Lateral chronic ankle instability: A brief review

Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is considered “an acute traumatic injury to the lateral ligament complex of the ankle joint as a result of excessive inversion of the rear foot or a combined plantar flexion and adduction of the foot”. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is characterized by a history of one significant LAS, subsequent recurrent sprains, episodes of the ankle giving way, or self-reported deficits in ankle function for >1 year following the initial sprain. If untreated, instability may lead to cartilage deterioration and end in degenerative ankle disease. The objective of this review is to provide recent scientific evidence on CAI. Through this article, we have tried to put some light upon a problem that causes significant morbidity to the patient by compilation of the available evidence-based concepts. The need for this article is as there is the absence of a generalized treatment algorithm, the presence of various treatment modalities, the presence of two schools of opinion regarding treatment, and the absence of comprehensive text. Years of research have identified numerous impairments associated with CAI such as decreases in range of motion, strength, postural control, and altered movement patterns during functional activities when compared to individuals with no LAS history. As a result, an impairment-based rehabilitation model was developed to treat the common impairments associated with CAI. The impairment-based rehabilitation model has been shown to be an effective rehabilitation strategy at improving both clinical and patient-oriented outcomes in patients with CAI. We have reviewed the current literature regarding diagnosis, imaging, conservative methods, surgical approaches, and rehabilitation protocols.