RT Journal
A1 Watson, Anthony D.
T1 Commentary on an Article by Captain Brian R. Waterman, MD, et al.: “The Epidemiology of Ankle Sprains in the United States”
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2010
FD October 6
VO 92
IS 13
SP e20 1
OP 2
DO 10.2106/JBJS.J.01030
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.01030
AB 
Acute ankle sprain is a common injury seen by both orthopaedic surgeons and primary care physicians. The treatment of an acute ankle sprain is relatively well established, and most patients recover within three to twelve weeks after the injury. Patients who do not recover may develop chronic ankle instability, peroneal tendon pathology, anterior ankle impingement, and symptomatic osteochondral lesions of the talus1-3. Even patients who recover may develop any of these same conditions after a symptom-free interval. Therefore, an ankle sprain can have a profound impact on both the patient and society, both in the acute setting and at a later date.