Outcome of acute ankle ligament injuries with stable syndesmosis involvement in athletes

PROJECT PARTNERS

  • Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar

FUNDING

  • The study is funded by Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar.

BACKGROUND

Acute ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in sports. Historically, ankle sprains were considered to primarily affect the lateral ankle ligaments. With increased understanding of the injury mechanism, we now know that other structures might be affected concomitantly (e.g. syndesmosis; cartilage). While many studies have investigated the diagnosis and outcome of acute lateral ligament injuries, few studies have evaluated the outcome of these concomitant injuries.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of acute ligamentous ankle injuries in athletes. First, the diagnostic value of various diagnostic strategies for ligamentous ankle injuries will be evaluated. Using MR imaging as the reference standard, physical examination, clinical tests and (dynamic-) ultrasound in the diagnosis of ligamentous ankle injuries will be investigated. 

To determine the outcome of acute ligamentous ankle injuries, time to return to play and functional outcome questionnaires will be administered 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after the injury.