Cast Immobilization Versus Functional Therapy for Acute, Severe Lateral Ankle Sprains

A Pilot Study Towards a Randomized Clinical Trial of Cast Immobilization Versus Functional Therapy for Acute, Severe Lateral Ankle Sprains

Acute, severe lateral ankle sprains are estimated to comprise between 3-5% of emergency department visits and are the most common musculoskeletal injury in the physically active population. Although the current accepted treatment of ankle sprains is to encourage early mobilization with functional rehabilitation, there is little high-quality evidence directing this clinical practice.

This pilot study is to:

• provide quantitative data for estimation of mean outcome scores and standard deviations to allow subsequent sample size calculations
• evaluate the feasibility of the proposed study design
• assess patient enrollment issues specific to randomization into an active rehabilitation program compared to below knee immobilization.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age over 18
• meet clinical criteria for unilateral grade II-III ankle sprains (inability to weight bear)

Exclusion Criteria:

• bony injury on x-ray or computed tomography
• contraindications to recurrent icing
• high risk of deep-vein thrombosis
• injury greater than 3 days old
• ongoing recovery from previous acute ankle sprain
• age greater than 60
• non-English speaking patients, those patients unable to provide informed consent or patients with insufficient contact information for follow-up