Recurrent Ankle Sprains eMedicine Orthopedics

Description: Ankle sprains, especially of the lateral ligaments, are extremely common injuries in the athletic population. Despite the vast amount of research in this area, recurrences remain common. The recurrence rate for lateral ankle sprains has been reported to be as high as 80%.1 In one study, 75% of the ankle sprains in professional soccer players were in ankles with previous sprains or instability.2 In another study, the incidence of developing chronic ankle instability was 20-40% of those who had previously sustained an acute ankle sprain.3 Neuromuscular and proprioceptive deficits are thought to be related to chronic ankle instability, including functional and mechanical insufficiencies.4
Synonyms and related keywords: recurrent ankle instability, chronic ankle sprain, chronic ankle instability, subtalar instability, functional ankle instability, chronic medial ligament instability, mechanical ankle instability
Bozzelle, Kishner & Laborde 2008