Exploring influences and risk of bias of studies on return to sport and work after lateral ankle sprain:A systematic review and metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Lateral ankle sprains are the most common traumatic musculoskeletal injuries of the lower extremity,with an incidence rate of 15%-20%.The high incidence and prevalence highlights the economic impact of this injury.Ankle sprains lead to a high socioeconomic burden due to the combination of the high injury incidence and high medical expenses.Up to 40%of patients who suffer from an ankle sprain develop chronic ankle instability.Chronic instability can lead to prolonged periods of pain,immobility and injury recurrence.Identification of factors that influence return to work(RTW)and return to sports(RTS)after a lateral ankle sprain(LAS)may help seriously reduce healthcare costs.AIM To explore which factors may potentially affect RTW and RTS after sustaining an LAS.METHODS EMBASE and PubMed were systematically searched for relevant studies published until June 2023.Inclusion criteria were as follows:(1)Injury including LAS or chronic ankle instability;(2)Described any form of treatment;(3)Assessment of RTW or RTS;(4)Studies published in English;and(5)Study designs including randomized controlled clinical trials,clinical trials or cohort studies.Exclusion criteria were:(1)Studies involving children(age<16 year);or(2)Patients with concomitant ankle injury besides lateral ankle ligament damage.A quality assessment was performed for each of the included studies using established risk of bias tools.Additionally quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADEpro tool in cases where outcomes were included in the quantitative analysis.A best evidence synthesis was performed in cases of qualitative outcome analysis.For all studied outcomes suitable for quantitative analysis a forest plot was created to calculate the effect on RTW and RTS.RESULTS A total of 8904 patients were included in 21 studies,10 randomized controlled trials,7 retrospective cohort studies and 4 prospective cohort studies.Fifteen studies were eligible for meta-analysis.The overall RTS rate ranged were 80%and 83%in the all treatments pool and surgical treatments pool,respectively.The pooled mean days to RTS ranged from 23-93 d.The overall RTW rate was 89%.The pooled mean time to RTW ranged from 5.8-8.1 d.For patients with chronic ankle instability,higher preoperative motivation was the sole factor significantly and independently(P=0.001)associated with the rate of and time to RTS following ligament repair or reconstruction.Higher body mass index was identified as a significant factor(P=0.04)linked to not resuming sports or returning at a lower level(median 24,range 20-37),compared to those who resumed at the same or higher level(median 23,range 17-38).Patients with a history of psychological illness or brain injury,experienced a delay in their rehabilitation process for sprains with fractures and unspecified sprains.The extent of the delayed rehabilitation was directly proportional to the increased likelihood of experiencing a recurrence of the ankle sprain and the number of ankle-related medical visits.We also observed that 10%of athletes who did return to sport after lateral ankle sprain without fractures described non-ankle-related reasons for not returning.CONCLUSION All treatments yielded comparable results,with each treatment potentially offering unique advantages or benefits.Preoperative motivation may influence rehabilitation after LAS.Grading which factor had a greater impact was not possible due to the lack of comparability among the included patients.

Thirty Cases of Acute Lumbar Sprain Treated by Acupuncture Combined with Point-Injection at Tianzhu

In recent years, the authors have treated 30 cases of acute lumbar sprain by acupuncture combined with point medicinal injection at Tianzhu (BL 10), and obtained quite good therapeutic results, as is reported in the following.

Forty-three Cases of Acute Lumbar Sprain Treated by Acupuncture Plus Kinesitherapy

Acute lumbar sprain is commonly encountered among the young and middle-aged. It often occurs at the lower part of the back, which seriously hinders the daily life and work of the patients because of the severe pain. The author has treated 43 cases of acute lumbar sprain by needling Weizhong (BL 40), Houxi (SI 3) and Yaotongdian (EX-UE7) plus kinesitherapy and obtained satisfactory therapeutic results. A report follows.

