The efficacy of adjusting the ankle in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of adjusting the ankle in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains.


METHODS
A single-blind, comparative, controlled pilot study.


METHODS
Technikon Natal Chiropractic Day Clinic.


METHODS
Thirty patients with subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains. Patients were recruited from the public; they responded to advertisements placed in newspapers and on notice boards around the campus and local sports clubs.


METHODS
Each of the 15 patients in the treatment group received the ankle mortise separation adjustment. Each of the 15 patients in the placebo group received 5 minutes of detuned ultrasound treatment. Each participant received a maximum of 8 treatment sessions spread over a period of 4 weeks.


METHODS
Patients were evaluated at the first treatment, at the final treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up consultation. Subjective scores were obtained by means of the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101. Objective measurements were obtained from goniometer readings measuring ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and algometer readings measuring pain threshold over the ankle lateral ligaments. A functional evaluation of ankle function was also used.


RESULTS
Although both groups showed improvement, statistically significant differences in favor of the adjustment group were noted with respect to reduction in pain, increased ankle range of motion, and ankle function.


CONCLUSIONS
This study appears to indicate that the mortise separation adjustment may be superior to detuned ultrasound therapy in the management of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II inversion ankle sprains.
Pellow
J E
JE
Technikon Natal, Chiropractic Department, Durban, South Africa. justinp@mweb.co.za
Brantingham
J W
JW
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000145:classification / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography