Open AccessRandomized comparison of tape versus semi‐rigid and versus lace‐up ankle support in the treatment of acute lateral ankle ligament injury
Author(s) -
Bekerom M. P. J.,
Kimmenade Robert,
Sierevelt I. N.,
Eggink Karin,
Kerkhoffs G. M. M. J.,
Dijk C. N.,
Raven E. E. J.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.806
H-Index - 125
eISSN - 1433-7347
pISSN - 0942-2056
DOI - 10.1007/s00167-015-3664-y
Subject(s) - brace , medicine , ankle , randomized controlled trial , ligament , significant difference , surgery , physical therapy , mechanical engineering , engineering
Purpose Functional treatment is the optimal non‐surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injury (ALALI) in favour of immobilization treatment. There is no single most effective functional treatment (tape, semi‐rigid brace or lace‐up brace) based on currently available randomized trials. Methods This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the difference in functional outcome after treatment with tape versus semi‐rigid versus lace‐up ankle support (brace) for grades II and III ALALIs. The Karlsson score and the FAOS were evaluated at 6‐month follow‐up. Results One hundred and ninety‐three patients (52 % males) were randomized, 66 patients were treated with tape, 58 patients with a semi‐rigid brace and 62 patients with a lace‐up brace. There were no significant differences in any baseline characteristics between the three groups. Mean age of the patients was 37.3 years (35.1–39.5; SD 15.3). Ninety‐five males (49 %) were included. One hundred and sixty‐one (59 + 50 + 52) patients completed the study through final follow‐up; 32 % lost at follow‐up. In two patients treated with tape support, the treatment was changed to a semi‐rigid brace because of dermatomal blisters. Except for the difference in Foot and Ankle Outcome Score sport between the lace‐up and the semi‐rigid brace, there are no differences in any of the outcomes after 6‐month follow‐up. Conclusion The most important finding of current study was that there is no difference in outcome 6 months after treatment with tape, semi‐rigid brace and a lace‐up brace. Level of evidence I.