OBSERVATION ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ACUTE SPRAIN OF SOFT TISSUE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AT PRESSURE PAIN POINTS

In the present paper,70 cases of acute sprain of soft tissue were treated withacupuncture at pressure pain points on the lateral of the second metacarpal bone.Results showedthat the cure rate was 58.6％ and the total effective rate was 94.3％.Also,its mechanisms werestudied preliminarily.The present therapy is simple,convenient,easy to operate and it producesrapidly desired effects with a higher cure rate,so it is suited to be popularized clinically.

Acupuncture Combined with Plucking Muscle Method for Treatment of 48 Cases of Acute Lumbar Sprain

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Risk factors for chronic ankle instability after first episode of lateral ankle sprain:A retrospective analysis of 362 cases

Background:Chronic ankle instability(CAI) is a common sequela following an acute lateral ankle sprain(LAS).To treat an acture LAS more effectively and efficiently,it is important to identify patients at substantial risk for developing CAI.This study identifies magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) manifestations for predicting CAI development after a first episode of LAS and explores appropriate clinical indications for ordering MRI scans for these patients.Methods:All patients with a first-episode LAS who received plain radiograph and MRI scanning within the first 2 weeks after LAS from December 1,2017 to December 1,2019 were identified.Data were collected using the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool at final follow-up.Demographic and other related clinical variables,including age,sex,body mass index,and treatment were also recorded.Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed successively to identify risk factors for CAI after first-episode LAS.Results:A total 131 out of 362 patients with a mean follow-up of 3.0± 0.6 years(mean ± SD;2.0—4.1 years) developed CAI after first-episode LAS.According to multivariable regression,development of CAI after first-episode LAS was associated with 5 prognostic factors:age(odds ratio(OR)=0.96,95% confidence interval(95%CI):0.93-1.00,p=0.032);body mass index(OR=1.09,95%CI:1.02-1.17,p=0.009);posterior talofibular ligament injury(OR=2.17,95%CI:1.05-4.48,p=0.035);large bone marrow lesion of the talus(OR=2.69,95%CI:1.30-5.58,p=0.008),and Grade 2 effusion of the tibiotalar joint(OR=2.61,95%CI:1.39-4.89,p=0.003).When patients had at least 1 positive clinical finding in the 10-m walk test,anterior drawer test,or inversion tilt test,they had a 90.2% sensitivity and 77.4% specificity in terms of detecting at least 1 prognostic factor by MRI.Conclusion:MRI scanning is valuable in predicting CAI after first-episode LAS for those patients with at least 1 positive clinical finding in the10-m walk test,anterior drawer test,and inversion tilt test.Further prospective and large-scale studies are necessary for validation.

Acute ankle sprain in athletes:Clinical aspects and algorithmic approach

Acute ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in athletes and accounts for 16%-40%of all sports-related injuries.It is especially common in basketball,American football,and soccer.The majority of sprains affect the lateral ligaments,particularly the anterior talofibular ligament.Despite its high prevalence,a high proportion of patients experience persistent residual symptoms and injury recurrence.A detailed history and proper physical examination are diagnostic cornerstones.Imaging is not indicated for the majority of ankle sprain cases and should be requested according to the Ottawa ankle rules.Several interventions have been recommended in the management of acute ankle sprains including rest,ice,compression,and elevation,analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications,bracing and immobilization,early weight-bearing and walking aids,foot orthoses,manual therapy,exercise therapy,electrophysical modalities and surgery(only in selected refractory cases).Among these interventions,exercise and bracing have been recommended with a higher level of evidence and should be incorporated in the rehabilitation process.An exercise program should be comprehensive and progressive including the range of motion,stretching,strengthening,neuromuscular,proprioceptive,and sport-specific exercises.Decision-making regarding return to the sport in athletes may be challenging and a sports physician should determine this based on the self-reported variables,manual tests for stability,and functional performance testing.There are some common myths and mistakes in the management of ankle sprains,which all clinicians should be aware of and avoid.These include excessive imaging,unwarranted non-weightbearing,unjustified immobilization,delay in functional movements,and inadequate rehabilitation.The application of an evidence-based algorithmic approach considering the individual characteristics is helpful and should be recommended.

