Periarticular hyaluronic acid in acute ankle sprain

Current Concept Review: State of Acute Lateral Ankle Injury Classification Systems

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries, with a great impact on health and socioeconomic factors. There are few consensuses on this subject and multiple therapeutic options that are difficult to compare due to the lack of a universally adopted classification system. The objective of this study is to is to report the actual knowledge on how ALAS are classified and reported and not to make any therapeutic recommendation. A comprehensive literature review of the literature was carried out through a search in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar databases, with identification of articles that describe ways to classify lateral ankle sprains or with relevant content for their classification. Twenty-five different classification systems were identified. The majority of articles referring to ALAS use an unspecific classification. Most classification systems divide sprains into 3 degrees. The most used parameters are the anatomy of the injury, clinical parameters, functional loss and the presence of instability. No articles were found to verify the validity of the systems used, namely regarding their association with therapeutic proposals or prognostic predictions. Based on the available evidence, recommendations cannot be made regarding the most appropriate classification system. The considerable heterogeneity of the existing literature makes it difficult to compare studies and to optimize the treatment and follow-up of these injuries. Future research in this area is necessary to define a practical and rigorous system that can be used universally.

Ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injection for the treatment of insertional Achilles tendinopathy: A prospective case series

BACKGROUND

Heel pain is a common condition and often involves the Achilles tendon and is classified as insertional or non-insertional. Several operative and non-operative treatments have been described, but there is no consensus on the most effective therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate a case series of patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatment submitted to a single-dose ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid (40 mg/2.0 mL).

METHODS

We prospectively included 25 patients (29 feet) who underwent a single ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid after conservative treatment failure. Clinical outcomes such as pain (using the Visual Analog Scale - VAS), function (using the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society - AOFAS score), personal satisfaction, and complications were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software.

RESULTS

Most patients were female (80%) and there was a right-side predominance (55%). The median VAS was 8 points [range 4-10] at baseline, decreasing to 3 points [range 0-8] at the six-month follow-up, with statistical significance (p < .001). The median AOFAS score was 71 points [range 38-87] at baseline, increasing to 90 points [range 48-100] at the six-month follow-up (p < .001). The personal satisfaction level was 69%, and 48% of patients considered the result excellent. There were no Achilles tendon ruptures, infections, or allergic reactions post injection.

CONCLUSION

Single-dose injection of hyaluronic acid is a safe treatment option, improving function and reducing pain for six months in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy after conservative treatment failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, case series.

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid for Soft Tissue Indications: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

Soft tissue injuries are often treated with injectables such as corticosteroids and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to reduce inflammation and promote healing. There is increasing evidence examining the use of hyaluronic acid (HA) for the management of soft tissue injuries.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the treatment effect and role of HA for available soft tissue indications.

DATA SOURCES

A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from the inception date of each database through February 24, 2021, was conducted for all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving the use of HA for soft tissue indications. Two reviewers independently screened articles for eligibility and extracted data from included studies for analysis. We assessed risk of bias for all included studies and pooled outcomes using a fixed-effects model. Outcomes (ie, function and pain relief) were categorized to short-term (<6 weeks, 6-12 weeks) and mid-term (>12 weeks) data. We present effect estimates as mean differences (MDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs) and present the estimate of effect of HA for available indications in relation to available comparators.

STUDY DESIGN

Meta-analysis of RCTs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 1.

RESULTS

Of the 6930 articles screened, 19 RCTs (n = 1629 patients) were eligible and included in this review. HA was evaluated across a variety of soft tissue indications including rotator cuff disease, elbow pain, ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, and trigger finger. Of the 19 RCTs, 11 were placebo-controlled and 9 used active comparators (PRP, cortisone, prolotherapy, or extracorporeal shockwave therapy). The pooled treatment effect of HA across most soft indications against placebo and active comparators demonstrated benefit in short-term pain <6 weeks (MD visual analogue scale [VAS] 2.48, 95% CI 2.31-2.65) and 6 to 12 weeks (MD VAS 2.03, 95% CI 1.86-2.20). Mid-term pain relief also favored HA over comparators across indications >12 weeks from administration (MD VAS 3.57, 95% CI 3.35-3.78). High heterogeneity was present with rotator cuff (10 trials, I² = 94%), and elbow tendinopathy (2 trials, I² = 99%). We identified uncertain benefit for trigger finger (2 trials, I² = 67%). Heterogeneity for ankle sprains, patellar tendinopathy and Achilles tendinopathy could not be assessed as they only had 1 trial each.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis support HA's efficacy in the treatment of a variety of soft tissue indications. Understanding the relative effects of HA to other injectable modalities requires additional, large trials.

