Lateral ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries.
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic literature review of the last 10 years regarding evidence for the treatment and prevention of lateral ankle sprains.
Data Sources: Pubmed central, Google scholar.
Eligibility Criteria: Meta-analysis, prospective randomized trials, English language articles.
Interventions: Surgical and non-surgical treatment, immobilization versus functional treatment, different external supports, balance training for rehabilitation, balance training for prevention, braces for prevention.
A systematic search for articles about the treatment of lateral ankle sprains that were published between January 2002 and December 2012.
Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of surgical and non-surgical treatment, we conclude that the majority of grades I, II and III lateral ankle ligament ruptures can be managed without surgery. The indication for surgical repair should be always made on an individual basis. This systematic review supports a phase adapted non-surgical treatment of acute ankle sprains with a short-term immobilization for grade III injuries followed by a semi-rigid brace. More prospective randomized studies with a longer follow-up are needed to find out what type of non-surgical treatment has the lowest re-sprain rate.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.
Lateral ankle sprains are common musculoskeletal injuries.
The objective of this study was to perform a systematic literature review of the last 10 years regarding evidence for the treatment and prevention of lateral ankle sprains.
Data Sources: Pubmed central, Google scholar.
Eligibility Criteria: Meta-analysis, prospective randomized trials, English language articles.
Interventions: Surgical and non-surgical treatment, immobilization versus functional treatment, different external supports, balance training for rehabilitation, balance training for prevention, braces for prevention.
A systematic search for articles about the treatment of lateral ankle sprains that were published between January 2002 and December 2012.
Balancing the advantages and disadvantages of surgical and non-surgical treatment, we conclude that the majority of grades I, II and III lateral ankle ligament ruptures can be managed without surgery. The indication for surgical repair should be always made on an individual basis. This systematic review supports a phase adapted non-surgical treatment of acute ankle sprains with a short-term immobilization for grade III injuries followed by a semi-rigid brace. More prospective randomized studies with a longer follow-up are needed to find out what type of non-surgical treatment has the lowest re-sprain rate.
Copyright remains with the authors and publisher.