CME OnDemand: 2022 AOFAS Annual Meeting-Return to Play after High Ankle Sprains in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Return to Play after High Ankle Sprains in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pdf Summary

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the return to play (RTP) rate and time for athletes with ankle syndesmotic sprains. Syndesmotic sprains are challenging injuries that can have longer and unpredictable recovery times compared to lateral ankle sprains. The study included 18 articles and found that the rate of RTP was 99%. The overall mean time to RTP was 52.32 days. Surgically treated cases took longer to return to play with a mean time of 70.94 days, while nonsurgical management had a mean time of 39.33 days. The review also reported a low incidence of recurrence and complications. PRP injections were found to potentially improve RTP time, but their overall benefit is unclear. The study highlights the high rates of RTP after syndesmotic sprains in athletes. However, more research is needed to determine which specific ligamentous injuries would benefit from surgical management and the optimal rehabilitation protocols for timing of RTP.

Asset Subtitle

Motasem Salameh, MD, Brad Blankenhorn, MD

Keywords

systematic review

meta-analysis

return to play

RTP rate

ankle syndesmotic sprains

recovery time

lateral ankle sprains

surgically treated cases

nonsurgical management

PRP injections