Comparison of the effect of hyaluronic acid injection versus extracorporeal shockwave therapy on chronic plantar fasciitis: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of pain in the plantar region of the heel, and extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is an option used in cases where conservative treatment fails. Hyaluronic acid (HA), initially used for osteoarthrosis, is a treatment option because it has been applied to extra-articular regions, such as tendons, ligaments, and fascia. The aim of the present study will be to evaluate the outcomes of pain, function, and personal satisfaction after a single injection of HA and to compare the results with those of ESWT in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis.

METHODS

The study will include 80 patients who will be randomized to receive three sessions of ESWT (n = 40) or a single ultrasound-guided HA injection in the plantar fascia (n = 40). The outcomes will include the visual analog pain scale score, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). All of the assessments will be performed at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Statistical analysis will be performed using the repeated measures ANOVA (analysis of variance test) for primary and secondary outcomes and also Fisher's Least Significant Difference, a Post-Hoc test. We will use R software for statistical analysis, randomization, and sample size calculation.

RESULTS

Recruitment and data collection will begin in November 2020, with completion scheduled for November 2022 and final publication available in March 2023.

CONCLUSION

This trial will evaluate the effects of a single ultrasound-guided HA injection for the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Register Number: RBR-97vkx4) http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-97vkx4/.

Acute ankle sprain in athletes: Clinical aspects and algorithmic approach

Acute ankle sprain is the most common lower limb injury in athletes and accounts for 16%-40% of all sports-related injuries. It is especially common in basketball, American football, and soccer. The majority of sprains affect the lateral ligaments, particularly the anterior talofibular ligament. Despite its high prevalence, a high proportion of patients experience persistent residual symptoms and injury recurrence. A detailed history and proper physical examination are diagnostic cornerstones. Imaging is not indicated for the majority of ankle sprain cases and should be requested according to the Ottawa ankle rules. Several interventions have been recommended in the management of acute ankle sprains including rest, ice, compression, and elevation, analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, bracing and immobilization, early weight-bearing and walking aids, foot orthoses, manual therapy, exercise therapy, electrophysical modalities and surgery (only in selected refractory cases). Among these interventions, exercise and bracing have been recommended with a higher level of evidence and should be incorporated in the rehabilitation process. An exercise program should be comprehensive and progressive including the range of motion, stretching, strengthening, neuromuscular, proprioceptive, and sport-specific exercises. Decision-making regarding return to the sport in athletes may be challenging and a sports physician should determine this based on the self-reported variables, manual tests for stability, and functional performance testing. There are some common myths and mistakes in the management of ankle sprains, which all clinicians should be aware of and avoid. These include excessive imaging, unwarranted non-weight-bearing, unjustified immobilization, delay in functional movements, and inadequate rehabilitation. The application of an evidence-based algorithmic approach considering the individual characteristics is helpful and should be recommended.

Efficacy Comparison of Hyaluronic Acid and Corticosteroid Injection in Treatment of Trigger Digits: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Although the current nonsurgical treatment for trigger digits is corticosteroid (CS) injection, it often comes with adverse effects that may cause some limitations. Currently, Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been successfully used in tendinopathy and may be used in stenosing tenosynovitis. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided injection between the HA and CS in trigger digits treatment. Methods: Double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Fifty patients with 66 trigger digits were randomly assigned into an intervention group (1 ml of low-molecular weight HA) and a control group (1 ml of 10mg/ml triamcinolone acetate). The ultrasound-guided injection and local anesthesia (0.5 ml of 1% lidocaine without adrenaline) were used. The Quinnell grading, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score of pain, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and complications were collected at 1-, 3-and 6-month follow-up. Results: The mean age of HA group (33 digits) and CS group (33 digits) were 58.3 years and 54.7 years respectively. Nine patients were loss of follow-up (7 in HA group and 2 in CS group). The Quinnell grades have shown an improvement in both group. The CS group had a significant better improvement at 1-month (p-value < 0.001) and there was no significant difference at 3-and 6-month follow-up between the two groups. The median of VAS and DASH score were significantly improved by time in both groups (p-value < 0.01). The CS group showed a better significant improvement in early period of follow-up (p-value < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the last follow-up. Conclusions: HA and CS injection has a comparable therapeutic effect in treatment of trigger digits. However, CS injection has higher efficacy of pain and inflammation reduction in the early phase of the disease.

