Effects of Kinesio taping on lower limb biomechanical characteristics during unexpected jumping in patients with chronic ankle instability.

PURPOSE: The current biomechanical research on the application of Kinesio taping (KT) to patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) has focused on testing the expected movements. However, unexpected movements are more common in actual sports. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of KT on the biomechanical characteristics of the knee and ankle joints during unexpected jumping movements. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with unilateral CAI were recruited to capture the biomechanical parameters during unexpected jumping movements under different interventions: no taping (NT), placebo taping (PT), and KT. A one-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare the differences in knee and ankle biomechanical characteristics among patients with CAI between the three intervention conditions. RESULTS: At initial contact, the KT group demonstrated a significant decrease in ankle plantarflexion and knee flexion angles compared to the NT group (p < 0.05). At the early landing phase, the KT group had a significant increase in peak ankle dorsiflexion angle, peak ankle eversion angle, peak ankle dorsiflexion moment, and peak ankle eversion moment compared to the NT and PT groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the KT group had a significantly reduced peak knee flexion angle, peak knee eversion angle, and peak vertical ground reaction force (p < 0.05) compared to the NT and PT groups. CONCLUSION: KT significantly improves the sprain-prone touchdown posture of patients with CAI. And reducing the risk of ankle sprains during the early landing phase by promoting ankle dorsiflexion and eversion angles and moments.

Functional Walker Boots are Preferred to Synthetic Casts by Patients and Carers in the Management of Pediatric Stable Ankle Injuries.

INTRODUCTION: Traditionally children who presented with a stable ankle injury have been managed in a below-knee synthetic cast. No previous study has investigated patient and parents/carer preference between synthetic casts and walker boots. METHODS: Children aged between 6 and 16 years who presented with stable ankle injuries (ankle sprains, small fragment avulsions, and fibular Salter-Harris 1 injuries) were randomized to receive treatment with either a synthetic cast or a walker boot. A tailored, study-specific questionnaire was designed and completed at 4 weeks from injury to evaluate both patient and parents/carer preference. An analysis of costs associated with both treatments was performed. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were available for final analysis. Forty-seven received synthetic cast treatment and 44 walker boot treatment. Patient demographics and injury types were matched between groups.Statistical significance was found in favor of the walker boot with regard to comfort, reduction in activity during treatment, and patient-reported problems at the end of treatment. There was a strong and significant preference toward treatment with the walker boot, both from patients and parents/carers. There was no difference between groups with regard to walking ability, analgesia requirement, and patient-reported pain scores.Unplanned attendances to the hospital during the treatment period were higher in the synthetic cast group. The overall treatment cost per patient was lower with the walker boot. CONCLUSIONS: In children who present with stable ankle injuries, treatment in a walker boot is preferred by both patients and parents/carers. It results in fewer unplanned attendances to the hospital, is less expensive, and we recommend it as the treatment of choice in stable pediatric ankle injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Epidemiology and management of ankle sprain injuries over seven seasons in an elite professional ballet company.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the epidemiology and management of ankle ligament sprains over seven seasons in a professional ballet company. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Medical attention injury, time-loss injury, and exposure data pertaining to 140 professional ballet dancers were prospectively recorded by Chartered Physiotherapists over seven seasons (2015/16-2021/22); a period including the COVID-19 global pandemic. RESULTS: Sixty-nine ankle sprains (46 time-loss) in 45 dancers (32 %) were recorded: 51 sprains were classified as grade I, 15 were classified as grade II, and three were classified as grade III; 53 sprains affected only one ligament, whilst 16 were multi-ligament sprains. For time-loss injuries, median time-loss durations varied by grading (I - 31 days, II - 54 days, and III - 147 days) and the number of ligaments affected (one - 31 days, two - 54 days, three - 134 days, four - 137 days), with time-loss ranging from 1 to 188 days. Of the 46 time-loss ankle sprains, eight were mild, nine were moderate, and 29 were severe. The incidence rate (injuries·1000 h-1) of medical attention ankle sprains was 0.073 (95 % CI: 0.046 to 0.117) in male dancers and 0.101 (95 % CI: 0.069 to 0.148) in female dancers, and the incidence of time-loss ankle sprains was 0.044 (95 % CI: 0.024 to 0.080) in male dancers and 0.064 (95 % CI: 0.040 to 0.103) in female dancers. No significant effect of sex was observed on either medical attention (p = .304) or time-loss (p = .327) ankle sprain incidence rates. Ten percent of dancers sustained multiple sprains across the seven seasons. Fifty and 39 % of ankle sprains in female and male dancers, respectively, were preceded by a history of ankle sprains. Jumping and landing (30 sprains) and non-dance movements (16 sprains) were the most common inciting movements. Bone bruising and synovitis were the most common concurrent pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle sprains placed a considerable burden on the ballet company studied. These time-loss durations specified by number and grade of ligament sprain, injury history, and secondary pathologies can guide return-to-dance rehabilitation pathways.

