[Functional stabilization versus orthopedic immobility in grade-I-II (mild) ankle sprain].

OBJECTIVE

To proof that functional treatment is better than the orthopedic one in the slight ankle sprain.

DESIGN

Clinical trial.

SETTING

A primary care center, a outpatient clinic and a teaching hospital in Malaga.

PATIENTS: 80 patients treated in emergence room for ankle ligament injuries. They were systematically sampled, 40 in each group of treatment.

INTERVENTIONS: Functional stabilization or elastic adhesive bandaging during 7 days without support. Immobilization after the acute phase permitting then the support. Orthopedic stabilization or subsequent ferule during 21 days, followed by ankle rehabilitation.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

We compared the healing time, treatment acceptance, absent of work time and need of rehabilitation in both groups. Functional stability is more effective than the orthopedic one: 1.39 times better in terms of curing, 7 times in terms of personal hygiene, 4.25 times in terms of need of rest, 5.5 times better in terms of need of rehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirm the initial hypothesis of the advantage of the functional treatment.