Management of ankle sprains

One hundred fifty-seven patients between the ages of 15 and 65 were evaluated for ankle injury. Patients without fractures were assigned to one of two treatment groups. Patients in the plaster splint group were non-weight-bearing. Patients in the early mobilization group used an elastic bandage and were permitted to begin partial weight bearing as soon as tolerated while using crutches. The talar tilt (stress) test was not found to be a useful routine radiographic study. Of the patients with follow-up, no significant benefit was obtained from the plaster splint. Aside from a previous ankle injury adversely affecting long-term ankle function, no historical or physical factor was useful in predicting either short- or long-term disability.