Criteria-Based Return to Sport Decision-Making Following Lateral Ankle Sprain Injury: a Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify prospective studies that used a criteria-based return to sport (RTS) decision-making process for patients with lateral ankle sprain (LAS) injury.

DESIGN

Systematic review and narrative synthesis.

DATA SOURCES

The PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, PEDro, Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus (EBSCO), ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases were searched to 23 November 2018.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

Studies were included if they prospectively applied a criteria-based RTS decision-making process for patients with LAS injury, but were excluded if they merely gathered outcome measures at the RTS time point. Studies were also excluded if patients were recovering from ankle fracture, high ankle sprain, medial ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability or complex ankle injury.

RESULTS

No studies were identified that used a criteria-based RTS decision-making process for patients with LAS injury. We were unable to conduct a quantitative synthesis or meta-analysis, therefore we provide a narrative synthesis of relevant questionnaires, as well as clinical and functional assessments commonly used in studies retrieved in the search.

CONCLUSION

There are currently no published evidence-based criteria to inform RTS decisions for patients with an LAS injury. Based on our narrative synthesis, we propose a number of variables that could be used to develop a criteria-based RTS decision paradigm. Future research should aim to reach consensus on these variables and apply them to actual RTS decisions within prospective study designs. Furthermore, we suggest that complex systems theory and the RTS continuum could be used to inform the development of an RTS decision-making paradigm for athletes with LAS injury.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Chronic Ankle Instability: a Comprehensive Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic ankle pain is a prevalent and significant cause of chronic pain. While the definition of chronic ankle pain is heterogeneous and poorly defined in the literature, systematic reviews and meta-analyses have estimated this condition to be a prevalent and debilitating source of chronic pain. The most identifiable and prominent cause of chronic ankle pain is chronic ankle instability (CAI), a condition defined by instability of the ankle-joint complex. It is a common consequence of lateral ankle sprains or ligamentous injuries and can be described as a failure of the lateral ankle joint complex after an acute, or recurring, ankle injury. The objective of this manuscript is to provide a comprehensive review of CAI diagnosis and our current understanding of minimally invasive treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

First-line treatment is conservative management, some of which includes neuromuscular rehabilitation, balance training, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), manual mobilization, ice therapy, and compression. While conservative management is effective, additional treatments for those who fail conservative management, or who seek alternative options also have been explored. Recent advances and modern techniques have expanded available treatment options, many of which are becoming less invasive, and have shown improving functionality, recovery, and patient satisfaction. Minimally invasive treatments highlighted in this review include: arthroscopic surgery, steroid injections, plasma-rich plasma injections, hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, medicinal signaling cell injections, radiofrequency therapies, and shockwave therapies. This review will discuss some of these current treatments for minimally invasive treatment of CAI, as well as suggest novel treatments for clinical trials and further investigation.

Factors influencing return to play following conservatively treated ankle sprain: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Ankle sprain is a very common injury, yet uncertainty exists in what is appropriate time to return to play (RTP). Such guidance may inform treatment pathways and effective practice.

OBJECTIVES

To determine if consensus exist about potential influencing factors for time to RTP in conservatively treated ankle sprain.

METHODS

We searched AMED, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane library, EMBASE, MEDLINE (EBSCO), SPOERDiscus, PsycINFO, PEDro, Scopus, unpublished literature and ongoing trials and Google Scholar from inception until April 2017. The quality of the eligible papers was assessed using the Downs and Black tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) for observational studies.

RESULTS

The initial search identified 1885 articles. After screening, 14 articles were included. Of these, 11 were RCTs and 3 were prospective observational studies. Individual treatment methods that resulted in a shorter time to RTP were functional treatment, compression stockings, anteroposterior joint mobilization, hyaluronic acid injection (HA), Jump Stretch Flex Band programme (JSFB) and diclofenac medication. Prognostic factors for determining time to RTP in the included prospective observational studies were measures of Global function, SF 36PF, athlete's ambulation status, weight-bearing activity scores and self-reported athletic ability.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first review to report influencing factors for time to RTP following conservatively treated ankle sprain. Findings from this review identified factors that influence time to RTP. However, caution should be taken in generalizing these results due to the heterogeneity of studies and inability to clearly define and list the criteria for safe RTP. The inclusion of factors such as age, sex, BMI, level of sport, injury related factors in future studies might help to understand the course of injury and therefore assist in constructing safer criteria.

Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains: update of an evidence-based clinical guideline

This guideline aimed to advance current understandings regarding the diagnosis, prevention and therapeutic interventions for ankle sprains by updating the existing guideline and incorporate new research. A secondary objective was to provide an update related to the cost-effectiveness of diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies. It was posited that subsequent interaction of clinicians with this guideline could help reduce health impairments and patient burden associated with this prevalent musculoskeletal injury. The previous guideline provided evidence that the severity of ligament damage can be assessed most reliably by delayed physical examination (4-5 days post trauma). After correct diagnosis, it can be stated that even though a short time of immobilisation may be helpful in relieving pain and swelling, the patient with an acute lateral ankle ligament rupture benefits most from use of tape or a brace in combination with an exercise programme.New in this update: Participation in certain sports is associated with a heightened risk of sustaining a lateral ankle sprain. Care should be taken with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) usage after an ankle sprain. They may be used to reduce pain and swelling, but usage is not without complications and NSAIDs may suppress the natural healing process. Concerning treatment, supervised exercise-based programmes preferred over passive modalities as it stimulates the recovery of functional joint stability. Surgery should be reserved for cases that do not respond to thorough and comprehensive exercise-based treatment. For the prevention of recurrent lateral ankle sprains, ankle braces should be considered as an efficacious option.

Advanced conservative treatment of complete acute rupture of the lateral ankle ligaments: Verifying by stabilometry

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the result of the specific conservative treatment of acute lateral ankle ligaments rupture and verify the effect of this therapy by stabilometry.

METHODS

17 young athletes were examined after acute lateral ankle sprain (grade III). Diagnosis was based on musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations. Pressure plate evaluated postural stability after conservative treatment at regular intervals during 1year.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in postural stability in double-leg stance between limbs. In single-leg stance, COP confidence ellipse (p=0,011) and COP excursion in sagittal plane (p=0,000) were significantly higher for the injured leg when compared with the uninjured leg only one week after removing the cast.

CONCLUSIONS

After conservative treatment of grade III injuries with STABHA, immobilization with full weight bearing on the injured leg for 6 weeks and rehabilitation, stabilometry results showed that none of the patients had impaired postural stability or were at risk of functional ankle instability in the monitored period.

Tendinopathies around the Elbow Part 1: Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Tendinopathies of the elbow and in particular of the common extensor origin are a common cause of elbow pain. Part one of this two part review of tendinopathies of the elbow will focus on the pathophysiology and management of lateral elbow tendinopathy, frequently referred to as tennis elbow. Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a common condition with an incidence of 1 – 2%. The pathology arises from the origin of extensor carpi radialis brevis where changes, consistent with all tendinopathies, of angiofibroblastic hyperplasia occur secondary to repetitive micro trauma. It is not an inflammatory condition. Clinical history and examination is usually sufficient for diagnosis although MRI and ultrasound can be used. The many treatment options that have been proposed have a mixed quality of supporting evidence. Thus management protocols are difficult to define. Treatment depends on the length of symptoms. Acute presentation is managed through conservative measures including activity modification, topical NSAIDs and physiotherapy. For patients with recalcitrant symptoms, injection therapy with, for example, platelet rich plasma can be used. Alternatively surgical excision of the diseased tissue can be performed. This review article will consider the available evidence in order to identify both treatments that are effective and those that are not.

Prospective Evaluation of Intra-Articular Sodium Hyaluronate Injection in the Ankle

Viscosupplementation by injection of hyaluronic acid into the ankle can be used to provide pain relief and to delay the need for surgery in patients with osteoarthritis of the ankle. In the present investigation, we prospectively evaluated 50 consecutive patients (25 males and 25 females) undergoing a 3-injection protocol of sodium hyaluronate viscosupplementation in the ankle from January 2014 to January 2015. The Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score was used to compare the patients' pre- and post-treatment opinions about their ankle problems. The mean pretreatment Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score was 48 ± 6.3 (range 25 to 84) and the 6-month post-treatment score was 78 ± 5.8 (range 48 to 100). This difference was statistically significant (p = .003). From our findings in the present prospective cohort study, we have concluded that intra-articular injection of sodium hyaluronate viscosupplementation is a useful conservative therapy for osteoarthritis of the ankle.

