Biomechanical effectiveness of controlled ankle motion boots: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

INTRODUCTION: Controlled ankle motion (CAM) boots are a below-knee orthotic device prescribed for the management of foot and ankle injuries to reduce ankle range of motion (RoM) and offload the foot and ankle whilst allowing continued ambulation during recovery. There is a lack of clarity within the current literature surrounding the biomechanical understanding and effectiveness of CAM boots. AIMS: To summarise the biomechanical effects of CAM boot wear as an orthotic for restricting ankle RoM and offloading the foot. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. All papers were independently screened by two authors for inclusion. Methodological quality was appraised using Joanna Briggs Critical Appraisal checklists. A narrative synthesis of all eligible papers was produced. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 197 participants (113 male and 84 female) were included. All studies were quasi-randomised and employed a within-study design, of which 12 studies included a control group and a range of CAM boots were investigated. CAM boots can be seen to restrict ankle RoM, however, neighboring joints such as the knee and hip do have kinetic and kinematic compensatory alterations. Plantar pressure of the forefoot is effectively redistributed to the hindfoot by CAM boots. CONCLUSION: The compensatory mechanisms at the hip and knee joint during CAM boot wear could explain the secondary site pain often reported in patients, specifically at the ipsilateral knee and contralateral hip. Although CAM boots can be used to restrict ankle motion, this review has highlighted a lack of in-boot kinematic analyses during CAM boot use, where tracking markers are placed on the anatomical structure rather than on the boot, or through video fluoroscopy, urging the need for a more robust methodological approach to achieve this. There is a need for studies to assess the biomechanical alterations caused by CAM boots in populations living with foot and ankle pathologies. Future research, adopting a longitudinal study design, is required to fully understand the effectiveness of CAM boots for rehabilitation.

Epidemiology of lateral ankle sprain focusing on indirect contact mechanism in male and female soccer players: An 18.5-month cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological research highlights the need to understand sports injuries for effective prevention. Yet, detailed knowledge about lateral ankle sprain (LAS) in soccer, especially related to indirect contact mechanisms and specific sports movements, remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LAS by examining injury mechanisms, focusing on indirect contact, and analyzing sports-related movements. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. METHODS: In this prospective study, 304 high-school and college soccer players (age: 19.0 ± 2.2 years, height: 168.3 ± 10.6 cm, weight: 64.2 ± 11.1 kg) were monitored for 18.5 months. Attendance and LAS incidents were recorded daily. Injury details, including movement at the time of injury, contact presence, and direction, were collected through interviews conducted on the injury day. LAS were categorized into direct contact, indirect contact, and non-contact mechanisms. Direct contact injuries were due to external forces on the lower leg or foot. Indirect contact injuries resulted from impacts on areas other than the lower leg or foot, and non-contact injuries involved no interaction with the ball or opponent. Incidence rates per 1,000 athlete exposures and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, along with rate ratios (RR) to assess sex differences. RESULTS: The study recorded 59 LAS injuries. Indirect injuries were predominant, accounting for 47.5 % (n = 28) of the cases. Men experienced a higher incidence of indirect injuries, with an RR of 2.29 (95 % CI: 1.06-4.96). Outward contact was the most common (77.8 %; n = 21), while inward contact occurred in 22.2 % of the cases (n = 6). CONCLUSION: High school and college soccer players primarily sustained injuries through indirect contact mechanisms, with a significant number of injuries occurring during lateral contact. Men were more prone to indirect contact injuries. Furthermore, 47.5 % of LAS incidents involved reactive movements, and injuries frequently occurred during specific sports actions, such as ball interception.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute ankle injuries according to: a PRISMA systematic review and quality appraisal with AGREE II.

