Proprioception in classical ballet dancers. A prospective study of the influence of an ankle sprain on proprioception in the ankle joint

We studied prospectively the influence of ankle sprains on proprioception as measured by recording the postural sway of classical ballet dancers. Excellent balance and coordination are important for classical ballet dancers, and postural stability requires adequate proprioception from the ankle joint. Fifty-three professional dancers from the Royal Swedish Ballet, Stockholm, and 23 nonathletes, the control group, participated in the investigation. Postural sway was recorded and analyzed with a stabilimeter using a specially designed, portable, computer-assisted force plate. Six dancers sustained ankle sprains during followup. The recordings were obtained of these dancers before and after the injuries. The stabilometry results differed among the male and female dancers and the control group as follows: 1) the male dancers demonstrated a smaller total area of sway, and 2) both the male and female dancers had a smaller mean sway on the left foot than on the right (no mean difference in sway was found between the left and right foot in the control group). In comparison with the condition before injury and with the uninjured foot, the postural stability of the dancer was impaired for several weeks after the ankle sprain. Postural stability gradually improved during rehabilitation and improvement still occurred several weeks after professional dancing had resumed.

Wobble board training after partial sprains of the lateral ligaments of the ankle: a prospective randomized study

Ankle sprains are often complicated by functional instability and repeated sprains. Rehabilitation with wobble boards in patients with functional instability has been tested, and significant improvement has been found compared to no training. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the number of patients with residual symptoms following ankle sprains could be reduced by training on a wobble board during 12-week recovery period. In addition, the influence of training in the time course reduction of edema was investigated. We performed a prospective study including 61 patients, all active in sports for more than 2 hours a week with primary ankle sprains. The effect of a 12-week training program with wobble board was compared with no training. Forty-eight patients completed the study. In the follow-up period (mean X = 230 days), we found significantly fewer recurrent sprains, and significantly fewer patients in the training group had functional instability of the ankle compared with the no training group. There were no differences in the two groups in the time which elapsed before patients were painless at walking, during running, or at sports. Volumetric measurements revealed no difference in the speed of reduction of hematoma and edema of the ankle and foot between the two groups. We conclude that training on a wobble board early after primary stage 2 ankle sprains is effective in reducing residual symptoms following this lesion and that training does not seem to affect the time course reduction in edema.

Effect of orthotics on postural sway following inversion ankle sprain

Orthotic devices have been shown to successfully modify selected aspects of lower extremity mechanics and enhance foot stability during the support phase of running. It was hypothesized that orthotic intervention would relieve excessive strain on the ankle ligaments and reduce postural sway, especially in subjects with acute ankle sprains. The primary purpose of this study was to determine if orthotics would reduce postural sway in injured and uninjured subjects. Thirteen subjects with acute inversion ankle sprain and 12 uninjured subjects were assessed for postural sway on the Balance System under two treatment conditions (orthotic and nonorthotic) and four platform movements. A three-factor repeated measures analysis of variance revealed a significant group X treatment interaction, suggesting that postural sway with orthotic intervention improved significantly more in injured subjects than in uninjured subjects. A significant platform movement X treatment interaction, furthermore, revealed that postural sway for the four movement conditions was dependent upon treatment (orthotic vs. no orthotic). Tukey post hoc analysis revealed that orthotic intervention significantly reduced postural sway when the platform moved in the medial/lateral plane and inversion/eversion plane. This research suggests that custom-fit orthotics may restrict undesirable motion at the foot and ankle and enhance joint mechanoreceptors to detect perturbations and provide structural support for detecting and controlling postural sway in ankle-injured subjects.

Ankle arthroscopy: follow-up study of 33 ankles--effect of physical therapy and obesity

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 32 patients (33 ankles) who had undergone surgical ankle arthroscopy for chronic ankle pain that was recalcitrant to conservative treatment. All patients were examined clinically and completed a written questionnaire. Intraoperative ankle arthroscopy showed hypertrophic synovitis, adhesive bands, chondral bands with synovitis, osteophytes, and abnormalities in the talar dome. Results of treatment after an average follow-up time of 1.4 years (range: 0.33 to 12.5 years) showed ankle scores of 15 excellent, 11 good, 5 fair, and 2 poor. Obesity was significantly related to the outcomes of arthroscopy procedures. Obese patients were more likely to be rated as fair or poor, while nonobese patients were significantly more likely to be rated excellent or good. Those patients who received physical therapy postoperatively for one or more months had significantly better ankle ratings than those who did not elect to have physical therapy.

