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Epidemiology of sprains of the lateral ankle ligament complex.

Lateral ankle sprains account for 85% of all ankle sprains. This common injury is most frequently sustained during sporting activity. The ATFL is the weakest of the lateral ankle ligament complex, and is most frequently injured. Ankle sprains are often undertreated, resulting in chronic pain, muscular weakness, and instability. The consequence of this common injury for professional sports clubs is days lost in training and matches missed due to injury as well as the cost of rehabilitation. In the UK, an estimated 302,000 ankle sprains are seen each year in Accident and Emergency Departments.

Athletic Injuries↗

Different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle ligament ruptures are common problems in present health care. Early mobilisation and functional treatment are advocated as a preferable treatment strategy. However, functional treatment comprises a broad spectrum of treatment strategies and as of yet no optimal strategy has been identified. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review is to assess different functional treatment strategies for acute lateral ankle ligament ruptures in adults. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialised register (December 2001), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2000), EMBASE (1980 to May 2000), CURRENT CONTENTS (1993 to 1999), BIOSIS (to 1999), reference lists of articles, and contacted organisations and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised clinical trials describing skeletally mature individuals with an acute lateral ankle ligament rupture and comparing different functional treatment strategies were evaluated for inclusion. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of included trials and extracted relevant data on treatment outcome. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. Individual and pooled statistics are reported as relative risks (RR) for dichotomous outcome and (weighted) mean differences (WMD) for continuous outcome measures with 95 per cent confidence intervals (95%CI). Heterogeneity between trials was tested using a standard chi-squared test. MAIN RESULTS: Nine trials involving 892 participants were included. Lace-up ankle support had significantly better results for persistent swelling at short-term follow up when compared with semi-rigid ankle support (RR 4.19, 95% CI 1.26 to 13.98); elastic bandage (RR 5.48; 95% CI 1.69 to 17.76); and to tape (RR 4.07, 95% CI 1.21 to 13.68). Use of a semi-rigid ankle support resulted in a significantly shorter time to return to work when compared with an elastic bandage (WMD (days) 4.24; 95% CI 2.42 to 6.06); one trial found the use of a semi-rigid ankle support saw a significantly quicker return to sport compared with elastic bandage (RR 9.60; 95% CI 6.34 to 12.86) and another trial found fewer patients reported instability at short-term follow-up when treated with a semi-rigid support than with an elastic bandage (RR 8.00; 95% CI 1.03 to 62.07). Tape treatment resulted in significantly more complications, the majority being skin irritations, when compared with treatment with an elastic bandage (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.86). No other results showed statistically significant differences. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: The use of an elastic bandage has fewer complications than taping but appears to be associated with a slower return to work and sport, and more reported instability than a semi-rigid ankle support. Lace-up ankle support appears to be effective in reducing swelling in the short-term compared with semi-rigid ankle support, elastic bandage and tape. However, definitive conclusions are hampered by the variety of treatments used, and the inconsistency of reported follow-up times. The most effective treatment, both clinically and in costs, is unclear from currently available randomised trials.

Adult↗

Immobilisation and functional treatment for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries in adults.