FINGER PRESSURE PLUS MOXIBUSTION FOR TREATMENT OF 30 CASES OF ACUTE LUMBAR SPRAIN

In the present paper,30 cases of acute lumbar sprain are treated with finger pressuretherapy and moxibustion therapy.Results show that 21 cases are cured,4 markedly effective and 5effctive.This combined treatment has no sufferings to the patient,is safe,simple and easy to be ac-cepted by patients.

Patients’perspectives on the conventional synthetic cast vs a newly developed open cast for ankle sprains

BACKGROUND Orthopedic physicians typically apply a cast to immobilize a body part that has been injured.There have been no significant structural changes or advances in synthetic casts since the development of the modern cast.The Opencast®is a recently developed type of cast that allows ventilation and direct visual inspection of the skin to avoid cast-related complications.Although this novel cast appears to have more benefits than the conventional synthetic cast,its clinical efficacy and advantages have not been established.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and advantages of the newly developed Opencast®based on patients’perspectives in those with ankle inversion injury.METHODS A specifically designed questionnaire consisting of 19 items was used to compare patients’opinions and concerns of the Opencast®and the conventional synthetic cast.The items were focused on subjective patient satisfaction,discomfort,and adverse effects while wearing the cast.Patients with an ankle inversion injury diagnosed as a high-grade ankle sprain were enrolled.The subjects were randomized and instructed to fill the questionnaire after wearing a synthetic cast or an Opencast®for 2 wk.They were then required to fill the questionnaire again,after switching to the alternative type of cast for 2 more weeks.RESULTS A total of 22 subjects participated in the study.The synthetic cast appeared to be more rigid and stable than the Opencast®,but there was no significant difference in the amount of pain relief.The likelihood of adverse effects when wearing the synthetic cast was significantly higher.Patient satisfaction tended to be rated higher after wearing the Opencast®.Opencast®showed more subjective vulnerability than the synthetic cast,but there was no significant difference in the redo rate.Patients were more anxious about removal of the synthetic cast than of the Opencast®.CONCLUSION The results indicate that the Opencast®could replace the conventional synthetic cast as it offers increased patient satisfaction,which would in turn increase compliance to treatment.

Most ankle sprain research is either false or clinically unimportant:A 30-year audit of randomized controlled trials

Background:Lateral ankle sprain is the most common musculoskeletal injury.Although clinical research in this field is growing,there is a broader concern that clinical trial outcomes are often false and fail to translate into patient benefits.Methods:We audited 30 years of experimental research related to lateral ankle sprain management(n=74 randomized controlled trials)to determine if reports of treatment effectiveness could be validated beyond statistical certainty.Results:A total of 77%of trials reported positive treatment effects,but there was a high risk of false discovery.Most trials were unregistered and relied solely on statistical significance,or lack of statistical significance,rather than on interpreting key measures of minimum clinical importance(e.g.,minimal detectable change,minimal clinically important difference).Conclusion:Future clinical trials must adopt higher standards of reporting and data interpretation.This includes consideration of the ethical responsibility to preregister their research and interpretation of clinical outcomes beyond statistical significance.