BACKGROUND: Acute ankle injuries are commonly seen in emergency rooms, with significant social impact and potentially devastating consequences. While several clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) related to ankle injuries have been developed by various organizations, there is a lack of critical appraisal of them. The purpose of this systematic review is to identify and critically appraise evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EB-CPGs) related to acute ankle injuries in adults. METHOD: We conducted searches in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE databases, WHO, and reviewed 98 worldwide orthopedic association websites up until early 2023. Two authors independently applied the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and each evidence-based clinical practice guideline (EB-CPG) underwent independent critical appraisal of its content by all four authors using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. AGREE II scores for each domain were then calculated. RESULTS: This review included five evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. The mean scores for all six domains were as follows: Scope and Purpose (87.8%), Stakeholder Involvement (69.2%), Rigour of Development (72.5%), Clarity of Presentation (86.9%), Applicability (45.6%), and Editorial Independence (53.3%). CONCLUSION: The number of EB-CPGs related to ankle injuries are limited and the overall quality of the existing evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (EB-CPGs) for ankle injuries is not strong, with three of them being outdated. However, valuable guidance related to Ottawa rules, manual therapy, cryotherapy, functional supports, early ambulation, and rehabilitation has been highlighted. Challenges remain in areas such as monitoring and/or auditing criteria, consideration of the target population's views and preferences, and ensuring editorial independence. Future guidelines should prioritize improvements in these domains to enhance the quality and relevance of ankle injury management. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW: Systematic review.

Peri-ankle muscles architecture and performance changes in patients with chronic ankle instability: A retrospective cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to identify changes in the architecture and performance of the peri-ankle muscles in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and investigate the relationship between them. In total, 17 subjects were evaluated retrospectively. Each subject underwent anthropometric and isokinetic test, and peroneus longus (PL) and brevis (PB), medial gastrocnemius (MGCM), and tibialis anterior (TA) ultrasound imaging were performed at rest and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) conditions. Regarding muscle architectural variables, the pennation angle (PA) of the MGCM at rest and the PA of the TA, MGCM, and PL in MVC were significantly reduced on the injured side compared to the intact side. There were no significant differences in muscle thickness of PL, PB, MGCM, and TA observed between intact and injured side during both rest and MVC. Regarding muscle performance parameters, significant decreased were observed in the muscle strength for both limbs in all four directions under the two different conditions. A secondary finding was that the relative PA ratio of the TA showed moderate correlation with the relative dorsiflexion ratio at 30°/s. These findings can provide opportunities to better understand how injuries in patients with CAI may be related to changes in ankle and foot function.

A Cadaveric Study: Does Ankle Positioning Affect the Quality of Anatomic Syndesmosis Reduction?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the quality of syndesmotic reduction with the ankle in maximal dorsiflexion versus neutral plantarflexion (normal resting position). METHODS: Baseline computed tomography (CT) imaging of 10 cadaveric ankle specimens from 5 donors was obtained with the ankles placed in normal resting position. Two fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons disrupted the syndesmosis of each ankle specimen. All ankles were then placed in neutral plantarflexion and were subsequently reduced with thumb pressure under direct visualization through an anterolateral approach and stabilized with one 0.062-inch K-wire placed from lateral to medial in a quadricortical fashion across the syndesmosis. Postreduction CT scans were then obtained with the ankle in normal resting position. This process was repeated with the ankles placed in maximal dorsiflexion during reduction and stabilization. Postreduction CT scans were then obtained with the ankles placed in normal resting position. All postreduction CT scans were compared with baseline CT imaging using mixed-effects linear regression with significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Syndesmotic reduction and stabilization in maximal dorsiflexion led to increased external rotation of the fibula compared with baseline scans [13.0 ± 5.4 degrees (mean ± SD) vs. 7.5 ± 2.4 degrees, P = 0.002]. There was a tendency toward lateral translation of the fibula with the ankle reduced in maximal dorsiflexion (3.3 ± 1.0 vs. 2.7 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.096). No other statistically significant differences between measurements of reduction with the ankle placed in neutral plantarflexion or maximal dorsiflexion compared with baseline were present (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing the syndesmosis with the ankle in maximal dorsiflexion may lead to malreduction with external rotation of the fibula. There was no statistically significant difference in reduction quality with the ankle placed in neutral plantarflexion compared with baseline. Future studies should assess the clinical implications of ankle positioning during syndesmotic fixation.

