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The role of compression in the management of soft tissue ankle injuries: a systematic review

  • General Review • ANKLE - TRAUMA
  • Published:
European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Ankle sprains are very common injuries which can lead to long-term pain, swelling and instability. Compression is often used in the treatment of these common injuries but is it effective and how best is it delivered?

Methods

MEDLINE (1966-current), EMBASE (1980-current), Cochrane Library (2011:1) and MEDION were included in our search. Studies evaluating compression in the treatment of ankle sprains were included. Two authors independently reviewed potential studies according to a set eligibility criteria.

Results

Twelve studies including 1,701 patients with ankle sprains were identified (level of evidence: four grade 1b; five grade 2b; three grade 4). Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), elastic tubular bandage and compression bandaging were all evaluated. Five of the 12 studies reported that compression therapy improves recovery after ankle injury, of which one evaluated IPC, and the remaining four elastic bandages (Elastoplast, class II elastic stockings, wool and crepe, focal compression with air stirrup). Five studies evaluating Tubigrip in ankle sprains concluded that Tubigrip has no positive effect on functional recovery and may increase the requirement for analgesia compared with no intervention.

Conclusion

Compression may be an effective tool in the management of ankle injuries and has been shown to reduce swelling and improve quality of life in single studies. Definitive conclusions are hampered by the poor quality of evidence and the variety of treatments used. The most effective form of compression to treat ankle sprains or is yet to be determined. Adequately designed randomized control trials are clearly needed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Academic Surgery Unit, 2nd Floor, Education and Research Centre, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK

    Vivak Hansrani, Mustafa Khanbhai, Sahil Bhandari & Charles N. McCollum

  2. Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK

    Anand Pillai

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  1. Vivak Hansrani
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  2. Mustafa Khanbhai
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  3. Sahil Bhandari
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  4. Anand Pillai
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  5. Charles N. McCollum
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Correspondence to Vivak Hansrani.

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Hansrani, V., Khanbhai, M., Bhandari, S. et al. The role of compression in the management of soft tissue ankle injuries: a systematic review. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 25, 987–995 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-015-1607-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-015-1607-4

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