BACKGROUND: Acute lateral ankle ligament injuries (ankle sprains) are common problems in acute medical care. The treatment variation observed for the acutely injured lateral ankle ligament complex suggests a lack of evidence-based management strategies for this problem. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of methods of immobilisation for acute lateral ankle ligament injuries and to compare immobilisation with functional treatment methods. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Musculoskeletal Injuries Group specialised register (December 2001); the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2001), MEDLINE (1966-May 2000), EMBASE (1988-May 2000), reference lists of articles, and contacted organisations and researchers in the field. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing either different types of immobilisation or immobilisation versus functional treatments for injuries to the lateral ligament complex of the ankle in adults were included. Trials which investigated the treatment of chronic instability or post-surgical treatment were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were independently extracted by two authors. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled using fixed effects models. Individual and pooled statistics were reported as relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes and weighted (WMD) or standardised (SMD) mean differences and 95% confidence intervals for continuous outcome measures. Heterogeneity between trials was tested using a standard chi-squared test. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-one trials involving 2184 participants were included. The mean validity score of the included trials increased from 9.1 (SD 3.0) to 10 (SD 2.9) after retrieving further information (maximum 18 points). Statistically significant differences in favour of functional treatment when compared with immobilisation were found for seven outcome measures: more patients returned to sport in the long term (relative risk (RR) 1.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.86); the time taken to return to sport was shorter (WMD 4.88 (days), 95% CI 1.50 to 8.25); more patients had returned to work at short term follow-up (RR 5.75, 95% CI 1.01 to 32.71); the time taken to return to work was shorter (WMD 8.23 days, 95% CI 6.31 to 10.16); fewer patients suffered from persistent swelling at short term follow-up (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.59); fewer patients suffered from objective instability as tested by stress X-ray (WMD 2.60, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.96); and patients treated functionally were more satisfied with their treatment (RR 1.83, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.07). A separate analysis of trials that scored 50 per cent or more in quality assessment found a similar result for time to return to work only (WMD (days) 12.89, 95% CI 7.10 to 18.67). No significant differences between varying types of immobilisation, immobilisation and physiotherapy or no treatment were found, apart from one trial where patients returned to work sooner after treatment with a soft cast. In all analyses performed, no results were significantly in favour of immobilisation. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: Functional treatment appears to be the favourable strategy for treating acute ankle sprains when compared with immobilisation. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, as most of the differences are not significant after exclusion of the low quality trials. Many trials were poorly reported and there was variety amongst the functional treatments evaluated.

Humans↗

Effect of peripheral afferent alteration of the lateral ankle ligaments on dynamic stability.

BACKGROUND: The sensorimotor influence of the lateral ankle ligaments in muscle activation is unclear. HYPOTHESIS: The lateral ankle ligaments have significant sensorimotor influence on muscle activation. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Muscle-firing characteristics in response to a high-speed inversion perturbation and during gait were assessed in 13 normal subjects. Solutions (1.5% lidocaine or a placebo of saline) were injected bilaterally into the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments (1.5 ml per ligament) to alter peripheral afferent influence. Subjects were again tested with the same protocol. RESULTS: The protective response of the anterior tibialis and peroneal muscles during inversion perturbation and mean muscle activation amplitude decreased during running after both injections. After injection, no significant differences were seen for muscle reflex latencies, maximum amplitude, time to maximum amplitude during inversion perturbation, or mean amplitude during walking. CONCLUSION: The lateral ankle ligaments have a sensorimotor influence on muscle activation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Induced edema from the injected solutions may have altered the sensorimotor influence of the lateral ankle ligaments, thereby inhibiting the dynamic ankle stabilizers. This finding suggests that dynamic stability may be compromised because of swelling after joint injury.

Adult↗

Anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments.

The anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments that is frequently described in articles and book chapters often lacks the precision of orientation and attachment points. We believe a knowledge of this precise anatomy is important to better reconstruct or repair lateral ligaments. We dissected cadaveric ankles free of skin and soft tissue and made the following measurements: areas of attachments of the anterior talofibular ligament, length and width of the anterior talofibular ligament, and locations of the attachments on the fibula and talus. The same measurements were made of the calcaneofibular and posterior talofibular ligaments. The distance of the calcaneofibular calcaneal attachments from the subtalar joint as well as the angle in the sagittal plane with the fibula was determined. We then used these anatomic attachments of the ligaments to make comparisons with the Watson-Jones and modified Elmslie reconstructions. Our results enable us to suggest a more anatomic placement for ligaments in a reconstruction.

Ankle Joint↗

Anatomy of lateral ankle ligaments and their relationship to bony landmarks.

This study was designed to determine and describe precise anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments and their relationship to adjacent osseous structures. This study was performed on 42 legs of 22 adult human embalmed cadavers. The lateral ankle ligaments were carefully dissected using a 2.5x surgical loupe. Mean values for the length, width and angle of the individual lateral ankle ligaments were measured. The precise location of insertion points and course of each ligament was observed and noted with ankle placed in neutral position. The anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments were coated with radio-opaque material. Radiographs were then taken in the anteroposterior, mortise and lateral projections. The anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) was a flat, quadrilateral ligament and it made mean angle of 25 degrees (range 5 degrees -45 degrees ) with horizontal plane, and a mean angle of 47 degrees (range 45 degrees -56 degrees ) with sagittal plane. The posterior talofibular ligament was oriented in a nearly horizontal plane. Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) was a flat oval ligament. It made a mean angle of 40 degrees (range 30 degrees -58 degrees ) with horizontal plane, and mean angle of 51 degrees (range 32 degrees -60 degrees ) with sagittal plane. The angle between CFL and ATFL was approximately 132 degrees (range 118 degrees -145 degrees ). These data provides important information for diagnosing injury and reconstructing lateral ankle ligaments.