Clinical and Radiographic Results After Treatment of Traumatic Syndesmotic Instability Using a Novel Screw-Suture Syndesmotic Fixation Device.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to report early outcomes of a novel screw-suture syndesmotic device compared with suture button fixation devices when treating traumatic syndesmotic instability. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Single academic Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: All adult patients who had syndesmotic fixation with the novel device [novel syndesmotic repair implant (NSRI) group] compared with a suture button device (SB group) between January 2018 and December 2022. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Medial clear space and tibiofibular overlap measurements were compared immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year or skeletal healing. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients (25 female) with an average age of 47 years (range 19-78 years) were in the NSRI group compared with 52 patients (20 female) with an average age of 41 years (range 18-73 years) in the SB group. There were no significant differences when comparing body mass index, diabetes, or smoking status between groups (P > 0.05). There was no difference when comparing the postoperative and final medial clear space measurements in the NSRI group compared with the SB group (P = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, -0.32 to 0.27). There was no difference when comparing the postoperative and final tibiofibular overlap measurements in the NSRI group compared with the SB group (P = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, -0.072 to 0.09). There were 3 cases of implant removal in the NSRI group compared with 2 in the SB group (P = 0.77). There was 1 failure in the NSRI group and none in the SB group. The remaining patients were all fully ambulatory at the final follow-up (P = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: A novel screw-suture syndesmotic implant provides the fixation of a screw, and the flexibility of a suture had similar radiographic outcomes compared with suture button fixation devices in treating ankle syndesmotic instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of aquatic versus conventional physical therapy program on ankle sprain grade III in elite athletes: randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle sprains are the second most common sports injury after knee injuries, with about 85% of them affecting the lateral ankle ligaments. These injuries are particularly prevalent in sports like basketball and volleyball. PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Aquatic therapy as an early rehabilitation protocol for elite athletes with acute lateral ankle sprain grade III on back-to-sport time, dynamic balance, pain, Athletic performance, and muscle power compared to land-based exercise training. METHODS: Thirty elite athletes have ankle sprain grade III with sprain onset from 1 to 7 days, their age ranges from 18-30 years old were recruited. All participants are professional athletes; mainly participating in above-head sports such as volleyball and basketball. The patients were randomly allocated into two treatment groups: Group I (control group): 15 patients received a conventional physical therapy program of structured therapeutic exercise program, manual therapy and land-based exercises, in addition to external support, and Group II (Aquatic therapy group): 15 patients received aquatic training. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure the pain intensity, while the dynamic balance was measured by the Star Excursion Balance Test. Athletic performance was measured by HOP Tests (Single, Triple, 6-m, and Cross-over hops) aided by the Agility T-Test (ATT) and Illinois Agility Test (IAT). Muscle power was tested by a Single Leg Press. Finally, back to sports time was recorded for each participant in both groups. RESULTS: There was a significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for VAS (p < 0.001), single hop (p < 0.001), triple hop (p < 0.001), cross-over hop (p < 0.001), IAT (p = 0.019) and ATT (p < 0.001) of both affected and nonaffected. There was no significant interaction effect of Aquatic therapy and time for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.923), and nonaffected (p = 0.140). There was a significant main effect of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001) except for 6-MHT of affected (p = 0.939), nonaffected (p = 0.109), and IAT (p = 0.099). The Star excursion dynamic balance test (SEBT) and Single leg press revealed a significant difference between groups on affected and non-affected sides (p < 0.001*). Lastly and most importantly the back-to-sport time revealed a significant difference in the return-to-sport time in favor of the Aquatic therapy group who returned faster than the control group (p < 0.001*). CONCLUSION: Aquatic therapy is more effective than traditional protocols regarding early rehabilitation of acute ankle sprain grade III in Elite professional athletes for reducing pain intensity, improving dynamic balance and athletic performance and power and accelerating their return to sports time. Because aquatic therapy produces better outcomes, it is advised to be included in the rehabilitation programs of athletic patients with acute ankle sprains grade III.

Propeller flap's assisted recipient site closure after free SCIP flap coverage of medial ankle defect: A case report.

Defects in the distal lower limbs are common in the field of orthoplastic reconstruction. The ankle area presents little subcutaneous tissue and is often affected by high-energy traumas and bone fractures. Wounds in this region are frequently associated with severe edema that might prevent primary closure. Due to its thinness and tension, the skin overlying both the medial and lateral malleoli is prone to necrosis, which can further lead to large soft tissue defects. Vessels, nerves, and tendons can easily become exposed. The reconstructive approach should aim to provide high-quality tissue that is durable enough to withstand the weight-bearing pressures and the friction from shoes, while remaining sufficiently elastic to conform to the shape of the ankle and to permit the foot movement. In this study, we describe the use of an additional propeller flap to reduce skin tension at the recipient site. A superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap was utilized to cover a defect below the medial malleolus. However, after flap inset, achieving a primary closure of the proximal wound without tension was not possible. During the dissection of the posterior tibial artery, perforator vessels were identified and preserved. The larger of these vessels was then used to vascularize a propeller flap, which was then rotated toward the defect to aid a tension-free closure. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case may provide a valuable insight into the challenges often faced during wound closure, even after flap inset. Since the flap itself may increase the width of the dissection area, the present case shows the importance of preserving perforator vessels during the proximal dissection since they can allow the harvest of an additional flap to achieve primary closure and further alleviate tension.

Effects of 6 weeks of whole-body vibration training on ankle motor control: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Interventions on ankle motor control are important to prevent recurrent ankle sprains. Training using whole-body vibration may easily and effectively improve ankle motor control, but the effects have not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the effects of 6 weeks of training with whole-body vibration on ankle motor control in a dynamic movement task among healthy participants. METHODS: Twenty healthy university students (6 males and 14 females) were randomly allocated to whole-body vibration training and control groups, with 10 participants in each group. The training was performed twice a week for 6 weeks in both groups. Primary outcome was mean ankle angular jerk cost in the star excursion balance test. Secondary outcomes were maximum ankle motion angle and maximum reach distance in the star excursion balance test, ankle proprioception, and range of ankle dorsiflexion motion in the loaded position. RESULTS: There was a significant group × period (pre- and postintervention) interaction for mean ankle angular jerk cost in the direction of ankle abduction/adduction during posterolateral reaching, which was significantly lower at postintervention than that at preintervention in the whole-body vibration group In the whole-body vibration group, the maximum ankle dorsiflexion motion angle during anterior and posterolateral reaching was significantly higher at postintervention than that at preintervention. CONCLUSIONS: Training with whole-body vibration improves ankle motor control in dynamic movement tasks, although the direction of reach and plane of motion are limited. Additionally, training with whole-body vibration is also effective in increasing the ankle dorsiflexion angle during dynamic movement tasks.

All-Inside Arthroscopic and Open Techniques of the Modified Broström Procedure for the Treatment of Lateral Ankle Instability: Comparison of the Times to Return to Play.

Background and Objectives: Lateral ankle injuries are commonly encountered injuries, and the open modified Broström operation (OMBO) is the primary treatment option. Recently, an arthroscopic modification of the Broström operation (AMBO) was developed; many studies have shown that there are no significant differences in clinical and radiological outcomes between the two surgical methods. However, no studies have been conducted comparing the two surgical methods in terms of return to play (RTP) time. This study assesses the time to RTP and the functional clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients were enrolled from January 2012 to July 2014. They were segregated into two cohorts: the AMBO group comprised 30 patients, while the OMBO group comprised another 30 patients. Each participant underwent standardized treatment and rehabilitation regimens and RTP time was measured using seven questions that explored the times to return of painless walking, running, jumping, squatting, climbing stairs, and rising up on the heels and toes. We compared the time intervals from the onset of instability to the date of surgery. Clinical outcomes were evaluated before the surgery, 6 weeks after surgery, and 6 months after surgery. The assessments included the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, subjective satisfaction with rehabilitation, and activity level. Results: In terms of RTP, AMBO was associated with a shorter interval to walking without pain (7.07 ± 2.96 weeks) relative to OMBO (11.03 ± 8.58 weeks). No disparities were observed in the time to return to play (RTP) between OMBO and AMBO. While there were no discrepancies in the 6-month postoperative AOFAS or VAS scores, the 6-week postoperative VAS score was notably lower in the AMBO group compared to the OMBO group. AMBO provided a faster RTP in terms of two of the seven questions in a group exhibiting high-level physical activity. The rate of subjective satisfaction with rehabilitation was higher for AMBO than for OMBO. Conclusions: Aside from walking, the duration to return to play and the clinical outcomes were similar between AMBO and OMBO treatments for lateral ankle instability. AMBO is a good treatment option and should be carefully considered for athletes with lateral ankle instability. AMBO demonstrated positive outcomes in a group with higher activity levels compared to others, particularly in terms of time to RTP, subjective satisfaction, and postoperative pain.

Potential Roles of Inflammation on Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis of the Ankle.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the ankle (PTOA) is frequently observed following a debilitating consequence of intra-articular ankle fractures. Numerous risk factors contribute to the pathogenesis of PTOA, including articular incongruity, joint malalignment, and concomitant soft tissue damage. Despite attempts to restore joint anatomy and manage soft tissues to avoid long-term complications after intra-articular ankle fractures, the incidence of PTOA remains markedly elevated. Inflammatory processes triggered by intra-articular ankle fractures have emerged as potential instigators that expedite the progression of PTOA. Injury to the articular cartilage and subchondral bone may lead to the release of inflammatory mediators, which can contribute to cartilage degradation and bone resorption. This study provides a narrative review on the current knowledge concerning the association between inflammation and the development of PTOA following intra-articular ankle fractures. We also discuss novel therapeutic agents that target inflammatory pathways to impede the progression of post-traumatic osteoarthritis after intra-articular ankle fractures. These medication and interventions were summarized within this review article.