The effect of movement representation techniques on ankle function and performance in persons with or without a lateral ankle sprain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle sprains are highly prevalent and result in tissue damage, impairments of muscle strength, instability, and muscle activation. Up to 74% will experience ongoing symptoms after a lateral ankle sprain. In healthy subjects, motor imagery might induce neural changes in the somatosensory and motor areas of the brain, yielding favourable enhancements in muscular force. However, during motor imagery, difficulties in building a motor image, no somatosensory feedback, and the absence of structural changes at the level of the muscle might explain the differences found between motor imagery and physical practice. In rehabilitation, motor imagery might be supportive in rebuilding motor networks or creating new networks to restore impairments in muscle activation and movement patterns. This systematic review was undertaken to summarize the current body of evidence about the effect on motor imagery, or action observation, on lower leg strength, muscle performance, ankle range of motion, balance, and edema in persons with, and without, a lateral ankle sprain compared to usual care, a placebo intervention, or no intervention. METHODS: A systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted in healthy participants and participants with a lateral ankle sprain. Motor imagery or action observation in isolation, or in combination with usual care were compared to a placebo intervention, or no intervention. An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cinahl, Psychinfo, Sportdiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane and Google Scholar was conducted, and articles published up to 7th June 2023 were included. Two reviewers individually screened titles and abstracts for relevancy using the inclusion criteria. Variables related to muscle strength, muscle function, range of motion, balance, return to sports tests, or questionnaires on self-reported function or activities were extracted. A risk of bias assessment was done using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool II by two reviewers. Meta-analysis using a random effects model was performed when two or more studies reported the same outcome measures. The Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) was calculated over the change from baseline scores. Review manager 5.4 was used to perform analysis of subgroup differences and test for statistically significant differences. Confidence intervals were visually checked for overlap between subgroups. RESULTS: Nine studies, six examining healthy participants and three examining participants with an acute lateral ankle sprain, were included. All studies were rated with moderate to high risk of bias overall. Quality of the motor imagery interventions differed largely between studies. Meta-analysis showed a large and significant effect of motor imagery on lower leg strength (SMD 1.47, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.50); however, the evidence was downgraded to very low certainty due to substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 73%), limitations in the studies (some concerns in risk of bias in all studies), and imprecision (n = < 300). Evidence showed no association with ankle range of motion (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.93), edema (SMD -1.11, 95% CI -1.60 to 3.81), the anterior reach direction of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) (SMD 0.73, 95% CI -0.62 to 2.08), the posterolateral direction (SMD 0.32, 95% CI -0.94 to 1.57), and the posteromedial direction (SMD 0.52, 95% CI -0.07 to 1.10). The certainty of evidence for the different comparisons was very low. CONCLUSIONS: There is a low certainty, significant, positive effect for motor imagery being able to improve lower leg muscle strength in healthy participants. The effect on balance, range of motion and edema was uncertain and of very low certainty. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42021243258.

The Role of Ultrasound in the Management of Ankle Sprains and a Clinically Relevant Geisinger Ankle Sprain Sports Ultrasound Protocol.