False aneurysm--a complication following an inversion ankle sprain: a case report

Sprains of the lateral ligamentous structures of the ankle joint as a result of inversion are common and frequently result in pain. In most cases, the pain is related to soft-tissue injury and the associated hemorrhage and swelling. This case report describes the complication of posttraumatic false aneurysm of the peroneal artery following an inversion ankle sprain in a 22-year-old athlete, a complication which should be added to the differential diagnosis as a rare, but important possibility. Emphasis of the case report is placed on the rehabilitation of the patient following medical intervention.

Clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of ankle sprains treated with an orthosis

This is a prospective clinical study of treatment of ankle sprains with an ankle brace that permits ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of 20 degrees, but limits inversion and eversion for 6 weeks. The ankle brace is followed by physiotherapy for another 6 weeks. Thirty patients were evaluated with clinical examination and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging before treatment and after 12 weeks of treatment. MR imaging revealed acute tears in the anterior talofibular ligament in all 30 ankles (100%) and tears in the calcaneofibular ligament in 25 of 30 ankles (83%). At 12 weeks after injury, MR evidence of healing was present for the anterior talofibular ligament in 22 of 30 ankles (73%) and for the calcaneofibular ligament in 23 of 25 ankles (92%). Postural sway analysis after therapy was used to quantify functional stability of the ankle. There was no correlation with MR findings, but there was a correlation with the subjective impression of functional instability. Twenty-eight of 30 patients (93%) had a functionally stable ankle after 12 weeks of treatment. MR findings after ankle sprain could not predict clinical outcome.

The repair of a ruptured deltoid ligament is not necessary in ankle fractures

We randomised 50 patients with ankle fractures of Weber types B and C and a ruptured deltoid ligament treated by open reduction and internal fixation to two treatment groups to examine the influence of the repair of a ruptured deltoid ligament. No differences were found except for a longer duration of surgery in the repair group. Our findings suggest that a ruptured deltoid ligament can be left unexplored without any effect either on early mobilisation or on the long-term result.

Accessory calcaneus: a case report and literature review

A case of bilateral accessory calcanii is presented in which the accessory ossicle articulated with the talus and calcaneus at the lateral aspect of the posterior facet of the subtalar joint, causing premature subtalar degenerative changes in a 19-year-old man. Although rare and usually asymptomatic, accessory ossicles around the foot may need surgical excision if painful or if sufficient size is obtained to cause deformity and/or limitations in range of motion.

Monitoring recovery following syndesmosis sprain: a case report

A sprain to the tibial-fibular syndesmosis often results in prolonged rehabilitation or surgical intervention before recovery occurs. This paper documents gait recovery both before and after surgery for a syndesmosis sprain. Ground reaction force (GRF) data were available before injury and before surgery. Data were also collected every 3 days from 4 days to 4 months after syndesmosis screw removal (8 weeks after surgery). Weightbearing during the stance phase of gait did not approach normal values until approximately 4 months after syndesmosis screw removal. The push-off phase of gait also was slow to recover. When it was possible for the subject to use one or two crutches, differences in GRF were evident, such that walking with one crutch demonstrated increased force production at the ground. Bracing the ankle with a semirigid brace increased GRF, whereas a boot-type lace-up brace resulted in decreased GRF. In this case report of a combined ankle and syndesmosis sprain, results suggest the weightbearing and push-off force were seriously compromised. Decreasing the number of walking assistive devices and wearing a semirigid ankle brace increased the amount of weightbearing through the affected leg and may have merit in encouraging muscle function.

Volleyball injuries presenting in casualty: a prospective study

During 1986, all sports injuries (n = 5222) were prospectively recorded at the two casualty departments in Arhus, Denmark. Volleyball injuries (n = 278) accounted for 5.3% of all sports injuries. An evaluation of the rehabilitation period and the consequences of the injuries was undertaken by questionnaire three years after the injury. The injury incidence was 1.9 injuries/1000 inhabitants/year. Hand, finger, and ankle sprains were the most frequent injuries. Female players had significantly more hand/finger injuries than male players, who incurred more ankle/foot injuries. Knee (6%) and ankle injuries (31%) were responsible for the longest duration of absence from sports participation. There were relatively few chronic injuries. The study suggests the need to enhance prophylactic measures with regard to blocking and overhand pass techniques, in order to reduce the number and extent of ankle and hand/finger injuries.