Hyaluronic acid induces the release of growth factors from platelet-rich plasma

Background/Objective

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection are both therapeutic options for osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathy. Although several comparative studies on the two have been published, the effects of mixing PRP and HA are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of HA on platelets in PRP by measuring releasing growth factors.

Methods

PRP was produced from nine healthy adult volunteers (mean age, 32.8 ± 2.9 years; range, 29–37) with a commercial separation system. HA of weight-average molecular weight of 50–120 kDa was used. PRP group (PRP 1 mL + phosphate buffered saline 0.2 mL) and PRP + HA group (PRP 1 mL + HA 0.2 mL) were incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. The amounts of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-AA) released from the PRP and PRP + HA samples were measured on Day 0, Day 3, and Day 5. In addition, the same growth factors on Day 5 were measured for PRP + high HA group (PRP 1 mL + HA 0.6 mL) with five donors. After collecting all of the samples on Day 5, the remaining gels were observed with Giemsa stain. Statistical analyses were performed using paired t tests to compare the PRP and HA groups at each time point, and a one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) with Tukey post hoc tests was used to compare the PRP, PRP + HA, and PRP + high HA groups.

Results

The TGF-β1 concentrations in the PRP and PRP + HA were 24.3 ± 7.2 μg/mL and 22.4 ± 1.8 μg/mL (p = 0.689) on Day 0, 17.2 ± 13.9 μg/mL and 25.4 ± 7.1 μg/mL (p = 0.331) on Day 3, and 12.7 ± 10.5 μg/mL and 33.7 ± 8.3 μg/mL (p = 0.034) on Day 5. The TGF-β1 concentrations on Day 5 were 24.1 ± 5.2 μg/mL (PRP group), 28.3 ± 2.4 μg/mL (PRP + HA), and 31.9 ± 4.8 μg/mL (PRP + high HA; one-way ANOVA: p = 0.003; post hoc PRP vs. PRP + HA: p = 0.016). The PDGF-AA concentrations in the PRP and PRP + HA groups were 2.30 ± 1.21 μg/mL and 2.32 ± 0.79 μg/mL (p = 0.931) on Day 0, 2.03 ± 0.53 μg/mL and 2.13 ± 0.73 μg/mL (p = 0.500) on Day 3, and 1.51 ± 0.40 μg/mL and 2.00 ± 0.52 μg/mL (p = 0.003) on Day 5. The PDGF-AA concentrations were 1.48 ± 0.46 μg/mL (PRP group), 1.94 ± 0.57 μg/mL (PRP + HA), and 2.69 ± 0.70 μg/mL (PRP + high HA; one-way ANOVA: p = 0.0002; PRP vs. PRP + high HA: p = 0.002; PRP + HA vs. PRP + high HA: p = 0.011) on Day 5. The PRP showed larger coagulated masses than the PRP + HA. The high concentration HA group had the smallest coagulated mass of all of the group.

Conclusion

The levels of growth factors released by PRP on Day 5 were increased by the addition of HA. A mixture of PRP and HA may be a more effective therapy than PRP or HA alone for osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.

HOW DOES THE BRAZILIAN ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS TREAT ACUTE LATERAL ANKLE SPRAIN?

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is a common injury, but its treatment has yet to be firmly established. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Brazilian Orthopedists (including residents) manage the diagnosis, classification, treatment and complications of ALAS.

METHODS

A multiple-choice questionnaire was developed with the aim of addressing the main aspects of the treatment of ALAS. The questionnaire was made available on the official website of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology between June 15 and August 1, 2004.

RESULTS

444 questionnaires were included in the analysis. The results showed agreement among most of the interviewees in the following regards: 90.8% used a classification method to guide treatment of the sprain; 59% classified the ankle sprain with certainty; 63.7% used rigid immobilization in cases of totally torn ligaments; 60.6% used anti-inflammatory medication in cases of partial ligament tears; and 75.9% reported that residual pain was the most frequent complication. There was no consensus regarding the immobilization method for partial ALAS, given that immobilization and functional treatment were chosen with the same frequency (47%). There was no significant difference between the responses from residents and from orthopedists (p = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopedists and orthopedic residents in Brazil have difficulty classifying ALAS and there is no consensus about the best therapeutic option for partial ALAS.

