08-04-2011, 06:26 AM
A 31-year-old male recreational basketball player suffered an inversion injury to his ankle. When initially seen shortly after the injury, he was unable to fully bear weight on the affected leg and had point tenderness over the tip of his lateral malleolus. Swelling was noted over the lateral aspect of his ankle. Radiographs obtained at the time of injury showed no fracture or widening of the joint space. The ankle was immobilized, ice was applied, and he was told to use crutches and come back in 3 days.
At this follow-up visit, examination reveals swelling and ecchymosis over the lateral ankle. The anterior drawer sign is weakly positive when compared with the uninjured ankle. He is now able to partially bear weight on the injured ankle and has discarded his crutches. What would you recommend next?
A.Apply heat to the ankle
B.Immobilize the ankle in a walking cast for 6 weeks
C.Begin range-of-motion and strengthening ankle exercises
D.Repeat ankle radiographs
At this follow-up visit, examination reveals swelling and ecchymosis over the lateral ankle. The anterior drawer sign is weakly positive when compared with the uninjured ankle. He is now able to partially bear weight on the injured ankle and has discarded his crutches. What would you recommend next?
A.Apply heat to the ankle
B.Immobilize the ankle in a walking cast for 6 weeks
C.Begin range-of-motion and strengthening ankle exercises
D.Repeat ankle radiographs