Syndesmotic fixation in Weber B ankle fractures: A systematic review.

Weber Type B fractures often arise from external rotation with the foot supinated or pronated. Altered tibiofibular joint kinematics in Weber B fractures are responsible for syndesmotic damage seen in Weber B fractures. Weber B fractures are managed using open reduction and internal fixation if displaced. The syndesmosis is injured in up to 40% of cases resulting in an unstable injury with a syndesmotic diastasis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current literature on syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures, assess the outcomes and complications of syndesmotic fixation and assess the necessity of syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures. A search was carried out on the EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL databases and eight studies assessing the outcomes of syndesmotic fixations versus no syndesmotic fixation with 292 Weber B ankle fractures were included in this systematic review. Results showed significant heterogeneity so a narrative review was conducted. Results of these studies showed that functional, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes and incidences of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with syndesmotic screws were similar to those of patients not managed with syndesmotic screws. Only one favoured syndesmotic fixation in all cases of diastasis. As such, syndesmotic fixation with screws may not be necessary in the management of Weber B fractures. Screws are also associated with breakage, loosening, local irritation and infections. Suture button devices and antiglide fixation techniques appear to be valid alternatives to syndesmotic screws. It was found that there was no need for routine hardware removal unless the hardware was causing significant side effects for the patient.

Lower leg muscle activation during the ebbets foot drills.

Lateral ankle sprains (LAS) often lead to chronic ankle instability (CAI). The Ebbets foot drills were created to strengthen the lower leg muscles and reduce the risk of LAS. The current study aimed to explore the activation of the lower leg muscles during the Ebbets foot drills. Twenty-two (22) college students without LAS participated in the study. Surface electromyography (sEMG) of the tibialis anterior (TA), tibialis posterior (TP), and peroneus longus (PL) was collected during each of the Ebbets foot drills and a normal walking trial. The sEMG mean root mean square (RMS) was calculated for each walking and Ebbets foot drill trial duration. The mean RMS was higher during the Ebbets foot drills compared to normal walking for all muscles. The TA sEMG mean RMS was greater (4.0-68.3%, P = 0.001-0.023) during all the Ebbets foot drills than during the walking trial. The TP had greater mean RMS during the toe-in (50.4%, P < 0.001), toe-out (55.0%, P < 0.001), and backward walking (47.3%, P < 0.001) drills, than during the walking trial. The PL had greater mean RMS during all Ebbets foot drills (19.4-53.7%, P < 0.001) except for the heel walking and inversion drills. Ebbets foot drills higher muscle activity than regular walking, suggesting that the Ebbets foot drills could aid in the strengthening of the TA, TP, and PL muscles. These results build evidence on Ebbets' theory and indicate that these drills may be used to rehabilitate LAS and CAI.

Effects of ankle joint mobilization on dynamic balance muscle activity and dynamic balance in persons with chronic ankle instability - Feasibility of a cross-over study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies with focus on effects of manual therapy techniques on postural control and muscle activity in patients with chronic ankle instability (are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a planned cross-over study to assess efficacy of manual therapy techniques applications in patients with chronic ankle instability. METHODS: This feasibility study used a randomized controlled, blinded assessor cross-over design. Criteria of success under evaluation were adherence and attrition rates and adverse events. while preliminary treatment effects of manual therapy techniques on muscular activity (measured by surface electromyography) and on dynamic balance (measured by time to stabilization test) were secondary aims. RESULTS: Thirteen participants (mean age: 24.4 ± 3.8 years) with chronic ankle instability volunteered in this feasibility study. Success criteria showed a high adherence (98.7%) and low attrition (0%). No missing data were reported but four out of 26 data sets could not be used for statistical analysis because of non-readability of the recorded data. Preliminary treatment effect showed divergent results for surface electromyography and time to stabilization. One significant result (p = 0.03, ES = 1.48) in peroneus longus muscle activity after jump landing between 30 and 60 ms could be determined. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the study protocol is feasible but should be modified by offering participants the opportunity to familiarize to the jumps and to the test repetitions. This study generates better understanding of manual therapy techniques for patients with chronic ankle instability.

