Treatment of lateral ankle sprain with platelet-rich plasma: A randomized clinical study

Abstract

Background: We aimed to clinically evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy in patients with acute lateral ankle sprain treated with rigid immobilization.

Methods: Patients with first-time grade II lateral ankle sprain clinically diagnosed were evaluated (n=21). A rigid immobilization was placed in all patients for ten days; previously, an application of PRP over the anterior talofibular ligament was performed in patients from the experimental group. The Visual Analogue Scale, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, and the Foot and Ankle Disability Index were applied at 3, 5, 8 and 24 weeks of follow-up period.

Results: The experimental group presented the highest reduction in pain and better functional scores than the control group at 8 weeks. At the end of follow-up period the results of both groups were similar.

Conclusions: A similar evolution was observed in patients treated with rigid immobilization with or without PRP after 24 weeks.

Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov with ID NCT02609308.

Keywords: Anterior talofibular ligament; Lateral ankle sprain; Platelet-Rich plasma; Rigid immobilization.