Aged↗

[Lateral ankle ligament rupture. When is surgical management indicated and when conservative therapy preferred?].

In lateral ankle ligament tears, the anterior talofibular ligament ruptures most commonly, often in conjunction with the calcaneofibular ligament. The posterior talofibular ligament is rarely affected. Associated injuries at the adjacent ligamentous structures or at the articular cartilage of the ankle commonly occur. The diagnosis is established clinically with the anterolateral drawer sign and an increased lateral talar tilt. Stress radiographs in two planes demonstrate talar tilt and anterior displacement of the talus, in comparison to the unaffected side. Magnetic resonance imaging provides an early diagnosis of concomitant injuries. Simple, acute lateral ankle ligament tears are treated non-operatively. Surgery is indicated in dislocated bone avulsions and in chondral or osteochondral fractures. A recurrent tear in an athletic patient should also be treated operatively. Athletic endeavours, the number of torn ligaments and patient age are no useful indicators for surgical treatment. Conservative treatment consist of oedema therapy, immobilization of the fibular ligaments with as little compromise of ankle joint function as possible, and rehabilitation with muscle strengthening and proprioception training. During surgery, the ligament stumps are reapproximated in anatomic position, reinforced with local tissue if necessary, and the articular surface is examined for concomitant injuries.

Adolescent↗

Biomechanical evaluation of the anterior drawer test: the contribution of the lateral ankle ligaments.

The contributions of the lateral ankle ligaments to resisting anterior-posterior displacement of the talus were evaluated in eight unembalmed cadaveric ankles. While holding the distal tibia fixed, loads of 150 N were applied to the talus in the anterior and posterior directions in the neutral, dorsiflexed, and plantarflexed positions using an hydraulic test system. Tests were performed on the intact specimens then after sequential sectioning of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. Under strictly anteroposterior loading and without an axial (weight-bearing) load applied, no single ligament could be isolated as having a dominant stabilizing function.

Ankle Joint↗

[MRI of the lateral ankle ligaments: value of three-dimensional orientation].

PURPOSE: To determine the three-dimensional orientation of the lateral ankle ligaments with MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers without previous injury to the ankle were included in the study. With the right ankle in the normal anatomic position stabilized in a splint, coronal T2-weighted spin-echo sequences (TSE) were obtained. The three-dimensional orientation was determined by placing paths through the ligaments and by measuring the angles between corresponding tangents and the three main imaging planes. RESULTS: Using the calculated angles, full-length visualization of the lateral ligaments of the ankle was achieved. The angles deviating from the axial imaging plane were 18.0 degrees for the anterior talofibular ligament, 52.3 degrees for the calcaneofibular ligament and 28.2 degrees for the posterior talofibular ligament. CONCLUSION: MRI enables the exact determination of the three-dimensional orientation of the lateral ankle ligaments. Orienting the imaging planes according to the calculated angular deviation allows the full-length visualization of the ligaments and is the basis for optimal imaging of the lateral ankle ligaments.

Adult↗

Investigation of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.

The problem of chronic instability of lateral ankle ligaments has been approached with both conservative and surgical measures. Many operative procedures have been devised to correct this problem, and of these the Watson-Jones, modified Elmslie and Evans procedures are the most commonly used in our community. This paper was designed to: 1) compare the results of the three procedures; 2) investigate subtalar motion in a population of uninjured ankles; and 3) compare these results to subtalar motion in ankles after lateral ligament reconstruction. We found that each of the three procedures had a surprisingly high incidence of postoperative pain. All procedures had a high rate of return to preinjury activity level, and the majority of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. Postoperatively, the Watson-Jones repair exhibited the highest percentage of subjective instability. Twenty-four per cent of the Watson-Jones repairs had a postoperative talar tilt greater than 5 degrees. It was determined that subtalar motion was affected by the type of reconstructive procedure, and although this fact had been theorized in the literature, it had not been documented by objective data.

