Assessing Lateral Ankle Sprains With a New Arthrometer.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Biomechanics

Background:

• Lateral ankle sprains are common injuries.
• Objective assessment of joint laxity is needed.
• Ankle arthrometers offer a simple, affordable solution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of an ankle arthrometer.
• To assess ankle joint laxity in individuals with ankle sprains.

Main Methods:

• Ankle arthrometer used for anterior drawer test in prone position.
• Evaluated uninjured, grade 1, and grade 2 ankle sprains (10 participants each).
• Clinicians blinded to each other's data.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in anterior translation found between all groups (P < .001 for control vs. I and II; P = .004 for I vs. II).
• Mean anterior translation differences: ±0.31 mm (healthy), 1.11 mm (grade 1), 2.16 mm (grade 2).
• Study supports using injured/uninjured ratio for objective laxity measurement.

Conclusions:

• Ankle arthrometer provides objective joint laxity assessment.
• Enhances patient evaluation throughout recovery.
• Mitigates variability by comparing to the individual's healthy ankle.