The Clinical Effect of Electroacupuncture Combined with Surround Needling in the Treatment of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain Based on Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging Technology A Protocol for a Single-Centre, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Objective: To verify the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with surround needling on acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) based on musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) imaging technology. Methods and Analysis: Sixty-six ALAS patients will be randomly divided into EA combined with surround needling group, sham EA group and ice combined with brake rest group in a 1:1:1 ratio by using a random number table. The Kofoed scores, MSKUS quantitative measurement and circumference of ankle joint will be compared to evaluate the differences in efficacy caused by the three treatment methods as stated. Data for the assessment will be collected at baseline, three-week treatment, and two-month follow-up in three groups of ALAS patients. Trial Registration: ChiCTR-2300078874.