gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: To determine the functional outcome of the ankle joint after a moderate or severe sprain injury, comparing treatment with a knee below cast versus Aircast ankle brace.

Methods: Two hundred fifty six (256) weekend athletes were admitted to our hospital after moderate or severe ankle sprain due the period Aug 2005 to Feb 2015. They were randomised into two equal groups: one group was treated with a knee below cast and the other with an Aircast ankle brace for seven days respectively. In addition all patients were treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the affected leg. Athletes were reviewed, 3 days, 10 days, one month and two months after their injury. Ankle joint function was assessed at 10 days, one month and two months after injury using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and health related quality of life was measured by using the SF-36 questionnaire.

Results and Conclusion: Twenty five athletes in the below knee cast group and twenty three athletes in the Aircast ankle brace group completed the study. There were no significant differences between the two groups concerning type of sprain, age, sex, dominant leg, left or right ankle injured, previous injury, and time of admission.

The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score was significantly higher in the Aircast ankle group than in the below knee cast group at 10 days (mean 54 v 38, p = 0.026), one month (mean 72 v 58, p = 0.028) and two months (mean 84 v 74, p=0.031) after injury. The SF-36 physical function, physical role, and body pain subscales were significantly higher in the Aircast ankle brace, at two months after injury (p<0.05).

The use of an Aircast ankle brace for the treatment of moderate or severe ankle sprains produces better outcome in ankle joint function at 10 days, one month, and two months after injury, compared with below knee cast therapy.