1. Effectiveness of an external ankle brace in reducing parachuting-related ankle injuries.
- Author
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Luippold RS, Sulsky SI, and Amoroso PJ
- Subjects
- Adult, Ankle Injuries epidemiology, Braces standards, Humans, Male, Protective Devices adverse effects, United States epidemiology, Ankle Injuries prevention & control, Aviation, Braces statistics & numerical data, Military Personnel, Protective Devices statistics & numerical data
- Abstract
Outside-the-boot parachute ankle braces (PABs) worn during US Army paratrooper training have been shown to reduce the risk of severe ankle injuries. In spite of evidence to the contrary, anecdotal reports continue to suggest increases in risk of other types of injury, and the cost of obtaining and periodically replacing the PAB has been used to justify its discontinued use. The authors identified inpatient and outpatient treatment for injuries during US Army paratrooper training. Those undergoing training during two periods when PAB use was mandated had 40% lower risks of ankle injury (brace I, RR=0.60 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.75); brace II, RR=0.62 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.78)), with no difference in risks of other types of injury. There were no differences in risk of ankle injury during periods when brace use was not mandated. The PAB is safe, effective and cost effective.
- Published
- 2011
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