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Severe ankle sprains can have long-term sequellae, such as chronic ankle instability and osteoarthritis. In a multicenter, randomized study, investigators in the U.K. compared the effectiveness of three different methods of mechanical support (below-the-knee cast worn for 10 days, Aircast brace, and Bledsoe boot) with that of a tubular compression bandage in 584 patients (age, >16 years) with severe ankle sprains who were unable to bear weight for at least 3 days after injury.
Ankle function was assessed by patient survey at 1, 3, and 9 months using the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, which includes assessment of pain, symptoms, activities of daily living, and ability to do sports. The primary outcome was ankle function at 3 months. Overall, t…