Clinical Outcomes of Non-Elastic Compression Bandage Versus Elastic Bandage Following Lateral Ankle Ligament Repair

<b>Objectives</b>: This study aims to compare the postoperative clinical outcomes of using non-elastic compression bandages versus elastic bandages after lateral ankle ligament repair. <b>Methods</b>: This retrospective study analyzed a total of 110 patients who underwent repair surgery for chronic lateral ankle ligament injuries. Based on the postoperative bandaging method, patients were divided into two groups: the non-elastic compression bandage group (Group NECB, 55 cases) and the elastic bandage group (Group EB, 55 cases). A comparison was made between the two groups of patients regarding postoperative ankle joint swelling, pain scores (VAS scores), ankle function (AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale), range of motion of the ankle joint, the incidence of perioperative complications (including subcutaneous ecchymosis, wound seepage, and events requiring loosening of the bandage due to pain), and the status of return to work postoperatively. <b>Results</b>: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of early postoperative ankle joint swelling or increased circumference (0.53 ± 1.47 cm vs. 1.08 ± 1.84 cm, <i>p</i> = 0.095) or VAS scores at 1 day (3.84 ± 2.14 vs. 3.63 ± 2.03, <i>p</i> = 0.595), 7 days (2.20 ± 1.89 vs. 1.78 ± 1.67, <i>p</i> = 0.216), 14 days (1.45 ± 1.56 vs. 0.97 ± 1.23, <i>p</i> = 0.075), or 3 months (1.27 ± 1.50 vs. 1.38 ± 1.76, <i>p</i> = 0.744). Both groups demonstrated comparable functional recovery based on AOFAS scores at 3 months (89.89 ± 8.08 vs. 90.05 ± 9.50, <i>p</i> = 0.926), ROM in all measured directions (<i>p</i> > 0.05), and return to work status (<i>p</i> = 0.567). However, the incidence of complications was significantly lower in Group NECB (3.6%) compared to Group EB (30.9%). The reported complications in Group EB were mainly related to postoperative subcutaneous ecchymosis and discomfort requiring bandage loosening. <b>Conclusions</b>: There is no difference between non-elastic compression bandaging with cotton padding and elastic bandaging in postoperative swelling, pain, and functional recovery. However, in reducing the incidence of postoperative skin adverse events, using non-elastic compression bandages with cotton padding proves to be more ideal as a bandaging method after lateral ankle ligament repair.