Effectiveness of aircast ankle brace compared to backslab in the management of acute lateral ankle sprain, a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Background The world knows a current burden of acute ankle injuries, prevalent in professional athletes and acute lateral ankle sprain is the most common type. This high occurrence is universal but more pronounced in the western world with associated substantial economic expenditures. Disparities across the globe are notable when management is considered and this renders the choice of treatment difficult. The loco-regional literature presents paucity of data in regards to this subject. Methodology This was a prospective cohort study conducted at two centers. We included patients 18 years of age and above who presented for isolated grade 2 or 3 acute lateral ankle sprain treated by backslab or aircast ankle brace and followed up to six weeks from the time of injury. Results found analyzed using SPSS 28 by t-test and the study obeyed standard ethical guidelines. Results In total we recruited 90 patients divided equitably into backslab and air cast ankle brace arms, with median age being respectively 42 and 45.5. The male to female ratio was 0.87/1 for backslab and 1.04/1 air cast ankle brace group. Outcomes of two treatment arms were compared and we noted a significant improvement in pain at 3 and 6 weeks favoring aircast ankle brace with a p-value (0.04) using a t-test. Ankle instability was similar in both arms at 4.4%, degree of swelling after treatment and timing or weight bearing were also favoring ankle braces but not statistically significant. Conclusion We noted occurrence of acute lateral ankle sprain in Rwanda, even in non-athletic population. Use of aircast ankle brace is superior to backslab in early pain control. The local medical bodies should avail all treatment modalities and foster related research.