Low Ankle-GO score while returning to sport after lateral ankle sprain leads to a 9-fold increased risk of recurrence: a two-year prospective cohort study.

Abstract

Abstract BACKGROUND: Lateral ankle sprain is the most common sports injury, leading to a high rate of recurrence and the development of chronic ankle instability. One possible explanation is the lack of objective, evidence-based criteria to inform return to sport decisions following LAS. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the efficacy of a new functional score to distinguish patients at risk of recurrent LAS within two years after the initial injury. METHODS: The Ankle-GO score was used in 64 active patients two months after LAS. This composite score includes 2 self-reported questionnaires and 4 functional tests, for a maximum score of 25 points. The rate of reinjury was prospectively recorded 2 years after inclusion. Potential predictive variables for reinjury were tested using the Chi-square test and the independent t-test. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) with the optimal cut-off score was determined to assess the predictive value of the Ankle-GO score for the risk of reinjury. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to determine the influence of risk factors of reinjury. RESULTS: Fifty-four (85%) patients were included (23 men and 31 women, 34.7±13 years old) including 18 (33.3%) with a reinjury. The two-month Ankle-GO score was lower in patients with a recurrent LAS (5.4±2.8 points vs 9.1±4.5, p=0.002) and predicted the risk of reinjury (AUC=0.75). Patients with < 8 points were found to have a significantly higher risk of reinjury (OR=8.6; 95%CI: 2-37.2, p=0.001). Women also tend to have a higher risk of reinjury (OR=3.8; 95%CI: 0.9-15.5, p=0.065). CONCLUSION: The Ankle-GO score is a new objective criterion for RTS after LAS. Patients with a poor score have a 9-fold greater risk of recurrence within two years.