Diagnosis and Treatment of the Ankle Sprain using Arthrography

관절 조영술을 이용한 족관절 염좌의 진단과 치료

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of ankle arthrography in diagnosis and treatment of the ankle sprain. Materials and Methods: Arthrography was performed to eighteen patients who were diagnosed as ankle sprain clinically from September, 1990 to April, 2003. Splint immobilization for three days and return to daily life were for the eleven patients who showed normal limits of extension of joint and no dye leakage on arthrography, cast for 3 weeks and compression brace wearing were for 4 patients who showed anterior talofibular ligament tear on arthrography. 3 patients diagnosed as anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament tears were treated with cast for 6 weeks and then brace for 3 weeks. Results: The range of motion of the injured joint was recovered normally at the time of 3 month of postoperative follow up examination. But two patients complained a mild pain after exercise but it did not affect ordinary activities. Eleven patients who were normal on arthrography returned to daily activities in a week. Conclusion: It is reasonable to determine the extent of ankle sprain and treatment method for it using arthrography.