Case study: the painful os trigonum syndrome

The painful os trigonum syndrome is one cause of posterolateral ankle pain. This syndrome is most prevalent in athletes who perform frequent and/or forceful plantar flexion. The painful os trigonum may be misdiagnosed as Achilles and/or peroneal tendinitis. In this case, the patient was misdiagnosed for 15 months and treated for tendinitis. The appropriate clinical tests to evaluate the os trigonum as a source of posterolateral ankle pain are outlined. The surgical and postoperative management for the patient are discussed. Clinicians should be aware of the painful os trigonum syndrome as a possible source of posterolateral ankle pain.

Reliability and validity of active, passive and dynamic range of motion tests

The purposes of this project were to determine (a) the reliability of ROM and POM assessment methods for tests where an ankle joint brace was used and (b) the relationship between active and passive ROM and POM inversion measurements. The range of motion of the ankle joint complex for inversion was quantified using a range of motion apparatus. The inversion path of motion for the foot and the shoe was quantified using a high speed video system. The results of this study indicated: (a) Comprehensive functional tests of ankle joint braces using ROM and POM measurements showed maximal group differences of less than 1 degree between days for ROM (rAROM = 0.96 and rPROM = 0.93) and less than 1.5 degrees for POM measurements (rPOM = 0.88). (b) PROM measurements showed a consistent "creep" effect of about 2 degrees with increasing trial number during the first ten trials which must be taken into consideration for the design of the appropriate test protocol. (c) The correlation coefficient between AROM and POM was 0.37 and 0.44 between PROM and POM, suggesting that AROM and PROM measurements do not predict inversion during actual movement.

The ankle ligaments: consideration of syndesmotic injury and implications for rehabilitation

Injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis (DTFS) may be more common than previously reported. This injury is typically caused by external forces which produce sudden ankle dorsiflexion or plantar flexion in combination with external rotation of the foot. Common mechanisms include direct contact with another player or uneven physical terrain. Improper diagnosis of this injury may greatly delay the return to normal functional status and promote the development of chronic instability, degenerative joint changes, and pain. The purpose of this clinical commentary is to review the ligamentous anatomy of the ankle and the incidence of injury to the lateral ligaments of the ankle, with emphasis on DTFS injury. Special tests which enhance the recognition of DTFS injury, such as the external rotation stress test and the distal tibiofibular compression test, and a rehabilitation progression are presented.

Anatomic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using a split peroneus brevis tendon graft

Fifteen patients with recurrent inversion ankle sprains and documented lateral ankle instability were treated with an anatomically oriented ligament reconstruction using a split peroneus brevis tendon graft. This reconstruction is designed to augment repair of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments without restricting subtalar motion. Of the 12 patients available for long-term followup, all were functionally improved, with no recurrences of instability. Stress radiographic examination at followup confirmed that mechanical stability had been restored in all ankles. Eversion strength and subtalar joint motion were maintained after surgery. We recommend this procedure in patients who require augmented reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments.

The influence of orthoses on the proprioception of the ankle joint

The ankle joints of 14 healthy volunteers and 16 patients with unstable ankle joints were tested regarding their functional and proprioceptive capabilities. All of them were active athletes. Three tests were used of the study: single-leg stance test, single-leg jumping course test, angle-reproduction test. The influence of three stabilization devices (lace-on-brace/"Mikros", stirrup-brace/"Aircast", taping) on the proprioceptivity of stable and unstable ankle joints was evaluated. The scores of the single-leg jumping course without any stabilizing device (category "standard") ranged between 8.06 and 13.68 (10.65 +/- 1.29). In the categories "Mikros" (9.85 +/- 0.99), and "Aircast" (9.99 +/- 1.14) as well as with the tape bandage (10.27 +/- 0.81) better scores were achieved. The differences "standard vs. Mikros" and "standard vs. Aircast" revealed a significant reduction of the scores with orthoses (P < 0.01). The error rate in the single-leg stance test was within the range of 0-16 (5.12 +/- 2.85) for the category "standard". It was lower for the categories "Mikros" (3.65 +/- 2.65) and "Aircast" (4.17 +/- 2.59). The error rate was highest in the group with a tape bandage (5.79 +/- 3.53). The differences "standard vs Mikros" as well as "standard vs. Aircast" were significant (P < 0.01). There was also a significant difference between these categories regarding injured and not injured ankle joints (P < 0.01). The angle-reproduction-test showed higher values for the category "standard" (2.36 degrees +/- 0.97) in comparison to the categories "Mikros" (1.46 degrees +/- 0.72), "Aircast" (1.62 degrees +/- 0.91) and "taping" (1.84 degrees +/- 0.41).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Treatment approaches following foot and ankle injury

