[Functional versus plaster cast treatment of acute rupture of the fibular ligament of the upper ankle joint. A randomized clinical study]

Abstract

From November 1987 to December 1988, 60 patients with recent ruptures of the fibular ligament were enrolled in a randomized trial. After randomization patients were treated with a pneumatic leg brace (Aircast) or with cast immobilization for 6 weeks. Follow-up examination was carried out 15 months after cessation of therapy and was possible in 90% of the patients studied. Clinical criteria were evaluated according to a validated questionnaire including a 120-point scoring scale. In 42 patients stress tenography was carried out. The functionally treated group had significantly better score values than the immobilized group (functional treatment group 46.4 points; immobilization group 37.2 points). There was no significant difference between the treatment groups in radiological stability after the injury or at follow-up. On the basis of this study and the literature we recommend a primary functional treatment for recent ruptures of the fibular ligaments of the ankle in adults.