Adolescent↗

The Cybex II evaluation of lateral ankle ligamentous reconstructions.

Chronic lateral ankle instability is a costly disability to the athlete. The Chrisman-Snook and Evans lateral ligamentous reconstructions are two procedures frequently performed to correct ligamentous instability. The entire peroneus brevis tendon is transected in the Evans procedure, thus sacrificing its eversion strength and power. The importance of preserving the eversion function of the peroneus brevis muscle is speculative, but may be of significance for good long-term results. The ankle eversion strength and power of 10 patients with Chrisman-Snook and 10 patients with Evans lateral ligamentous reconstructions were objectively evaluated with the Cybex II Isokinetic Dynamometer. The mean postoperative time to testing was 4.2 years. The uninvolved ankle was also tested and used as the normal strength of the patient. Twenty normal controls matched for age, sex, and physical activity were tested to assure maximum test reproducibility. The eversion strength was tested at several speeds, but torque values at speeds of 30 and 120 deg/sec were selected for analysis. At slow speeds, 30 deg/sec, and ankles that had Evans and Chrisman-Snook reconstruction were 4% and 7% weaker, respectively, than the contralateral normal ankles. At 120 deg/second the ankles were 8% and 9% weaker with the Evans and Chrisman-Snook reconstructions, respectively. A three factor analysis of variance with repeated measures on two of the factors was used to analyze the data.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Imaging appearances of lateral ankle ligament reconstruction.

Six patients were retrospectively identified as having undergone lateral ligament reconstruction surgery. The surgical procedures were categorized into four groups: direct lateral ligament repair, peroneus brevis tendon rerouting, peroneus brevis tendon loop, and peroneus brevis tendon split and rerouting. At radiography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, the presence of one or more suture anchors in the region of the anterior talofibular ligament indicates direct ligament repair, whereas a fibular tunnel indicates peroneus brevis tendon rerouting or loop. Both ultrasonography (US) and MR imaging demonstrate rerouted tendons as part of lateral ankle reconstruction; however, MR imaging can also depict the rerouted tendon within an osseous tunnel if present, especially if T1-weighted sequences are used. Artifact from suture material may obscure the tendon at MR imaging but not at US. With both modalities, the integrity of the rerouted peroneus brevis tendon is best evaluated by following the tendon proximally from its distal attachment site, which typically remains unchanged. The rerouted tendon or portion of the tendon can then be traced proximally to its reattachment site. Familiarity with the surgical procedures most commonly used for lateral ankle ligament reconstruction, and with the imaging features of these procedures, is essential for avoiding diagnostic pitfalls and ensuring accurate assessment of the ligament reconstruction.

Adult↗

Functional treatments for acute ruptures of the lateral ankle ligament: a systematic review.

Our aim with this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of various functional treatments for acute ruptures of the lateral ankle ligament in adults. We performed an electronic database search using MEDLINE, EMBASE, COCHRANE CONTROLLED TRIAL REGISTER and CURRENT CONTENTS. We evaluated randomized clinical trials describing skeletally mature subjects with an acute rupture of the lateral ankle ligament and compared functional treatments for inclusion in this study. 9 trials met our inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of these trials and extracted relevant data on treatment outcome. Where appropriate, results of comparable studies were pooled. Individual and pooled statistics are reported as relative risks (RR) for dichotomous outcome and (weighted) mean differences (W)MD) for continuous outcome measures with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Heterogeneity between the trials was tested using a standard chi-square test. Persistent swelling at short-term follow-up was less with lace-up ankle support than with semi-rigid ankle support (RR 4.2 95% CI 1.3-14), an elastic bandage (RR 5.5; 95% CI 1.7-18) and tape (RR 4.1; 95% CI 1.2-14). A semi-rigid ankle support required a shorter period for return to work than an elastic bandage (WMD 4.2; 95% CI 2.4-6.1) (p = 0.7). One trial reported better results for subjective instability using the semi-rigid ankle support than the elastic bandage (RR 8.0; 95% CI 1.0-62). Treatment with tape resulted in more complications, mostly skin problems, than that with an elastic bandage (RR 0.1; 95% CI 0.0-0.8). We found no other statistically significant differences. We conclude that an elastic bandage is a less effective functional treatment. Lace-up supports seem better, but the data are insufficient as a basis for definite conclusions.

