Systematic Ultrasound in the Initial Assessment of Ankle Sprain

Ankle sprains are the most frequently encountered trauma in emergency and general medicine. Lateral ankle sprain injuries have the highest relapse rate of all musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs. Optimal initial management is essential for a successful return to previous condition, with the aim of preventing chronic ankle instability, chronic pain, stiffness or recurrence. One of the 13 physicians at our facility routinely performs an ultrasound routinely scan during the second consultation to assess the severity of the sprain. We would therefore like to evaluate whether the performance of this examination at the time of clinical reassessment is associated with a better prognosis at 3 months post-trauma.