Low Energy, Lateral Ankle Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients: A Systematic Review of Ankle Sprains and Nondisplaced Distal Fibula Fractures
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Lateral ankle injuries are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries sustained by pediatric and adolescent athletes. These injuries can result in significant time lost from competition, affect performance when returning to play, and represent a significant burden on the health care system as a whole. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute lateral ankle injuries and their chronic effects in pediatric and adolescent athletes (younger than 19 y).
METHODS
This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines between September and December 2018. PubMed and Google Scholar were systematically searched using the search terms: ("distal fibula fracture" OR "ankle sprain") AND ("youth" OR "pediatric" OR "adolescent"). All authors participated in article review (N=172) for relevance and age restrictions in which 30 met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Thirty articles met inclusion criteria [Levels of Evidence I to IV (I: n=4, II: n=16, III: n=9, and IV: n=1)] including distal fibula fracture diagnosis and treatment, and risk factors, prevention, and chronic sequela of lateral ankle injuries in pediatric and adolescent patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Low-energy, lateral ankle injuries are common in pediatric and adolescent patients, yet underrepresented in the medical literature. There is a lack of high-quality…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 172 participants or records.
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