Dr Eammon Delahunt, international authority: Ankle sprain management and chronic instability

Eamonn is a wonderful clinician-scientist who graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree from the University College Dublin (UCD) School of Physiotherapy in 2003 placing first in his class. Eamonn received a prestigious Irish Research Council for Science Engineering and Technology (IRCSET) post-graduate research scholarship. He was awarded his PhD from the UCD School of Physiotherapy and Performance Science in 2006, In this podcast that combines science with clinical application topics include: • The high prevalence of ankle injuries and the high risk of the development of chronic residual symptoms. • The characteristic features of CAI. • How to manage the young soccer player who sustains an ankle injury. • Detailed discussion of (1) modified Ottawa Ankle Rules; (2) determination of lateral ligament laxity; (3) syndesmosis assessment. • How to assess for chronic ankle instability • Mechanical insufficiencies including: (1) pathological laxity; (2) arthrokinematic restrictions; (3) synovial changes; (4) degenerative changes. • Functional insufficiencies including: (1) impaired proprioception; (2) impaired neuromuscular control; (3) impaired postural control/postural balance; (4) impaired strength. • Assessment of laxity and the use of taping and bracing. • Patient-reported outcome measures clinicians can use including the FAAM, CAIT & idFAI Associated papers and tools: Diagnostic accuracy of the Ottawa Ankle and Midfoot Rules: a systematic review with meta-analysis http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2016/11/24/bjsports-2016-096858.long Cumberland ankle instability tool ( 11 – chronic ankle instability (>11) Foot and ankle ability scale: FAN ADL(21 items) and FAN sport (8 minutes) Selection criteria for patients with chronic ankle instability in controlled research: a position statement of the International Ankle Consortium. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/48/13/1014 2016 consensus statement the International Ankle Consortium: prevalence, impact and long-term consequences of lateral ankle sprains. http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/50/24/1493.long