Clinical study demonstrates high functional recovery and joint stability in acute ankle ligament tears, indicating conservative immobilization provides effective repair without surgery.
Between 1986 and 1989, 40 patients with acute lateral ligament injury of the ankle joint were treated by immobilizing their affected feet in a plaster cast with a heel for 4 weeks, followed by a brace for the next 2 months. The average follow-up time was 29 months. Ninety-eight percent of the patients were rated as having satisfactory functional results. Stress radiographs at the latest follow-up showed good stability even in ankles that were severely unstable at injury. Posttreatment stress radiographs taken periodically showed that stability was maintained 6 months after treatment.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Yamamoto et al. (1993) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: