Osteopathic Consultation in the Emergency Department for Fresh Lateral Ligament Sprain : a Randomized Controlled Trial

The study consists in recruiting patients with ankle sprains who visit the emergency department (ED).

Each patient will be tested by an osteopath who we will measure pain, swelling and/or edema, and mobility of the ankle. Patients will be asked to reproduce exercises such as to hold on one foot, to stand on tiptoes...

Then, patients will be divided into two groups. The first group will undergo medical treatment during the ED visit, while the second group will undergo osteopathic treatment.

Three time points will be planned. The first one will be the patient's consultation in the ED where treatment will be carried out according to its assignment, as well as the clinical measures previously described. The second time point will be seven days later (plus or minus three days), where only clinical measurements will be performed. The third time point will be three weeks later (plus or minus three days), when the ankle sprain has consolidated, in order to carry out the clinical measurements again.

These clinical measurements will allow to evaluate the effectiveness of a single osteopathic consultation in the ED. The investigators expect a reduction in immediate pain, and thereafter, a reduction in swelling, and an improved mobility and stability of the ankle.