Treatment of ankle sprains with joint aspiration, xylocaine infiltration, and early mobilization. Ankle sprains treated with xylocaine infiltration and early mobilization.

Ninety-nine ankle sprains were arbitrarily divided into a control (54 patients) and a study (45 patients) group. Both groups were treated with elevation, ice compression wraps crutches, and early mobilization. In addition, the study group underwent ankle joint aspiration and local injection of the involved ligaments with 4-10 cc of 1% xylocaine. The difference between recovery times in the control group (mean, 10.7 days) and in the study group (mean, 4.4 days) reached statistical significance at p less than 0.001 by Wilcoxon two-sample test. Because there are inherent risks in this treatment, it is not recommended for all patients. However, for those requiring early remission of symptoms to allow early return to pre-injury activities, this treatment is suggested by the author.