Characteristics of injuries related to Kin-Ball sport in Japan: A questionnaire study.

INTRODUCTION: The number of Kin-Ball sport participants is expected to increase in the future. However, there is no report on the characteristics of the injuries associated with Kin-Ball sport. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics of injuries relate to Kin-Ball sport. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred ninety Kin-Ball sport participants were included in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The questionnaire was designed based on physical characteristics, participation in Kin-Ball sport, and Kin-Ball sport injuries. Participation in Kin-Ball sport includes the length of time spent playing Kin-Ball sport as well as the playing categories (junior, friendly, champion challenge, champion, over 40). Kin-Ball sport injuries include the presence or absence of injury experience, the site, type, situation, and current injuries or pain associated with Kin-Ball sport. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-two players (80%) of Kin-Ball sport participants were injured. The ankle was the most frequently visited body site (60; 22.1%), and the elbow was the second most visited body site (40; 14.8%). Sprains were the most common type of injury. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to describe the characteristics of injuries relate to Kin-Ball sport. The findings of this study could be beneficial for athletes, coaches, trainers, and clinicians to prevent, or treatment of the injuries.

Ankle sprain, concussion, and anterior cruciate ligament injuries are common and burdensome in sub-elite female Australian football players.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiology of injuries in sub-elite female Australian Football (AF). DESIGN: Prospective cohort. METHODS: 424 athletes were tracked across a 12-match season. Injury characteristics (location, severity, mechanism) were reported. Injury incidence (injuries per 1000 h) and injury burden (days absent per 1000 h) were calculated. Severity was considered as the number of days missed between injury onset and return to full training. Incidence was compared using incidence rate ratios, and severity using a Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Total injury incidence was 10.8 (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 9.0, 12.8) injuries per 1000 h. Match incidence was 34.6 (95 % CI = 28.0, 42.4) injuries per 1000 h. Ankle sprain injuries (2.2 per 1000 h, 95 % CI = 1.4, 3.1) and concussion (1.6 per 1000 h, 95 % CI = 1.0, 2.5) injuries were the most frequent, followed by anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries (0.9 per 1000 h, 95 % CI = 0.4, 1.6). ACL (40.4 days per 1000 h, 95 % CI = 36.9, 44.1), ankle sprain injuries (31.4 per 1000 h, 95 % CI =28.4, 34.7), and concussion (19.9 per 1000 h, 95 % CI = 17.5, 22.5) injuries were also the most burdensome. There were 78 mild, 34 moderate, and 21 severe injuries. ACL injuries were the most severe injury (56.0 [77.0] in-season days missed). CONCLUSIONS: This research describes the first large-scale injury profile of sub-elite female AF, reporting time-loss measures of incidence and burden for many injury types. Ankle sprain injuries, concussions, and ACL injuries are common and burdensome, and should be prioritised for prevention.

Outcomes comparison of elastic bandage versus lower-leg cast immobilization after anterior talofibular ligament repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes between patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) undergoing arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) repair who received elastic bandage treatment and those who received lower-leg cast immobilization. METHODS: CAI patients with isolated ATFL injury undergoing arthroscopic ATFL repair from January 2017 and August 2019 were included in the study. The visual analogue scale (VAS) at rest and during activities, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (Karlsson score), and time of returning to walk, walk normally, work and sports were evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 months and 12 months follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in this study. Among them, 24 patients accepted lower-leg cast fixation, and the other 17 patients were immobilized with elastic bandage. Compared to patients with lower-leg immobilization, patients with elastic bandage fixation had significantly lower VAS during activities (P = 0.021) and higher AOFAS score (P = 0.015) at 12 months follow-up. The Karlsson score at 6 months follow-up were significantly higher in elastic bandage group than those in lower-leg group (P = 0.011). However, no significant difference was observed in time of returning to walk, work and sports between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Elastic bandage treatment was better than lower-leg cast immobilization in terms of eliminating pain symptom at 12 months follow-up, and improving ankle functional outcome at 6 months follow-up. Moreover, the present study emphasized that lower-leg cast immobilization offered no advantages in arthroscopic ATFL repair postoperative immobilization. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Comparative Efficacy of Micro-Needle-Knife Therapy and Acupuncture in Acute Ankle Sprains: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Micro-needle knife (MNK) therapy releases the superficial fascia to alleviate pain and improve joint function in patients with acute ankle sprains (AAS). We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MNK therapy vs that of acupuncture. MATERIAL AND METHODS This blinded assessor, randomized controlled trial allocated 80 patients with AAS to 2 parallel groups in a 1: 1 ratio. The experimental group received MNK therapy; the control group underwent conventional acupuncture treatment at specified acupoints. Clinical efficacy differences between the 2 groups before (time-point 1 [TP1]) and after treatment (TP2) were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Kofoed ankle score. Safety records and evaluations of adverse events were documented. One-month follow-up after treatment (TP3) was conducted to assess the intervention scheme's reliability. RESULTS VAS and Kofoed ankle scores significantly improved in both groups. No patients dropped due to adverse events. At TP1, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of VAS and Kofoed scores (P>0.05). However, at TP2, efficacy of MNK therapy in releasing the superficial fascia was significantly superior to that of acupuncture treatment (P<0.001). At TP3, no significant differences in scores existed between the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that 6 sessions of MNK therapy to release the superficial fascia safely and effectively alleviated pain and enhanced ankle joint function in patients with AAS, surpassing the efficacy of conventional acupuncture treatment. Future studies should increase the sample size and introduce additional control groups to further validate the superior clinical efficacy of this intervention.

