Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

09:14
A Mouse Model of Ankle-Subtalar Complex Joint Instability
Published on: October 28, 2022
Treatment options for ankle ligament sprain
1New Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Emergency Department, Birmingham. harmony.slade@uhb.nhs.uk
Summary
Recent research suggests air-stirrup ankle braces are effective for managing moderate to severe ankle sprains in emergency departments (EDs). This evidence-based approach can improve patient outcomes and standardize care.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Ankle sprains are common injuries with variable management strategies.
- Existing literature on ankle sprain treatment shows inconsistent evidence quality and diverging conclusions.
- Current emergency department (ED) practices for ankle sprains often lack consistency and may not align with the evidence base.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on ankle sprain management.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for emergency department (ED) practices.
- To evaluate the utility of air-stirrup ankle braces for moderate and severe ankle sprains.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on ankle sprain management.
- Analysis of evidence supporting different treatment modalities.
- Assessment of the applicability of findings to emergency department (ED) settings.
Main Results:
- Variable quality of evidence exists for current ankle sprain management protocols.
- Recent research supports specific interventions for different injury severities.
- Air-stirrup ankle braces demonstrate efficacy in managing moderate and severe ankle sprains.
Conclusions:
- Standardized, evidence-based management of ankle sprains is needed in EDs.
- Air-stirrup ankle braces are a recommended option for moderate to severe ankle sprains in the ED setting.
- Implementing evidence-based bracing can improve care for ankle sprain patients.
Related Concept Videos
Ankle Joint
The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