ABSTRACT: Ankle sprains are the most common lower extremity injury in physically active individuals. These injuries are classified as lateral, medial, and/or syndesmotic. Treatment may include functional rehabilitation, bracing, weight-bearing restriction, medications, injections, and surgery. While most sprains heal rapidly, permanent disability and pain may arise. Diagnostic ultrasound has been demonstrated to be accurate in diagnosing ligamentous injuries, but it is often excluded from management algorithms that rely on physical examination alone to diagnose significant injuries. This article proposes a comprehensive, evidence-based diagnostic ankle ultrasound protocol to implement in conjunction with thorough history and physical examination. We also review the current literature to describe where this protocol most improves diagnostic accuracy compared with physical examination alone.

[Cross-sectional study on ankle sprain and its related factors in physical education college].

OBJECTIVE: To explore prevalence, risk factors and treatment of ankle sprain of young college student , in order to obtain accurate epidemiological data. METHODS: From March 2019 to May 2019, 552 college students(1 104 sides of anke joints) from Xi'an Physical Education university were enrolled in study according to inclusion and excludion standard, including 309 males and 243 females aged from 16 to 24 years old with an average of (20.9±3.7) years old. Age, gender, and body mass indes(BMI) etc were recorded. Morbidity of acute and chronic ankle sprains of physical students, treatment after the first sprain (cold compress, cast or plaster bracing and medicine), visual analogue scale (VAS) during walking were assessed through ankle sprain questionnaire;Cumberland ankle instability tool (CAIT), Maryland foot score were applied to assess ankle function. Lateral ankle ligament injury was objectively assessed by musculoskeletal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The prevalence of acute ankle sprain(AAS) was 96.20% (531/552), and the incidence of AAS was 59.96% (622/1 104). The prevalence of chronic ankle joint instability(CAI) was 16.85% (93/552), and the incidence of CAI was 8.97% (99/1 104). In the four categories of sports, college student suffered from multiple sprains in performance majors group was 22.20% (14/63), including of aerobicsand dance performance. The incidence of AAS of ball sports was 8.60%(14/163). After the first sprain, most college students(94.4%) were received cold compression, about 60% of them went to hospital;however, only 44.7% students were received standard treatmens(cast or plaster), only 35.3% of them were received hard ankle orthosis. In 552 college students, 44 students were suffered from more than 4 times of ankle sprain, and the total incidence was 7.97% (44/552). Cumberland score was 26.6±2.4, Cumberland score of students sprained ankle joint more than 4 times was (29.2±1.1), suggested it was a risk factor for ankle joint instability. VAS of students sprained ankle joint more than 4 times was higher than that of less than 4 times(P<0.05), Maryland foot score was significantly lower than that of that of <4 times(P<0.05). Musculoskeletal ultrasonography measured the thickness of anterior tibiofibular ligament(ATFL) was (2.41±0.41) mm, and the thickness of calcaneofibular ligament(CFL) was (1.92±0.21) mm, and had no statistical difference(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Ninty-four percent college students had at least once ankle sprain, ankle sprains were more common in erobics and ball sports. After the first sprain, the proportion of cast or plaster treatment was less than 50%. Sprained ankle joint more than 4 times is a risk factor, and musculoskeletal ultrasonography showed thickening of both ATFL and CFL, while no statstical difference.

[Treatment of lateral ankle joint ligament sprain by shaking and poking manipulation based on finite element method].

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a preliminary study on joint injuries of anterior and calcaneal fibular ligaments of the lateral ankle joint, and to analyze mechanism of action of shaking and poking in treating ankle joint and biomechanical properties of ankle during the recovery of joint injuries. METHODS: CT scan was performed on a male volunteer with right ankle sprain. Mimics 10.0, Solidworks 2016, Hypermesh 12.0 and Abaqus 6.13 software were used to establish 3D nonlinear finite element analysis model of foot and ankle, and the validity of model was verified. Combined with clinical study, the finite element simulation analysis was carried out on the toe flexion, dorsiflexion, varus and valgus of ankle joint under different treatment periods by adjusting elastic modulus of ligament to simulate ligament injury. RESULTS: With the treatment of shake and prick and recovery of ligament injury, the maximum stress and area with large stress on tibial pitch and fibular joint surface gradually increased under the four working conditions, and the stress value of the maximum stress ligament gradually increased, and the stress of the anterior and calcaneal fibular ligament dispersed and transferred, and the axial force gradually decreased. CONCLUSION: The finite element method was used to simulate the mechanical condition of the shaking and stamping technique, and the changes of the forces of the ligament and articular surface before and after treatment of anterior and calcaneal ligament combined injury of ankle talus were intuitively observed. The treatment effect was quantified, and could provid objective and scientific basis for clinical promotion and application of this technique.

