Lower Extremity Review
Research presented in late June at the annual National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA) meeting in Las Vegas added to the body of evidence suggesting that the effects of ankle bracing are not solely mechanical, and that even the mechanical effects may be more complicated than they seem.
Decreased plantar cutaneous sensation in patients with chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with number of prior ankle sprains, according to research from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA.
Athletes with a history of severe ankle sprain still demonstrate postural control deficits and report functional impairment even after being medically cleared for full sports participation, according to two studies from A.T. Still University in Mesa, AZ.
Total ankle replacement (TAR) is growing in popularity, as an increasing number of studies suggest that the procedure’s outcomes rival those of ankle fusion—perhaps even in patients previously thought to be poor candidates for TAR.
Fewer than half of National Basketball Association (NBA) players who suffer a complete Achilles tendon tear return to play for more than one season, and 39% never return to play at all, according to research presented in March at the AAOS meeting.
Volleyball players without ankle instability who wear hinged stirrup ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) may experience decreased plantar flexion strength as a result, according to research from Loyola University in Maywood, IL.
Functional outcomes for total ankle replacement (TAR) in patients with end-stage ankle arthritis appear to match or exceed those of ankle fusion, according to research presented in June at the annual meeting of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS).
Three different methods for repairing the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) leave the repaired structure significantly stiffer and weaker than an intact ligament, which may have implications for ankle injury rehabilitation, according to research presented in June at the AOFAS meeting.
Tasks requiring plantar flexor endurance and push-off power remain difficult for patients long after an otherwise successful gastrocnemius recession for treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, according to findings presented in June at the AOFAS meeting.
Research presented in June at the annual meeting of the National Athletic Trainers Association shed more light on the biomechanical effects of ankle braces that can help reduce the risk of inversion injury.
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