A complete and effective rehabilitation program begins with a thorough subjective and objective evaluation of the problem and injury presented. Biomechanical changes, whether they are anatomically induced or as a result of a form of compensation, must be identified and properly addressed. During the initial phase of rehabilitation, the issues of pain and swelling often must be resolved before full range of motion and return to normal strength can be achieved successfully during the more advanced stages. It is important to incorporate the entire lower quadrant in exercises that are designed to improve proprioception and function, using both in open and closed kinetic chain exercises. Finally, the demands to which the patient is returning to must be recognized to successfully complete the recovery phase.

Protected early motion versus cast immobilization in postoperative management of ankle fractures

Sixty-one active-duty military personnel with operatively treated ankle fractures were randomized into two postoperative immobilization regimens: Group I--six weeks short-leg cast, nonweight-bearing; Group II--six weeks removable orthosis, nonweightbearing. Group I began physical therapy at six weeks postoperatively, and Group II began physical therapy within the first postoperative week. Objective measurements of swelling, strength, range of motion, and functional tests were examined. Subjective scores of pain, function, cosmesis, and motion were recorded. Patients in Group II (early mobilization) had significantly better subjective scores at three and six months postoperatively; however, time to return to duty was not significantly different. Objective tests of swelling, strength, range of motion, and functional tests were not significantly different at three months postoperatively for either group. Early mobilization in a removable orthosis, while not objectively altering the postoperative course, provides a safe, preferable method of treatment in the reliable and cooperative patient.

[The effect of proprioception on functional stability of the upper ankle joint with special reference to stabilizing aids]

Both ankle joints of 14 uninjured volunteers and 16 patients with unstable ankle joints were tested regarding their proprioceptive capabilities. Three tests were used for the study: single-leg stance test, single-leg jumping course test, angle-reproduction test. The influence of three stabilization devices (lace-on-brace, stirrup-brace, taping) on the proprioceptivity of stable and unstable ankle joints were evaluated as well. The scores of the single-leg jumping course test without any stabilizing device (category "standard") ranged between 8.06 and 13.68 (10.65 +/- 1.29). In the categories "mikros" (9.85 +/- 0.99), "aircast" (9.99 +/- 1.14) and with the tape bandage (category "taping") (10.27 +/- 0.81) the scores were lower. In general, the scores of all trials with orthoses were lower compared to the category "standard". The differences of the categories "standard-mikros" and "standard-aircast" revealed a significant reduction of the scores when applicating these orthoses (p < 0.01). The differences of the category "standard-taping" as well as the single scores between the categories "mikros" and "aircast" were not statistically significant. According to the results of the single-leg stance test the error rate was within the range of 0-16 (5.12 +/- 2.85) for the category "standard", it was lower for the categories "mikros" (3.65 +/- 2.65) and "aircast" (4.17 +/- 2.59). The error rate was highest in the group with applicated tape bandage (5.79 +/- 3.53). The differences between the categories "standard"-"mikros" as well as "standard"-"aircast" were statistically significant (p < 0.01). There was also a significant difference between these categories regarding injured and uninjured ankle joints (p < 0.01). The pair differences of the categories "standard" and "taping" were below the significance level as well as the error rates of the categories "mikros" and "aircast". The ankle-reproduction-test showed higher values for the category "standard" (2.36 degrees +/- 0.97) in comparison to the categories "mikros" (1.46 degrees +/- 0.72). "aircast" (1.62 degrees +/- 0.91) and "taping" (1.84 degrees +/- 0.41). In the category "standard" the reproduction error of the uninjured ankle joints was lower (2.30 degrees +/- 1.04) compared to the group of unstable ankle joints (2.44 degrees +/- 0.81), whereas in all other categories the reproduction error was higher in the group of uninjured joints. The differences in all findings between the categories "standard"-"mikros" and "standard"-"aircast" were statistically significant (p < 0.01). The results of the three tests showed a statistically highly significant difference between injured and uninjured ankle joints (p < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[The effect of electromyostimulation on selected power parameters]

