OBJECTIVE: Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common injuries, the treatment of which has yet to be firmly established. The purpose of this study was to determine the Brazilian Orthopaedic Surgeon's behavior in relation to diagnosis, classification, treatment and complications of the Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain. METHODS: A multiple choice questionnaire was developed which addressed the main aspects related to the treatmentof acute lateral ankle sprains (ALAS). The questionnaire was made available from June 15 to August 1, 2004, at the Official site of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology. RESULTS: 444 questionnaires were included in the analysis. The results showed agreement among most of those interviewed in the following regards: 90.8% use some classification to guide treatment of the sprain; 59% classify the ankle sprain with certainty; 63.7% use the immobilization in cases of totally ruptured ligaments; 60.6% use anti-inflammatory medication in partial ligament ruptures; 75.9% reported that residual pain was the most frequent complication. There was no consensus regarding treatment of partial ALAS, as immobilization and functional treatment were chosen with the same frequency (47% each). There was no significant difference between the answers of residents and orthopedists. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic residents in Brazil have difficulty classifying ALAS and there is no consensus about the best therapeutic option for partial ALAS.
Lateral Ligament; Ankle; Sprains and Strains; Health Evaluation
