Management of ankle sprains

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Ankle injuries are common, affecting individuals aged 15-65.
• Optimal treatment for non-fracture ankle injuries remains a subject of research.
• Predicting long-term outcomes for ankle injuries is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of early mobilization versus plaster splinting for ankle injuries.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the talar tilt test.
• To identify factors predicting short- and long-term disability after ankle injury.

Main Methods:

• 157 patients (15-65 years) with ankle injuries were assessed.
• Patients without fractures were randomized to plaster splint (non-weight-bearing) or early mobilization (elastic bandage, partial weight-bearing with crutches).
• Talar tilt (stress) test was performed; historical and physical factors were recorded.

Main Results:

• No significant benefit of plaster splints over early mobilization was observed.
• The talar tilt test was not a useful routine radiographic study.
• Previous ankle injury negatively impacted long-term function, but no other factors predicted disability.

Conclusions:

• Early mobilization with elastic bandages is a viable treatment option for non-fracture ankle injuries.
• Plaster splints do not offer significant advantages.
• Predictive factors for disability in ankle injuries are limited, with prior injury being a key determinant.