单侧慢性踝关节不稳对双侧姿势稳定性、本体感觉、足底触觉和肌肉力量的影响

背景:单侧慢性踝关节不稳会对患侧肢体产生不良影响,有线索表明非患侧可能同样受到累及,但目前尚缺乏直接证据。目的:探讨单侧慢性踝关节不稳对于双侧姿势稳定性、本体感觉、足底触觉和肌肉力量的影响。方法:招募122例受试者,其中单侧慢性踝关节不稳者67例,非慢性踝关节不稳者55例。测试了单侧慢性踝关节不稳者双侧以及非慢性踝关节不稳者的姿势稳定性、本体感觉、足底触觉和肌肉力量。使用单因素方差分析或克鲁斯卡尔-沃利斯检验对比组间差异。结果与结论:①相较于非慢性踝关节不稳者,单侧慢性踝关节不稳者双侧前后方向的稳定时间均更长(P=0.001-0.012),患侧内外方向的稳定时间更长(P=0.012-0.025);双侧踝关节跖屈、背伸、内翻和外翻的本体感觉阈值均更高(P=0.000-0.035);双侧足底大脚趾、第1跖骨头、第5跖骨头、外侧足弓、足跟的足底触觉灵敏度均更低(P=0.000-0.008);双侧踝关节内翻和外翻的肌肉力量均更弱(P=0.000-0.019)。②单侧慢性踝关节不稳者存在双侧姿势稳定性、本体感觉、足底触觉和肌肉力量缺陷。因此,在治疗慢性踝关节不稳时应全面考虑双侧肢体的康复需求。

苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床观察

目的观察苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床效果。方法将医院创伤骨科门急诊就诊的102例急性踝关节扭伤患者(2020年5月—2022年7月)纳入研究,以随机数字表法将患者分为两组,每组51例,对照组采取西医常规治疗,观察组采取西医常规治疗同时结合苏筋通络方及“行气活血”针刺法治疗。数据比较:临床治疗效果、中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分变化、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度变化、视觉模拟评分(Visual Analogue Scale,VAS)变化、美国足踝外科协会(American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society,AOFAS)踝-后足评分变化、血清疼痛物质(神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质)水平变化、白细胞介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)、白细胞介素-1β(Interleukin-1β,IL-1β)、超敏C反应蛋白(Hypersensitive C-reactive protein,hs-CRP)变化。结果观察组患者与对照组患者治疗总有效率相比[98.04%(50/51)vs86.27%(44/51)],P<0.05;治疗后各组患者中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度、VAS评分、AOFAS踝-后足评分、神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质、IL-6、IL-1β、hs-CRP等指标均改善,观察组患者治疗后中医症状(踝关节疼痛肿胀、皮下瘀斑、关节活动受限等)积分、踝关节跖屈活动度与背伸活动度、VAS评分、AOFAS踝-后足评分、神经生长因子、神经肽、P物质、IL-6、IL-1β、hs-CRP等指标均明显优于对照组患者,P均<0.05。结论苏筋通络方结合“行气活血”针刺法治疗急性踝关节扭伤临床效果显著,患者经治疗后临床症状显著改善,疼痛缓解,踝关节功能改善,值得应用。

1st degree acromioclavicular sprain, elevated 1st rib, or both? A case study of a rodeo cowboy

Objective: To present a case of a rodeo cowboy who suffered a seemingly routine 1st degree acromioclavicular (AC) sprain. The AC sprain was exacerbated by an elevated 1st rib. Background: Saddle bronc riding is one of three rough stock events in North American rodeo and the least common event for injury relative to bull riding and bareback riding. Shoulder injury in rodeo rough stock events make up 9.3% of all injuries. Approximately 28% of injuries in rodeo are considered minor sprains. The professional cowboy was thrown from his horse landing on the tip of his shoulder. The cowboy presented with a routine 1st degree AC sprain based on the Tossey and Rockwood definitions. Differential Diagnosis: Due to the mechanism of injury and forces produced with the cowboy being thrown to the ground, elimination of serious neck injury was critical. A scanning examination revealed some neck dysfunction. A cervical rotation, lateral flexion special test confirmed the additional elevated 1st rib in addition to the 1st degree AC sprain. Treatment: A chiropractic adjustment of the 1st rib reduced pain in the AC joint from a 6/10 to 1/10 immediately. Subsequently, the patient iced and was treated with one other 1st rib adjustment at a later date. Uniqueness: There were no cases of 1st degree AC sprains with an associated elevated first rib in the literature. It was very unique to relieve to the patient’s shoulder symptoms so dramatically in a short period of time with manual therapy to the first rib. Conclusions: It is important to follow a thorough history and physical examination of patients who suffer from a 1st degree AC sprain. The use of a scanning examination will help identify the primary source of pain (i.e. neck and/or shoulder). Manual therapy of the 1st rib may be useful in the treatment.