Entrenamiento de equilibrio en la inestabilidad crónica de tobillo. Una revisión sistemática / Treino de equilíbrio na instabilidade crónica do tornozelo. Uma revisão sistemática. / Balance training in chronic ankle instability. A systematic review

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es conocer la evidencia científica de los tratamientos centrados en el equilibrio en pacientes con inestabilidadcrónica de tobillo. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica mediante una búsqueda sistematizada en febrero de 2022 en las siguientes bases de datos:PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science, y Medline. Resultados: Se incluyeron ensayos clínicos aleatorizados en los últimos 5 años, obteniendo un total de 16 artículos para el análisis de esta revisiónsistemática. La calidad metodológica fue evaluada mediante la escala PEDro. Los principales resultados obtenidos mostraron mejoras en el equilibrioestático y dinámico en comparación con el grupo control. Sin embargo, en su mayoría, se muestran diferencias poco significativas entre gruposexperimentales. Conclusión: Los efectos que produce el entrenamiento de equilibrio en pacientes con inestabilidad crónica de tobillo parecen ser positivos.(AU)

Background: The aim of this work is to know the scientific evidence of treatments focused on balance in patients with chronic ankle instability. Methods: A review of the scientific literature was carried out by means of a systematized search in February 2022 in the following databases: PubMed,Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science, and Medline. Results: Randomized clinical trials in the last 5 years were included, obtaining a total of 16 articles for the analysis of this systematic review. Themethodological quality was evaluated using the PEDro scale. The main results obtained showed improvements in static and dynamic balance comparedto the control group. However, for the most part, insignificant differences between experimental groups were shown. Conclusion: The effects of balance training in patients with chronic ankle instability appear to be positive.(AU)

Introdução: O objectivo deste estudo é descobrir as provas científicas de tratamentos centrados no equilíbrio em pacientes com instabilidade crónica dotornozelo. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão da literatura científica através de uma pesquisa sistematizada em Fevereiro de 2022 nas seguintes bases de dados:PubMed, Scopus, PEDro, Web of Science, e Medline. Resultados: Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos aleatórios nos últimos 5 anos, obtendo-se um total de 16 artigos para a análise desta revisão sistemática. Aqualidade metodológica foi avaliada utilizando a escala PEDro. Os principais resultados obtidos mostraram melhorias no equilíbrio estático e dinâmicoem comparação com o grupo de controlo. No entanto, na sua maioria, foram mostradas diferenças insignificantes entre os grupos experimentais.Conclusão: Os efeitos do treino de equilíbrio em pacientes com instabilidade crónica do tornozelo parecem ser positivos.(AU)

Acute effects of kinesiology tape on dynamic balance control in chronic ankle instability: An exploratory study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effect of the four-strip kinesiology taping (KT) technique on dynamic balance control in the Y Balance Test (YBT), and to explore the relationship between the YBT and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) scores in individuals with and without chronic ankle instability (CAI). METHODS: 16 CAI and 16 non-CAI participants were involved. Two groups completed the YBT in the no-tape barefoot and the KT condition at random. The CAIT was completed on the first day. Bonferroni test was used to analyze YBT scores in three directions for post hoc analysis. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the relationship between YBT scores in the no-tape barefoot condition and CAIT scores. RESULTS: This KT application significantly improved YBT performance. The YBT scores in the anterior direction (YBT-A), posteromedial direction (YBT-PM), and posterolateral direction (YBT-PL) for the CAI group were significantly improved after taping. However, in the non-CAI group, only YBT-PM score was significantly improved after taping. Three YBT scores were all moderately correlated with the CAIT score. CONCLUSION: This KT technique can immediately improve dynamic balance in CAI patients. Dynamic balance performance was moderately related to the degree of self-perceived instability in individuals with and without CAI.

