Tape versus brace treatment of ankle distortion

INTERVENTION: 1. Tape treatment: after randomisation tape immobilisation is started 5‐8 days after initial treatment with immobilisation using bandage 2. Taping is performed by a select group of experienced and skilled healthcare professionals of the outpatient clinic 3. The tape consists of three layers 4. The first layer is a latex free, adhesive, bandage to protect the skin (Coban, 3M) 5. The second layer consists of 2.5cm non‐elastic strapping tape (Leukotape, Beiersdorff) used for support 6. The third layer consists of Elastoplasts 6cm broad, elastic used for fixation of the second layer (BDF, Beiersdorf) 7. This taping is applied twice with two weeks interval 8. The other group is treated with a semi‐rigid brace (AirLoc ® Bauerfeind, Zeulenroda, Germany) 9. After instructions to the patient how to reapply the brace, revision of these instructions is made after 2 weeks 10. Total duration of both treatment is 4 weeks 11. Follow‐up duration is 12 weeks after randomization CONDITION: Ankle distortion, ankle ligament rupture ; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning ; Ankle sprain, ligament rupture PRIMARY OUTCOME: 1. Patient satisfaction is assessed by verbal rating scale: poor (5), moderate (4), sufficient (3), good (2) and excellent (1) both at 2 and 4 weeks after start of the study treatment ; 2. Level of pain is evaluated using the visual analogue scale at baseline, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks; 3. Ankle joint function is assessed using the validated Karlsson scoring scale at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after start of the study treatment; 4. Range of motion is measured using an electronic goniometer at 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after start of the study treatment SECONDARY OUTCOME: Any complications of the treatments; INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients were included if they sustained a grade II or III ankle sprain (significant damage to lateral ligaments defined by the presence of a lateral hematoma and tenderness at the anterior lateral ligament without or with instability) and were presented in the outpatient clinic within 5‐7 days.