Purpose of this comparative study was to estimate the influence of electrostimulation on several kinds of force: power, maximum strength and explosive strength by studying a control group and five training groups including sportsmen and non-sportsmen with injuries and without injuries. Intermittent electrostimulation--with and without active muscle training--caused significant changes in certain muscle activities. The results indicated that the combination of electrostimulation and an active muscle training increases mainly the power and explosive strength. This fact is important in rehabilitation after sports injuries and also for normal training.

[MRI monitoring of reconstruction of ligaments of the upper ankle joint after injury]

The therapy of fibular ligament ruptures is still a controversial subject. Reports on healing processes following operative or conservative treatment have been verified hitherto by means of clinical examinations and stress tests. The MRT, as a highly sensitive non-invasive method, allows exact documentation of the ligament structures in the ankle joints. This technique was used in a randomized clinical trial over a 6-month period. The 29 patients (ages 17-51 years) had recent ligament rupture [admission criteria: clinical signs of trauma, talar tilt in anteroposterior stress radiographs (15 kp) > or = 10 degrees, talar shift > or = 10 mm] were examined with regard to ligament healing during functional therapy with AIRCAST pneumatic leg braces. Within the first week an MRT was done for verification of ligament injury. Treatment was conservative and functional: lower leg cast for 2 weeks and subsequent mobilization with protection provided by an AIRCAST brace. Follow-up examination was 3 months after injury, taking the form of clinical examination, a-p-radiographs with stress tests, and MRT. In all patients both clinical and radiological examination confirmed that ligament structures had healed, as was also verified by MRT.

A performance test protocol and scoring scale for the evaluation of ankle injuries

The aim of the study was to introduce and evaluate a standardized test protocol and scoring scale for evaluation of ankle injuries. After evaluation of 11 different functional ankle tests, questionnaire answers, and results of clinical ankle examination, the final test protocol consisted of 3 simple questions describing the subjective assessment of the injured ankle, 2 clinical measurements (range of motion in dorsiflexion, laxity of the ankle joint), 1 ankle test measuring functional stability (walking down a staircase), 2 tests measuring muscle strength (rising on heels and toes), and 1 test measuring balance (balancing on a square beam). Each selected test showed excellent reproducibility when tested with a reference group of 100 uninjured persons. According to the test results of a population of 148 patients with an operatively treated grade III lateral ligament injury of the ankle, each test could significantly differentiate healthy controls and patients with excellent overall healing from those with poor or fair recovery. The final total test score correlated significantly with the isokinetic strength results of the ankle, subjective opinion about the recovery, and subjective-functional assessment. The scale presented is recommended for studies evaluating functional recovery after ankle injury.

Effect of foot position on gastrocnemius/soleus stretching in subjects with normal flexibility

Following injury to the ankle or lower extremity, stretching of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex is commonly prescribed. Many authors recommend stretching the gastrocnemius/soleus complex with the foot placed in a supinated position. No research is available, however, that supports the efficacy of stretching in the supinated vs. the pronated position. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effect of stretching the gastrocnemius/soleus complex in two foot positions: supinated and pronated. Eleven female and eight male subjects completed 10 stretching sessions with one foot supinated and the other foot pronated. Each stretching session consisted of four 20-second stretches. On pretest and posttest measurements, maximum dorsiflexion range of motion and stretching force exerted through the foot were recorded for each subject. Foot position for the testing procedures and the stretching phase was standardized with individually constructed footprint templates. A two-way analysis of variance (stretching position and time) was used to compare pretest and posttest ankle dorsiflexion measurements. Results indicated a significant increase in dorsiflexion (p = 0.01, pronation + 6.36%, supination + 6.24%) but no significant difference between stretching positions (p = 0.23). We concluded that gastrocnemius/soleus complex stretching in either foot position is effective for increasing dorsiflexion range of motion in healthy subjects with normal flexibility of the gastrocnemius/soleus complex.