Maisonneuve fracture treated with short leg cast: A case report with 41-month follow-up.

RATIONALE: Maisonneuve fracture is a specific type of severe ankle injury. To our current knowledge, once a Maisonneuve fracture is diagnosed, the surgery is always recommended for fear of sequelae from inaccurate joint reconstruction. However, in this case, we treated a Maisonneuve fracture with a short leg cast, and the 41-month follow-up showed a favorable outcome with no post-traumatic osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and instability. Therefore, this case provides evidence for the feasibility of conservative treatment of Maisonneuve fracture. PATIENT CONCERNS: A female patient in her early twenties sprained her left ankle while running, suffering regional pain, swelling, and limited mobility. DIAGNOSES: We diagnosed a Maisonneuve fracture with superior fibular fracture and Volkmann tuberosity fracture, a slight separation of inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis (ITS). INTERVENTIONS: The patient rejected our surgical recommendations in favor of nonsurgical treatment, in addition to refusing immobilization of the knee. Consequently, we had to treat her with a short leg cast for 8 weeks and asked her to return for regular follow-up visits. OUTCOMES: At the final follow-up, the radiography showed complete healing of proximal fibula fracture. The patient reported no discernible subjective differences between her bilateral ankles. The range of motion of the left ankle was measured at 22° of dorsiflexion and 40° of plantarflexion. Functional assessments using Olerud-Molander ankle scale and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale both scored 100 points. Additionally, the radiographic assessment classified arthritis as stage 0 according to Morrey-Wiedeman classification. LESSONS: To avoid missing and misdiagnosing, the physical examination should always extend to 2 neighboring joints. Secondly, if a Maisonneuve fracture is suspected, further computed tomography scans, radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging can help to determine the stability of the ITS and the integrity of the lateral collateral ligaments before making therapeutic decisions. Finally, considering the lateral collateral ligaments may remain intact, we recommend stabilizing ITS by repairing the medial ligaments, which can be conducted arthroscopically and be more minimally invasive, providing an elastic fixation that aligns better with the biomechanics of the ITS which is characterized as a micro-mobile rather than fully fixed joint.

High Resolution MRI Confirms Torsional Injury as Mechanism for Combined Ankle and Common Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve Injuries.

Common fibular nerve (CFN) injury due to ankle fracture is an underreported complication. The authors have proposed that torsional injury to the ankle can be translated along the interosseous membrane (IOM), producing tension on the CFN at the fibular neck. A 23-year-old woman presented to our clinic for left foot drop. Three months prior, the patient sustained a fall with left ankle inversion injury while running. She was diagnosed with a minor ankle fracture and placed in an orthopaedic boot. Unfortunately, her swelling worsened and one week later the patient was diagnosed with foot drop, which was further corroborated with EMG studies showing severe CFN injury localizing to the fibular neck. Because of the lack of recovery, she underwent decompression of the CFN. She experienced immediate symptomatic relief. High resolution imaging in this case supports our previous mechanism for indirect trauma to the ankle resulting in CFN injury. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 33(1):053-055, 2024).