Background

The grade II ankle sprain it is one of the most frequent pathologies in the musculoskeletal system and one of the principal motives of laboral inability. Despite the fact this pathology is one of the most common reasons for ER visiting there is not a standard treatment for it, and exist controversy about the immobilization vs. an early mobilization.

Objective

Determine the best treatment for grade II ankle sprains, offering a satisfactory result with a minor time of labor inability.

Material and methods

Single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with two groups immobilization versus functional bandage, both groups with VAS evaluation at the beginning and at the end of treatment, same AINES management and rehabilitation, 30 days after the injury we evaluate the functional outcome with Karlsson score.

Results

At the beginning all patients report pain over 70 (moderate-severe) without difference in the average of both groups (immobilization 86.3 ± 9.6 versus functional bandage treatment of 86.1 ± 8.5; p = 0.95). Both groups present less pain at the end of the treatment, the bandage group present lower values, (Immobilization average 55.2 ± 15.5 versus functional bandage treatment 40.3 ± 12.8, p ≤ 0.001). In the immobilization group 24 (88.9%) at the end of the treatment had moderate pain and 3 (11.1%) light pain against the functional treatment group where 17 (73.1%) had moderate pain and 7 (26.9%) light (p = 0.15).

Conclusion

Functional bandage is an excellent treatment option for grade II ankle sprain, offering good results with a lower time of inability and cost.

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