A special orthosis as an alternative to ankle taping was manufactured for the patients with injury of the lateral ligaments of the ankle. The device was applied over a cotton sock and tightened over the malleoli, the foot resting on a plastic sole with lateral strap. It was designed to hold the ankle in a neutral position avoiding inversion, dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the ankle necessary for play.
The effects of the orthosis were evaluated from the viewpoint of the mechanical and functional instability. X-ray stress examination was performed as assessment of mechanical instability. Talar tilt angle and anterior displacement improved significantly using the orthosis from 11.4 degrees to 2. 5 degrees, and from 7mm to 3.6mm respectively. Stabilometry was used for quantitative assessment of functional instability. Stabilometric value improved significantly from 172mm² to 130mm² using the orthosis.
These results indicated that this orthosis is very useful for injury of the lateral ligaments of the ankle.