infection occurred in the cast group.

Conclusions:

• Anatomical lateral ankle ligament reconstruction yields similar functional and stability outcomes with both early mobilization and 6-week immobilization.
• Early mobilization accelerates plantar flexion strength recovery without increasing short- or medium-term complications.
• Early mobilization is recommended after anatomical lateral ankle ligament reconstruction for faster functional recovery.