Management of High Ankle Sprains Utilizing the Tightrope Surgical Procedure - A Novel Approach for a Rapid Return to Play.
Michael L Voight, Connor Norman, Kevin E Wilk and 2 others
PMID 38707856WHAT IT FOUND
This paper proposes an accelerated rehabilitation protocol for athletes after TightRope surgery for high ankle sprains, progressing from partial weight-bearing on day 4 to return-to-sport testing by week 6.
It is a theoretical framework, not evidence that this timeline works.
Key findings
01The proposed protocol initiates partial weight-bearing in a boot on day 4 post-surgery, transitioning to full weight-bearing out of the boot by day 20.
02The rehabilitation timeline targets return-to-play testing between weeks 4 and 6, requiring specific functional criteria such as symmetrical single-leg hops and reactive agility runs.
03The authors state that long-term outcomes and randomized controlled trials comparing this method to conservative treatments are still needed.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
Read the rest of this summary
You get three full summaries a month, free, and we do not ask for a card. Search, the TL;DRs and your library stay unlimited either way.
What it does not show
This is a narrative review proposing a protocol, not a study testing one. There are no patients, no outcomes, and no comparison group. The authors explicitly state that randomized controlled trials and long-term outcome data are still needed. The term 'aggressive' is not standardized, and the authors admit that definitions can vary, making the protocol difficult to replicate exactly. The paper does not report adverse events or complications associated with this specific accelerated timeline.
Declared interests
The paper mentions the use of specific branded devices (TightRope™ and FiberWire® by Arthrex) but does not provide a formal conflict of interest statement or funding declaration in the text provided.
The easy way to misread this
Do not implement this 6-week return-to-sport timeline as a standard of care. This paper proposes a theoretical protocol based on expert opinion and anatomical rationale, but it contains no data showing that patients who follow this schedule actually have better outcomes or fewer complications than those following traditional slower protocols.