Morphological and Functional Characteristics of the Peroneus Muscles in Patients with Lateral Ankle Sprain: An Ultrasound-Based Study

Background and Objectives: The effectiveness of multiple ultrasound evaluations of the peroneus muscles morphology, including muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and connective tissue, after lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is unknown. This study aimed to measure the peroneus muscles after LAS at three points, adding distal 75% to the conventional measurement points, in order to obtain a detailed understanding of the post-injury morphology and to propose a new evaluation index of the peroneus muscles for multiple LAS. Materials and Methods: Participants with and without LAS (LAS and control groups, 16 each) were recruited. The muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle echogenicity were measured using a B-mode ultrasound system at 25%, 50%, and 75% proximal to the line connecting the fibular head to the lateral malleolus. The ankle evertor strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer. Simultaneously, the peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) muscle activities were measured using surface electromyography. Measurements for the LAS side, non-LAS side, and control leg were performed separately. Results: The CSA was significantly higher at 75% on the LAS side than on the non-LAS side and in the control leg. Muscle echogenicity of the LAS side at 75% was significantly lower than that of the non-LAS side and the control leg. Muscle activity of the PL was significantly lower and the PB was higher on the LAS side than on the non-LAS side and in the control leg. Conclusions: The PL was less active than the PB, while the PB was found to be overactive, suggesting that PB hypertrophy occurs due to an increase in the percentage of muscle fibers and a decrease in the connective tissue. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the condition of the PL and PB separately after LAS.

Tertiary rehabilitation in acute ankle sprain caused by sports training

BACKGROUND: An ankle sprain is a common joint sprain in sports injury, which is closely related to its physiological position and anatomical characteristics, and may progress into chronic ankle instability after improper early treatment or premature exercise. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the tertiary rehabilitation effect of acute lateral ankle sprain caused by sports training. METHOD: Ninety-six athletes with acute lateral ankle sprain diagnosed from January 2019 to June 2020 were included and divided into the control group and the rehabilitation group using the random number table grouping method, with 48 cases in each group. The two groups received standardized treatment, and the rehabilitation group additionally received tertiary rehabilitation. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS ) scores, degree of ankle swelling, pain, and re-injury rate were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The AOFAS scores of the two groups increased after treatment (P< 0.05). The degree of swelling in both groups after treatment was improved (P< 0.05). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores in both groups declined two weeks after treatment, with lower results observed in the rehabilitation group The two groups showed similar results of the follow-up visit (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Rehabilitation exercise on acute lateral ankle sprain effectively relieves ankle swelling and pain.