Ankle Sprain

This article is a stub.

Assessment

The Ottawa Ankle rule is an accurate instrument for excluding fractures of the ankle and mid-foot. Sensitivity is almost 100% and specificity is modest.

Treatment

See Seah et al for a review on management.

• Mild to moderate ankle sprain: functional treatment options are better than immobilisation on multiple outcome measures. Functional treatment consists of elastic bandaging, soft casting, taping, or orthoses, with association coordination training
• Severe ankle sprain: A short period of immobilisation in a below-knee cast or pneumatic brace results in a quicker recovery than tubular compression bandage alone.
• Lace-up supports are a more effective functional treatment than elastic bandaging and result in less persistent swelling in the short term compared to semi-rigid ankle supports, elastic bandaging, and tape.
• Semi-rigid orthoses and pneumatic braces provide beneficial ankle support and may prevent subsequent sprains during high-risk sporting activity.
• Supervised rehabilitation training in combination with conventional treatment for acute lateral ankle sprains can be beneficial, although some of the studies reviewed gave conflicting outcomes.
• There is probably a role for surgical intervention in severe acute and chronic ankle injuries, but the evidence is limited.