Ankle sprains

Question 1

What is a sprain?

Answer 1

A sprain is an over extension of the ligaments surrounding a joint leading to injury

Question 2

What is the most common cause of an ankle sprain?

Answer 2

In ankle sprains, this is most commonly caused by a twisting force of either inversion or rotation (Twisted ankle)

Question 3

What are the most common ligaments affected by ankle sprains?

Answer 3

Anterior talo-fibuar ligament (ATFL)
Calcaneofibular ligament (CFL)

Question 4

What are the 3 grades of an ankle sprain?

Answer 4

• Grade I - Microscopic tear (Stretch)
• Grade II - Partial tear
• Grade III - Complete rupture

Question 5

What is classified as a chronic tear?

Answer 5

Chronic sprains are recurrent sprains lasting for more than 6 months

Question 6

How will an ankle sprain usually present?

Answer 6

Pain
Bruising
Tenderness
Functional loss (e.g. pain on weight bearing and mechanical instability)

Question 7

What investigation is required in ankle sprain?

Answer 7

X-ray to rule out fracture

Question 8

What takes longer to resolve, a sprain or fracture to the ankle?

Answer 8

Ankle sprains

Question 9

How is ankle sprain managed conservatively?

Answer 9

RICE
Physiotherapy

Question 10

How can a severe ankle sprain be managed?

Answer 10

Surgery:
- Anatomic reconstructive
- Non-anatomic reconstruction

Question 11

What does RICE stand for?

Answer 11

R - Rest
I - Ice
C - Compress
E - Elevate