[Observation of the therapeutic effect on acute ankle sprain treated with surrounding needling and cold compression].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in the therapeutic effect on acute ankle sprain treated with the combination of surrounding needling and cold compression in comparison of the conventional cold compression. METHODS: The patients with acute ankle sprain were randomly divided into control group (33 cases) and observation group (35 cases). In the first 3 days of treatment, the conventional cold compression was used in the control group, while the surrounding needling technique of acupuncture was combined with cold compression in the observation group. Separately, along the distal-lateral side of the leg, and the lateral sides of the heel and the dorsal part of the foot, 3 or 4 needles were inserted in each part，total 9 to 12 needles, toward the center of swelling and pain site, and distributed in a fan shape. The needles were retained for 30 min and the acupuncture therapy was delivered once daily. Since the 4th day of treatment, the hot compress and the static stretching exercise of the ankle joint were adopted in the two groups, once daily for 1 week. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score for ankle pain and ankle swelling degree were compared between the two groups before and after 3-day treatment, as well as the score of American orthopedic foot and ankle society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale was evaluated. RESULTS: After 3-day treatment, VAS score was decreased in both groups (P<0.01), and the score in the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.01). Ankle swelling degree was relieved in both groups (P<0.01), and there was no significant difference between the two groups. After 1 week of treatment, the scores of AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale were improved in both groups (P<0.01), and the score in the observation group was higher than the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Either the combined therapy of surrounding needling and cold compression or the conventional cold compression can effectively relieve pain and swelling induced by acute ankle sprain. The therapeutic effect of the combined therapy is superior to the conventional cold compression for the motor function improvement of ankle joint.

Comparison of effects of Mulligan taping and Kinesio taping on ankle neuromuscular control in response to a sudden inversion perturbation in individuals with chronic ankle instability.

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed to compare the effects of Mulligan taping (MT) with Kinesio taping (KT) and the un-taped ankle on neuromuscular control during a sudden inversion perturbation in individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI). DESIGN: Randomized, single blind cross-over. SETTING: Biomechanics lab. PARTICIPANTS: 16 individuals with chronic ankle instability. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were the onset time and magnitude of short (SLR) and medium latency response (MLR) for peroneus brevis (PB), peroneus longus (PL), tibialis anterior (TA), and soleus (SOL) muscles and the TA/P and SOL/TA antagonist co-activation. RESULTS: In the groups of KT and MT, the onset time was significantly decreased at post-taping compared to pre-taping, such that for the onset time of PB MLR, the groups of KT and MT had an earlier onset time than the un-taped group. For the magnitude of TA SLR and PB MLR, groups exhibited different behaviors. In the KT group, the magnitude was significantly increased post-taping, however, in the MT group, it was decreased. Regarding the TA/P and SOL/TA co-activation, the groups of KT and MT showed significant changes post-taping. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that KT and MT significantly affect neuromuscular control in response to a sudden perturbation in individuals with CAI, although the behavior of KT and MT appears to be somewhat different from each other.

Health-seeking behaviors, management practices, and return to play decisions after an ankle sprain in netball: An international cross-sectional survey of 1592 non-elite netballers.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate if non-elite netballers sought health care, treatments received, and return-to-play decisions after an ankle sprain, including intercountry differences. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Non-elite netballers aged >14 years were recruited from Australia, United Kingdom, and New Zealand. Participants completed an online survey regarding their last ankle sprain and were queried regarding health care sought, health professionals consulted, treatments received, time missed, and return-to-play clearance. Data were described using number (proportion) for the overall cohort and countries. Between-country differences in health care use were compared using chi-square tests. Descriptive statistics were presented for management practices. RESULTS: We received 1592 responses from Australian (n = 846), United Kingdom (n = 454), and New Zealand (n = 292) netballers. Three in five (n = 951, 60 %) sought health care. Of those, most consulted a physiotherapist (n = 728, 76 %), received strengthening exercises (n = 771, 81 %), balance exercises (N = 665, 70 %) and taping (n = 636, 67 %). Few received return-to-play clearance (n = 362, 23 %). Comparing countries, fewer United Kingdom netballers sought health care than Australian and New Zealand netballers (Australia: 60 % vs United Kingdom: 53 % vs New Zealand: 68 %, p < 0.001), consulted a physiotherapist (Australia: 79 %, United Kingdom: 63 %, New Zealand: 87 %), received strengthening (Australia: 84 %, United Kingdom: 73 %, New Zealand: 84 %) or balance exercises (Australia: 71 %, United Kingdom: 60 %, New Zealand: 80 %) or taping (Australia: 74 %, United Kingdom: 39 %, New Zealand: 82 %). More Australian netballers returned to play within 1-7 days (Australia: 25 %, United Kingdom: 15 %, New Zealand: 21 %) and fewer United Kingdom netballers received return-to-play clearance (Australia: 28 %, United Kingdom: 10 %, New Zealand: 28 %). CONCLUSIONS: Health-seeking behaviours are adopted by some, but not all netballers after an ankle sprain. For those who sought care, most consulted a physiotherapist and were prescribed exercise-based interventions and external ankle support, but few received return-to-play clearance. Comparing countries, United Kingdom netballers had lower health-seeking behaviours and received less best-practice management than Australian and New Zealand netballers.

