Description
This presentation, delivered by Jim Carmichael, focuses on the common injury of ankle sprains, detailing its prevalence, management strategies, and the importance of understanding associated injuries. Carmichael begins by highlighting the various ligaments involved and the different grades of ankle sprains, emphasizing that acute intervention should be carefully considered. He shares statistics, noting that ankle sprains account for up to 5% of emergency department visits, underscoring their significance in both the general population and sporting contexts.
Carmichael discusses the patient journey from acute presentation to rehabilitation, reinforcing the established RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol in the acute phase. He discusses the importance of proper rehabilitation, including functional loading and potential interventions like bracing or taping versus casting. He argues against immobilization, advocating for early mobilization to aid recovery. He notes the high risks of long-term sequelae, with around 70% of patients experiencing persistent issues following a sprain.
The talk also reviews diagnostic practices, including the use of X-rays and MRI, and emphasizes clinical judgment in assessing injury severity. Carmichael differentiates between laxity and instability, detailing how both present in patients and the necessary treatment approaches based on these symptoms.
Lastly, he concludes with an overview of surgical options, particularly for high-level athletes, while emphasizing a conservative approach for most patients. He summarizes the main points: the prevalence of ankle sprains, high incidence of lingering symptoms, the importance of conservative treatment, and vigilant monitoring for associated injuries.