Radiographic measurements of subtalar and Chopart joint restriction after acute ankle sprain and its treatment by manual methods

Abstract

Objective: To measure movement restriction in the subtalar and tarso-metatarsal (Chopart) joints after acute ankle sprain and its treatment by manual methods.

Patients and methods: Thirty-one consecutive cases of acute ankle sprain were studied, who presented to a private orthopaedic clinic. Radiographs in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were carried out before and after manual treatment.

Results: Either or both the subtalar and Chopart joints revealed locking or restriction in every case. This was shown to be relieved or cleared following manual therapy.

Conclusions: It is possible to classify ankle sprains into three grades according to which joints are locked or restricted and to the speed of recovery.

Keywords:

• SUBTALAR JOINT
• TARSO-METATARSAL JOINT
• CHOPART
• JOINT LOCKING
• RADIOGRAPHIC
• MANUAL TREATMENT