Lateral epicondylitis: review of injection therapies

Lateral epicondylitis has several different treatment methods, with no single agreed upon therapy. This article summarizes the current literature on injection therapies for lateral epicondylitis. Glucocorticoid, botulinum toxin, autologous blood, platelet-rich plasma, hyaluronic acid, polidocanol, glycosaminoglycan, and prolotherapy injections are discussed.

Diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle injuries: development of an evidence-based algorithm

Acute ankle injuries are among the most common injuries in emergency departments. However, there are still no standardized examination procedures or evidence-based treatment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to systematically search the current literature, classify the evidence, and develop an algorithm for the diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle injuries. We systematically searched PubMed and the Cochrane Database for randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews or, if applicable, observational studies and classified them according to their level of evidence. According to the currently available literature, the following recommendations have been formulated: i) the Ottawa Ankle/Foot Rule should be applied in order to rule out fractures; ii) physical examination is sufficient for diagnosing injuries to the lateral ligament complex; iii) classification into stable and unstable injuries is applicable and of clinical importance; iv) the squeeze-, crossed leg- and external rotation test are indicative for injuries of the syndesmosis; v) magnetic resonance imaging is recommended to verify injuries of the syndesmosis; vi) stable ankle sprains have a good prognosis while for unstable ankle sprains, conservative treatment is at least as effective as operative treatment without the related possible complications; vii) early functional treatment leads to the fastest recovery and the least rate of reinjury; viii) supervised rehabilitation reduces residual symptoms and re-injuries. Taken these recommendations into account, we present an applicable and evidence-based, step by step, decision pathway for the diagnosis and treatment of acute ankle injuries, which can be implemented in any emergency department or doctor's practice. It provides quality assurance for the patient and promotes confidence in the attending physician.

Managing ankle sprains in primary care: what is best practice? A systematic review of the last 10 years of evidence

To summarize the best available evidence in the last decade for managing ankle sprains in the community, data were collected using MEDLINE database from January 2000 to December 2009. Terms utilized: 'ankle injury primary care' (102 articles were found), 'ankle sprain primary care' (34 articles), 'ankle guidelines primary care' (25 articles), 'ankle pathways primary care' (2 articles), 'ankle sprain community' (18 articles), 'ankle sprain general practice' (22 articles), 'Cochrane review ankle' (58 articles). Of these, only 33 satisfied the inclusion criteria. The search terms identified many of the same studies. Two independent reviewers reviewed the articles. The study results and generated conclusions were extracted, discussed and finally agreed on. Ankle sprains occur commonly but their management is not always readily agreed. The Ottawa Ankle Rules are ubiquitous in the clinical pathway and can be reliably applied by emergency care physicians, primary care physicians and triage nurses. For mild-to-moderate ankle sprains, functional treatment options (which can consist of elastic bandaging, soft casting, taping or orthoses with associated coordination training) were found to be statistically better than immobilization for multiple outcome measures. For severe ankle sprains, a short period of immobilization in a below-knee cast or pneumatic brace results in a quicker recovery than tubular compression bandage alone. Lace-up supports are a more effective functional treatment than elastic bandaging and result in less persistent swelling in the short term when compared with semi-rigid ankle supports, elastic bandaging and tape. Semi-rigid orthoses and pneumatic braces provide beneficial ankle support and may prevent subsequent sprains during high-risk sporting activity. Supervised rehabilitation training in combination with conventional treatment for acute lateral ankle sprains can be beneficial, although some of the studies reviewed gave conflicting outcomes. Therapeutic hyaluronic acid injections in the ankle are a relatively novel non-surgical treatment but may have a role in expediting return to sport after ankle sprain. There is a role for surgical intervention in severe acute and chronic ankle injuries, but the evidence is limited.

Management of Tennis Elbow with sodium hyaluronate periarticular injections

Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of peri-articular hyaluronic acid injections in chronic lateral epicondylosis (tennis elbow).

Design

Prospective randomized clinical trial in primary care sport medicine.

Patients

Three hundred and thirty one consecutive competitive racquette sport athletes with chronic (>3 months) lateral epicondylosis were administered 2 injections (first injection at baseline) into the subcutaneous tissue and muscle 1 cm. from the lateral epicondyle toward the primary point of pain using a two-dimensional fanning technique. A second injection was administered 1 week later.

