A protocol for a randomized clinical trial assessing the efficacy of hypertonic dextrose injection (prolotherapy) in chronic ankle instability

Regina Wing Shan Sit, Ricky Wing Keung Wu, Samuel Ka Kin Ling, Patrick Shu Hang Yung, Bo Wang, Dicken Cheong Chun Chan, Benjamin Hon Kei Yip, Samuel Yeung Shan Wong, Kenneth Dean Reeves, David Rabago

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2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is a common injury. Conservative care is not uniformly effective. Chronic ankle instability (CAI) results in up to 70% of patients with LAS in the physically active population. LAS, together with subsequent osteochondral lesions and pain in many patients, leads to the development of post-traumatic osteoarthritis, resulting in a substantial direct and indirect personal and societal health burden. Dextrose prolotherapy (DPT) is an injection-based therapy for many chronic musculoskeletal conditions but has not been tested for CAI. This protocol describes a randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy of DPT versus normal saline (NS) injections for chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods and analysis: A single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial will be conducted at a university-based primary care clinic in Hong Kong. A total of 114 patients with CAI will be randomly allocated (1:1) to DPT and NS groups. The primary outcome will be the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool scores at 1 year. The secondary outcomes will be the number of re-sprains in 1 year, the Star Excursion Balance Test, the 5-level of EuroQol 5-dimension questionnaire, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure. All outcomes will be evaluated at baseline and at 16, 26, and 52 weeks using a linear mixed model. Discussion: We hypothesized the DPT is a safe, easily accessible, and effective treatment for patients with CAI. This RCT study will inform whether DPT could be a primary non-surgical treatment for CAI. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000040213. Registered on 25 November 2020.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number1063
JournalTrials
Volume23
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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