Randomized controlled study of ultrasound therapy in the management of acute lateral ligament sprains of the ankle joint

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a fixed dose of ultrasound energy to treat acute lateral ligament sprains of the ankle joint. Study design: Double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting: Accident and Emergency department of University Teaching Hospital. Subjects: Patients presenting at Accident and Emergency with ankle injuries, intervention: Ultrasound or placebo, and Tubigrip. Outcome measures: Pain measured with visual analogue scales, swelling using a tape measure, range of movement using a fluid-filled goniometer, and weight bearing using two scales simultaneously. Results: Patients in both groups improved symptomatically. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in any outcome measure, Within groups, statistically significant differences were detected in pain perceived, and range of movement (dorsiflexion). Conclusion: At the dose and duration used, ultrasound therapy is no better than placebo in the management of lateral ligament injuries.