Outcomes measures

Assessments were done at baseline, days 7, 14, 30, 90 and 356. Efficacy measures included patient's visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain at rest (0-100 mm) and following assessment of grip strength (0-100 mm). Grip strength was determined using a jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer. Other assessments included patients' global assessment of elbow injury (5 point categorical scale; 1 = no disability, 5 = maximal disability), patients' assessment of normal function/activity (5 point categorical scale), patients/physician satisfaction assessment (10 point categorical scale), time to return to pain-free and disability-free sport and adverse events as per WHO definition. Differences between groups were determined using an intent-to-treat ANOVA.

Results

Average age of the study population was 49 years (± 12 years). One hundred and sixty-five patients were randomized to the HA and 166 were randomized to the control groups. The change in VAS pain was -6.7 (± 2.0) for HA vs -1.3 (± 1.5) for control (p < 0.001). The VAS post handgrip was -7.8 (± 1.3) vs +0.3 (± 2.0) (p < 0.001) which corresponded to a significant improvement in grip of 2.6 kg in the HA vs control groups (p < 0.01). Statistically significant improvement in patients' global assessment of elbow injury (p < 0.02), patients' assessment of normal function/activity (p < 0.05) and patients/physician satisfaction assessment (p < 0.05) were also observed favoring the HA group. Time to return to pain-free and disability-free sport was 18 (± 11) days in the HA group but was not achieved in the control group. VAS changes were maintained in the HA group at each followup while those in the control significantly declined from baseline. Assessment of patient and physician satisfaction continued to favor the HA group at subsequent followup.

Conclusion

Peri-articular HA treatment for tennis elbow was significantly better than control in improving pain at rest and after maximal grip testing. Further, HA treatment was highly satisfactory by patients and physicians and resulted in better return to pain free sport compared to control.

Original research: long-term efficacy and safety of periarticular hyaluronic acid in acute ankle sprain

The objectives of this study were to determine the long-term efficacy and safety of periarticular hyaluronic acid (HA) injections in acute lateral ankle sprain. A randomized, controlled, prospective trial in a primary sports medicine and emergency practice involved 158 competitive athletes who suffered an acute grade 1 or 2 lateral ankle sprain, and who were randomly assigned within 48 hours of injury. Patients were randomly assigned at baseline to periarticular injection with HA + standard of care (rest, ice, elevation, and compression [RICE]) or placebo injection (PL) + standard of care (RICE) treatment at baseline assessment and day 4 after injury. Follow-up was at 30, 90, and 712 days after treatment. Assessments at baseline and days 4, 8, 30, 90, and 712 included visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 cm) pain on weight bearing and walking 20 m, patient global assessment of ankle injury (5-point categorical scale), patient satisfaction with treatment (5-point categorical scale), time to return to pain-free and disability-free sport, recurrent ankle sprain, total number of days missing from primary sport activity, and adverse events (AEs). Time to intervention was 39 +/- 4 hours with no difference between groups. A significant reduction in VAS pain on both weight bearing and walking was observed at all follow-up assessments for HA compared with PL (P < 0.001). Time to pain-free and disability-free return to sport was 11 (+/- 8) versus 17 (+/- 8) days for HA and PL, respectively (P < 0.05). At 24 months, in the PL versus HA group, there were 2 versus 0 lower limb fractures, 16 versus 7 second ankle sprains (P < 0.05), 3 versus 1 third ankle sprains, and a significantly greater number of days missing primary sport activity (41 vs 21; P < 0.002). Significantly greater patient satisfaction was also observed for HA versus PL at all follow-up assessments. No serious AEs were recorded throughout follow-up. Periarticular HA treatment for acute ankle sprain was highly satisfactory in the short and long term versus PL. This was associated with reduced pain, more rapid return to sport, fewer recurrent ankle sprains, fewer missed days from sport, and with few associated AEs to 24 months.

Update on viscosupplementation in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle

In the recent past, nonsurgical treatment of osteoarthritis was limited to rest, immobilization, physical therapy, activity modifications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics, weight loss, assistive devices for walking, and corticosteroid injections. Viscosupplementation is a welcome addition to the nonsurgical armamentarium available to physicians. It is used to introduce hyaluronic acid into the joint to provide initial lubrication and shock absorption, and to change the long-term disease process. This article discusses the pathology of osteoarthritis; the characteristics, physiology, and administration of commercial viscosupplements; and reviews the research on hyaluronic acid use in the foot and ankle. It concludes that additional studies are required to test the safety and efficacy of this treatment in other parts of the foot.