[Ankle sprains. Comparison of long-term results of functional treatment methods with adhesive tape and bandage ("brace") and stability measurement].

Both taping and bracing can be applied in the early functional treatment of ankle sprains. In this study the long-term (2.3 +/- 0.5 years) results of functional treatment with two types of bandages were compared. Out of 165 patients treated, 112 were available for interview, 60 of whom had been treated with adhesive, non-elastic tape and 52, with a confection brace. In 93 of these patients (47 in the tape group), the ankle was examined and stabilometry was performed. The distance (D) and area (A) covered by each patient's centre of gravity while he/she stood on one leg for 30 s were measured. The following symptoms were found on the total population: pain on movement in 5%, swelling in 8% and functional instability (recurrent sprain or a feeling of giving way) in 38%. Mechanical instability was found in 34%. Pain on palpation of the lateral ligaments was the only symptom whose frequency differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the tape group (47%) and the brace group (20%). Stabilometric measurements revealed no substantial difference between the tape group (D: 436 +/- 100 mm; A: 192 +/- 87 mm2) and the brace group (D: 459 +/- 111 mm; A: 206 +/- 92 mm2). Nor was any difference in stability observed between the injured and the non-injured ankle, between the stable and the unstable ankle, or between the unstable ankle with and without brace application. Stabilometry is thus not an appropriate means of quantifying the symptoms of ankle instability.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)