Traumatic isolated bilateral gluteus minimus injuries misdiagnosed as lumbar radiculopathy:A case report

BACKGROUND The tear of the gluteus medius and minimus tendons can cause chronic buttock pain,especially in middle-aged individuals;these tears occur mostly in association with degenerative changes in the muscles and tendons.Chronic injuries are more common than acute injuries,and concurrent injuries to the gluteus medius and minimus tendons without chronic pain are rare,especially isolated injuries to both sides of the gluteus minimus;such a case has not yet been reported.CASE SUMMARY The authors present a case of bilateral acute traumatic injuries to the gluteus minimus during buttock strengthening exercises in a 75-year-old male patient.The patient completely returned to his pre-injury lifestyle after 8 weeks of injury,with no limitations,but the diagnosis was initially delayed due to misdiagnosis as lumbar radiculopathy,resulting in unnecessary socio-economic burden on the patient.CONCLUSION When treating patients who complain of hip pain,it is important to consider various causes to make a correct diagnosis.

蜡疗联合三色膏外敷治疗急性踝关节扭伤的疗效评价

目的探讨蜡疗联合三色膏外敷治疗急性踝关节扭伤的临床疗效。方法选取舟山市中医院2022年1—12月确诊为急性踝关节扭伤的患者60例,通过数字表法分为2组,各30例。对照组仅接受三色膏外敷治疗,24 h内加用冷敷;观察组则在对照组治疗方案的基础上,于扭伤24 h后给予患者蜡疗,2组均以7 d为1个疗程,连续治疗2个疗程。治疗结束后评价临床疗效,比较治疗前后2组疼痛数字模拟评分法(numerical rating scale,NRS评分)、肿胀度评分、踝关节评分(Kofoed)评分改善情况。结果观察组总有效率为96.67%,高于对照组的76.67%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前NRS评分、肿胀度评分、Kofoed评分组间比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后1、2周,观察组具有明显更低的NRS评分及肿胀度评分,具有更高的Kofoed评分,2组治疗后不同时间各项指标比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论蜡疗联合三色膏外敷治疗急性踝关节扭伤的疗效确切,可快速、有效地改善患者患部疼痛、肿胀程度,促进踝关节功能的恢复。

基于骨正筋柔理论应用棍点理筋正骨手法治疗急性腰扭伤的临床效果

目的探讨棍点理筋正骨手法在急性腰扭伤疾患中的临床效果。方法将广西中医药大学附属贺州市中医医院骨科及推拿科2020年7月至2022年12月收治的60例急性腰扭伤患者随机分为观察组和对照组,每组各30例。观察组采用棍点理筋正骨手法治疗,对照组患者采用常规推拿手法治疗。比较两组治疗后的总有效率、显效率;比较两组治疗前后疼痛视觉模拟评分法(VAS)评分和腰椎功能障碍指数(ODI)评分情况。结果观察组总有效率为93.33%,高于对照的76.67%,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);观察组显效率为73.33%,高于对照组的46.67%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前两组VAS、ODI评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。治疗1周后,观察组的VAS、ODI评分均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论在急性腰扭伤疾病的治疗中,对患者的疼痛缓解以及腰椎功能的改善方面棍点理筋正骨手法要优于传统推拿手法,且疗效更佳,是一种安全可行的治疗方法,值得推广。

