What are the clinical recommendations for the use of ankle braces? A scoping review

Background

Ankle braces can be used in the treatment and prevention of lateral ankle sprains. However, there is a limited understanding and consensus about which type of brace should be used, for how long, and when to stop using ankle braces.

Objective

To review the clinical recommendations made in guidelines or position statements for the use of ankle braces.

Design

Scoping review.

Methods

Ten electronic databases and Google were searched. Guidelines and/or position statements about treatment and/or prevention of lateral ankle sprains or chronic ankle instability were included if derived from a peer-reviewed source or from an official national or international professional group, society or association, and made recommendations on the use ankle braces. Recommendations for brace use and cessation were extracted, collated, reviewed, and presented in tabular format.

Results

Eleven guidelines and two position statements were included. All recommended ankle braces for the treatment of grade I and II ankle sprains and prevention of recurring sprains. Inconsistencies were present for; grade III sprains, the classification and definitions for brace types, the level of restriction ankle braces provide, how long ankle braces should be worn, and indicators for cessation of use.

Conclusion

Ankle braces are recommended for prevention of recurring sprains and the treatment of grade I and II sprains. Further information is needed on the duration or indicators for cessation of ankle brace use. A standardised classification and definitions used for the type of brace, and the level of restriction ankle braces provide is also warranted.