The effect of perturbation training with and without applying the dry needling on leg muscles in patients with chronic ankle sprain.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle sprain is a common musculoskeletal injury that leads to recurrent instability. Repeated ankle sprain can be a mechanism for creating trigger point. Proper treatment of trigger points, in addition to preventing recurrence of sprains, may reduce pain and improve muscle function. This improvement can be the result of preserving the surrounding tissues from excessive pressure. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the added value of dry needling into perturbation training protocol for chronic ankle sprain. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial; assessor-blind; before and after comparison. SETTING: Treatment of patients referred to the institutional rehabilitation clinics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Functional assessment with FAAM questionnaire score, Pain with NPRS scale, ankle instability severity with Cumberland tool. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with chronic ankle instability participated in this clinical trial and were randomly divided into two groups. Intervention was 12 sessions in which one group received only perturbation training and the other group received perturbation training along with dry needling. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to investigate the effect of treatment. RESULTS: Data Analysis showed significant difference in NPRS and FAAM and Cumberland score before and after treatment in each group (P < 0.001). Comparison of the results between the groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that adding dry needling technique to the perturbation training does not have greater effects on the pain and function of patients with chronic ankle instability.

Controlled Ankle Movement (CAM) Boot Provides Improved Outcomes With Lower Complications Than Short Leg Walking Cast in Low-energy Pediatric Lateral Ankle Injuries: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Low-energy lateral ankle injuries (Salter-Harris 1 distal fibula, distal fibula avulsion fractures, and radiograph-negative lateral ankle injuries) are common in pediatric patients. Patient-based outcomes for the 2 treatment options, short leg walking cast (CAST) and controlled ankle motion (CAM) boot, are unknown. This study aims to determine differences between 2 treatments of low-energy lateral ankle injuries in pediatric patients. METHODS: A prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing the acute outcomes of CAST and CAM treatment for low-energy lateral ankle injuries in pediatric patients was completed. Patients were evaluated in-person at presentation and 4 weeks for ankle range of motion and Oxford foot and ankle score. A novel survey defining patient and parent satisfaction and time away from school/work was also completed. Treatment complications were documented. Patients were called at 8 weeks postinjury to determine other complications and the final time of return to sport. Mixed effects linear regression models evaluated change over time between the 2 treatment groups. RESULTS: After 60 patients were enrolled, 28 patients in the CAST group and 27 patients in the CAM group completed the study. Males comprised 51% (28), with 38 (69%) patients identifying as Hispanic. The patient's average age was 11.3±2.9 years and the average body mass index was 23.At the 4-week evaluation, the CAM group had improved range of motion, higher satisfaction scores (5.26 CAM vs. 4.25 CAST, P <0.05), similar pain scores (0.32 CAST vs. 0.41 CAM, P =0.75), and lower complications (0.54/patient CAST vs. 0.04/patient CAM, P <0.0001) than the CAST group. Female patients had improved inversion with CAM treatment than males ( P <0.05). Patients over age 12 in the CAST group had significantly decreased plantarflexion at week 4 ( P =0.002). Improvement in Oxford scores was similar between the CAST and CAM groups between the initial presentation and 4 weeks, except for increased improvement in CAM group Oxford scores for difficulty running and symptoms with walking/walking. At the 8-week evaluation, patients in the CAST group had a higher rate of continued symptoms than the CAM group (15.4% vs. 0%). CONCLUSIONS: CAM boot treatment of low-energy lateral ankle injuries in pediatric patients results in improved results and lower complications than CAST treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I -randomized, controlled trial with a statistically significant difference.

