In 2001, Pellow, et. al., conducted study aimed to assess the efficacy of ankle mortise separation adjustment in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains through a single-blind, comparative, controlled pilot study.

A pilot study was conducted at the Technikon Natal Chiropractic Day Clinic, employing a single-blind, comparative, controlled design.

Thirty participants with subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains were recruited from the public through newspaper advertisements and notices at the campus and local sports clubs.

The treatment group (n=15) received ankle mortise separation adjustment, while the placebo group (n=15) underwent 5 minutes of detuned ultrasound treatment. Each participant underwent a maximum of 8 treatment sessions over a 4-week period.

Evaluation was conducted at the initial treatment, final treatment, and a 1-month follow-up using subjective measures such as the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and Numerical Pain Rating Scale 101. Objective assessments included goniometer readings for ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and algometer readings for pain threshold over the ankle lateral ligaments. Functional evaluation of ankle function was also performed.

While both groups demonstrated improvement, statistically significant differences favoring the adjustment group were observed in terms of pain reduction, increased ankle range of motion, and enhanced ankle function.

This study suggests that the mortise separation adjustment may exhibit superiority over detuned ultrasound therapy in managing subacute and chronic grade I and grade II inversion ankle sprains.

Reference: Pellow, J. E., & Brantingham, J. W. (2001). The efficacy of adjusting the ankle in the treatment of subacute and chronic grade I and grade II ankle inversion sprains. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 24(1), 17-24.