踝护具内翻防护性能仿真测试系统研究及踝护具内翻防护性能评价

目的旨在开发一种踝护具内翻防护性能仿真测试系统,以客观地评价踝护具的内翻防护性能、替代人体试验、减少主观因素及个体差异对测试结果的影响。方法踝护具内翻防护性能仿真测试系统主要包括人体踝关节仿真模型、动力机构和着陆斜台等,以模拟人体高空着陆过程。以新型非对称半刚性防护型踝护具为实验对象,以传统踝护具与裸足作为对照,评价指标为踝关节最大内翻角,验证系统的可行性与可靠性。结果踝护具内翻防护性能仿真测试系统结构简单、操作便捷、可重复性好。测试结果客观、数据离散小,能够客观反映踝护具的内翻防护性能,表明新型非对称半刚性踝护具具有良好的内翻防护性能。结论本研究解决了人体试验数据重复性低、离散大等问题,可为进一步推动踝护具内翻防护性能评价标准的建立提供参考。

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE PLUS POINT-PENETRATION FOR CHRONIC ANKLE JOINT SPRAIN

Objective: To observe clinical therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture plus point-penetration for chronic ankle joint sprain. Methods: 76 patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=43) and control group (n=33).In teatment group, penetration needling from Qiuxu (丘墟 GB 40) to Zhaohai (照海 KI 6) was performed, combined with electrical stimulation for 30 min. Patients of control group were ordered to take Antinfan (50 mg,b.i.d.),supplemented with local external application of Votalin cream (b.i.d.).After 14 treatments (two courses), the therapeutic effect was assessed. Results: Following two courses of treatment, of the 43 cases and 33 cases in treatment and control groups,33 (76.7%) and 15 (45.5%) were cured, 4 (9.3%) and 7 (21.2%) had marked improvement in their symptoms, 3 (7.0%) and 2 (6.1%) had improvement, and 3 (7.0%) and 9(27.3%) failed, with the effective rates being 93.0% and 72.7% respectively. The therapeutic effect of treatment group was significantly superior to that of control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Penetrative needling plus EA is significantly superior to medication in relieving chronic ankle spain patient’s clinical symptoms and signs.

120例踝关节扭伤的肌骨彩超诊断特征分析

目的:通过对踝关节扭伤患者进行肌骨彩超诊断,分析踝关节扭伤的损伤部位、积液产生部位的分布特点特征及其与患者基础基线相关性的规律,并探讨其规律与相应防控措施。方法:选取2018年1月—2023年12月北京市昌平区中西医结合医院门诊收治的120例踝关节扭伤患者的肌骨彩超检查资料,对其进行整理统计分析。结果:踝关节易损伤部位排在前3位的是距腓前韧带、滑膜和跟腓韧带;患者损伤以单处损伤居多,占比为55.83%;积液产生为多处出现居多,占比为51.67%。结果显示,<35岁的男性踝关节扭伤率为73.02%(46/63),高于女性的52.63%(30/57),≥35岁的女性踝关节扭伤占比为47.37%(27/57),高于男性的26.98%(17/63)。结论:在踝关节损伤后的诊疗过程中,需要考虑损伤的具体位置和积液情况,同时也要根据不同年龄和性别进行个性化的诊疗和健康宣教。

不同方向落地侧切及运动疲劳对踝关节扭伤风险的影响

目的:探讨3种不同方向(前跳、斜跳与侧跳)单腿跳跃落地侧切变向及运动疲劳对踝关节扭伤风险的影响。方法:采用红外运动捕捉系统与三维测力台,同步采集15名男性大学生业余球类运动者在疲劳前后完成3种不同方向单腿跳跃落地侧切变向动作时的运动学和动力学指标。结果:在触地时刻,不同方向落地侧切时踝跖屈角度和踝内翻角速度之间存在显著差异,表现为侧跳最大,前跳最小在缓冲阶段中,最大踝内翻角、最大踝内翻角速度、最大踝内翻力矩和最大垂直地面反作用力指标在不同方向落地侧切时存在显著性差异,表现侧跳最大,前跳最小。疲劳前后不同方向落地侧切的各项指标中均无显著性差异。结论:不同方向落地侧切动作可对踝关节动作模式造成影响,侧切变向角度增加可能导致更高的踝关节扭伤风险。运动疲劳可能不会增大男子落地侧切动作踝关节损伤风险。