The Burden of the "Simple Ankle Sprains": A Review of the Epidemiology and Long-Term Impact.

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is not as simple as it was believed to be as it has substantial negative impacts on the active sporting population. The negative impact on physical function, quality of life (QoL) and economic burden is significant with increased risk of reinjury, development of chronic lateral ankle instability and posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis resulting in functional deficits, decreased QoL and chronic disabilities. Economic burden from a societal perspective demonstrated notably higher indirect costs from productivity loss. Preventative interventions with early surgery for a selective cohort of active sporting population may be considered to mitigate morbidities associated with LAS.

MRI in Acute Ankle Sprains: Should We Be More Aggressive with Indications?

Acute ankle sprains are common sports injuries. MRI is the most accurate test for assessing the integrity and severity of ligament injuries in acute ankle sprains. However, MRI may not detect syndesmotic and hindfoot instability, and many ankle sprains are treated conservatively, questioning the value of MRI. In our practice, MRI adds value in confirming the absence or presence of ankle sprain-associated hindfoot and midfoot injuries, especially when clinical examinations are challenging, radiographs are inconclusive, and subtle instability is suspected. This article reviews and illustrates the MRI appearances of the spectrum of ankle sprains and associated hindfoot and midfoot injuries.

Ankle Sprain and Chronic Lateral Ankle Instability: Optimizing Conservative Treatment.

The management protocol for each case of ankle sprain should be individualized and optimized in order to reduce the likelihood of development of chronic instability. Initial treatment aims to address pain, swelling, and inflammation and facilitates regaining pain-free joint motion. Short-term joint immobilization is indicated in severe cases. Subsequently, muscle strengthening, balance training, and targeted activities to develop proprioception are added. Gradually, sports-related activities are added with the ultimate goal of bringing the individual back to preinjury level of activity. This protocol of conservative treatment should always be offered before considering any surgical intervention.

Acute Ankle Sprain in Elite Athletes: How to Get Them Back to the Game?

Despite the high frequency of ankle sprains, the ideal management is controversial, and a significant percentage of patients sustaining an ankle sprain never fully recover. There is strong evidence that residual disability of ankle joint injury is often caused by an inadequate rehabilitation and training program and early return to sports. Therefore, the athlete should start their criteria-based rehabilitation and gradually progress through the programmed activities, including cryotherapy, edema relief, optimal weight-bearing management, range of motion exercises for ankle dorsiflexion improvement, triceps surae stretching, isometric exercises and peroneus muscles strengthening, balance and proprioception training, and bracing/taping.

Sprain of the Medial Ankle Ligament Complex.

Injuries of the medial ankle ligament complex (MALC; deltoid and spring ligament) are more common following ankle sprains than expected, especially in eversion-external rotation mechanisms. Often these injuries are associated with concomitant osteochondral lesions, syndesmotic lesions, or fractures of the ankle joint. The clinical assessment of the medial ankle instability together with a conventional radiological and MR imaging is the basis for the definition of the diagnosis and therefore the optimal treatment. This review aims to provide an overview as well as a basis to successfully manage MALC sprains.

[Lateral ankle ligament injuries]. / Laterale ankelligamentskader.

Lateral ankle ligament injuries occur in connection with inversion traumas and are one of the most common injuries, both in the general population and among athletes. A lateral ankle ligament injury weakens the stabilising structures in the ankle and disposes the ankle joint to prolonged instability. Acute lateral ankle ligament injuries with no suspicion of fracture can be treated and followed up conservatively in the primary health service. In this clinical review article, we emphasise the importance of adequate physical training before referral to an MRI and orthopaedic surgeon for further assessment. Patients with chronic instability who fail to respond to adequate conservative treatment should be referred for surgical assessment.