Evaluating ankle sprains using advanced CT imaging techniques

Comparative Computed Tomography with Stress Maneuvers for Evaluation of Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis Instability in Adults After Acute Ankle Sprain: a Test Accuracy Study

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein · NCT04095598

This study is testing new CT imaging techniques to see if they can better diagnose high ankle sprains and help improve treatment for patients.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment133 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospital Israelita Albert Einstein (other)
Locations1 site (São Paulo, São Paulo)
Trial IDNCT04095598 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of different computed tomography (CT) imaging strategies for diagnosing syndesmotic instability in patients with high ankle sprains. It compares the standard CT in a neutral position with two new techniques that involve stress maneuvers to determine which method provides a more accurate diagnosis. Additionally, the study aims to assess the disability outcomes of participants using the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure questionnaire. By improving diagnostic accuracy, the study seeks to enhance treatment decisions for patients with ankle sprains.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 who have experienced a single episode of ankle sprain within the last three weeks and have a positive orthopedic evaluation for suspected syndesmotic injury.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral ankle sprains, previous ankle surgeries, or other specific ankle conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate diagnoses of syndesmotic injuries, resulting in better treatment outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of stress maneuvers in CT imaging for this specific condition, the study aims to explore a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Adults older than 18 years;
* One episode of an ankle sprain;
* Sprain episode occurred up to 3 weeks prior;
* Positive orthopedic evaluation for suspected syndesmotic injury.

Exclusion criteria

* Bilateral ankle sprain;
* Previous ankle surgery;
* Ankle fractures and dislocations (except avulsion fractures in ligamentous insertions or fracture of the posterior malleolus related to syndesmotic injury);
* Congenital or acquired ankle deformities;
* Infection, inflammatory, or neuropathic ankle arthropathies.

Where this trial is running

São Paulo, São Paulo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ankle Sprain, High ankle sprain, Syndesmotic instability, Computed Tomography, Stress maneuver

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.