Short-term comparison of backslab and aircast ankle brace for the management of acute lateral ankle sprain, Kigali experience

Abstract

Background: Globally there is a marked burden of ankle injuries, most prevalently ankle sprains in professional athletes. Even though disparities across the globe in management render the choice of treatment difficult, however the use of air cast ankle brace or back slab dominates among others. The loco-regional literature presents a paucity of data in regard to the best choice of treatment.

Objective: Compare the outcomes of grade 2 and 3 acute lateral ankle sprain patients managed with backslab and those with aircast ankle brace at two tertiary referral hospitals.

Methodology: A bi-center prospective cohort study was conducted. The study 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 were analyzed using SPSS 28 by t-test and the study obeyed standard ethical guidelines.

Results: Ninety patients were recruited and divided equitably into backslab and air cast ankle brace arms, the median age was respectively 42 and 45.5 years. 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 a significant improvement in pain was noted 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, residual swelling and timing or weight bearing were also favoring ankle braces but not statistically significant.

Conclusion: The occurrence of acute lateral ankle sprain in Rwanda was noted, even in the non-athletic population. The 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.