Bandages↗

Strain measurement in lateral ankle ligaments.

We measured strain in the lateral ligaments of 10 human cadaver ankles while moving the ankle joint and applying stress in a variety of ways. We studied the anterior talofibular, calcaneofibular, posterior talofibular, anterior tibiofibular, and posterior tibiofibular ligaments. Strain measurements in the ligaments were recorded continuously while the ankle was moved from dorsiflexion into plantar flexion. We then repeated measurements while applying inversion, eversion, internal rotation, and external rotation forces. Strain in the anterior talofibular ligament increased when the ankle was moved into greater degrees of plantar flexion, internal rotation, and inversion. Strain in the calcaneofibular ligament increased as the talus was dorsiflexed and inverted. These findings support the concept that the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments function together at all positions of ankle flexion to provide lateral ankle stability. We measured maximum strain in the posterior talofibular ligament when the ankle was dorsiflexed and externally rotated. The strain in the anterior and posterior tibiofibular ligaments increased when the ankle was dorsiflexed. External rotation increased strain in the anterior tibiofibular ligament and decreased strain in the posterior tibiofibular ligament. Based upon strain measurements in the lateral ankle ligaments in various ankle joint positions, we believe the anterior talofibular ligament is most likely to tear if the ankle is inverted in plantar flexion and internally rotated. Theoretically, the calcaneofibular ligament tears primarily in inversion if the ankle is dorsiflexed; the anterior tibiofibular ligament tears in dorsiflexion, especially if combined with external rotation; and the posterior tibiofibular ligament tears with extreme dorsiflexion.

Adult↗

Late-term reconstruction of lateral ankle ligaments using a split peroneus brevis tendon graft (Colville's technique) in patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle.

We reviewed 14 patients with chronic lateral instability of the ankle treated by Colville's technique between 1996 and 2001. The mean patient age was 25 (20-35) years and all were men. The mean period between injury and surgery was 25 (18-32) months, and the mean follow-up was 20 (14-32) months. Twelve of the results were excellent and two were good according to the criteria of Chrisman and Snook. All patients returned to normal daily activity levels at an average of 6 months following surgery.

Adult↗

Diagnosis of lateral ankle ligament injuries. Comparison between talar tilt, MRI and operative findings in 112 athletes.

We evaluated the reliability of the radiographic talar tilt test by MRI examinations in 112 athletes with injuries to the lateral ligaments of the ankle. 25 athletes with a talar tilt > 15 degrees were treated operatively. Intraoperative findings and the talar tilt test were compared with MR imaging results. Our results suggest that MRI is a reliable method for diagnosing injuries of the lateral ankle ligaments. The talar tilt test cannot evaluate the specific pathology of lateral ankle ligaments, but it was reliable in indicating complete double-ligament ruptures (anterior talofibular and calcaneo-fibular ligaments), when talar tilt was 15 degrees or more than on the uninjured side.

Adolescent↗

Comparison of lateral ankle ligamentous reconstruction procedures.

The static restraints of various surgical procedures for chronic lateral ankle instability were compared. Forty cadaveric ankles were divided equally into the following five groups: 1) ankles with intact anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, 2) ankles with incised anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments, 3) ankles with Chrisman-Snook procedure, 4) ankles with Watson-Jones procedure, or 5) ankles with modified Broström procedure. All ankles were placed in a mechanical apparatus for anterior drawer stress and inversion stress tests. After each application of force, a radiograph of the ankle joint was taken, and the anterior talar displacement and the talar tilt angle were measured. All procedures reduced anterior drawer and talar tilt when compared with the ankles with incised anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments. Significant differences were found among the groups for both inversion and anterior drawer stress at all forces, except for the third and fourth groups. The modified Broström group had the least amount of anterior talar displacement and talar tilt angle at all forces. There were no significant differences between the Watson-Jones and the Chrisman-Snook procedures in anterior talar displacement and talar tilt. The modified Broström procedure produced a greater mechanical restraint than either of the other procedures.

Ankle Joint↗