The effect of taping versus semi-rigid bracing on patient outcome and satisfaction in ankle sprains: a prospective, randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Functional treatment is a widely used and generally accepted treatment for ankle sprain. A meta-analysis comparing the different functional treatment options could not make definitive conclusions regarding the effectiveness, and until now, little was known about patient satisfaction in relation to the outcome.

Methods: Patients with acute ankle sprain received rest, ice, compression and elevation with an compressive bandage at the emergency department. After 5-7 days, 100 patients with grade II and III sprains were randomized into two groups: one group was treated with tape and the other with a semi-rigid ankle brace, both for 4 weeks. Post-injury physical and proprioceptive training was standardized. As primary outcome parameter patient satisfaction and skin complications were evaluated using a predefined questionnaire and numeric rating scale. As secondary outcome parameter the ankle joint function was assessed using the Karlsson scoring scale and range of motion.

Results: Patient-reported comfort and satisfaction during treatment with a semi-rigid brace was significantly increased. The rate of skin complication in this group was significantly lower compared to the tape group (14.6% versus 59.1%, P < 0.0001). Functional outcome of the ankle joint was similar between the two treatment groups, as well as reported pain.

Conclusion: Treatment of acute ankle sprain with semi-rigid brace leads to significantly higher patient comfort and satisfaction, both with similar good outcome.

Figure 1

Flow chart of the randomized trial comparing tape treatment and treatment with a semi-rigid brace. ED emergency department.

Figure 2

Patient reported satisfaction during functional treatment of acute ankle sprain. Data are presented as mean (+SD) on a Likert scale ranging from 5 (poor) to 1 (excellent). Patient satisfaction was significantly better in the patients treated with a semi-rigid brace compared to tape treatment (P < 0.0001).

Figure 3

Karlsson function outcome score during functional treatment of acute ankle sprain. Data are presented as mean (+SD) on a scale ranging from 0 (poor) to 100 (optimal). Fuctional outcome reported by the patients increased significantly (P_T < 0.0001) during the 4 weeks treatment and further increased thereafter until 8 was similar between semi-rigid brace and tape treatment (P = 0.4).