Primary repair combined with ligament augmentation reconstruction system (LARS) provides higher Tegner activity scores and better total Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at 5-year follow-up as compared to the modified Broström-Gould (MBG) procedure, observed from the findings of a currently published randomized controlled trial in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. The modified Broström-Gould (MBG) method remains the gold standard for managing ankle sprain but associated with certain contraindications, and the longer-term results of this method are still under investigation. Therefore, alternative treatment was opted by the investigators of this analysis.

The patients who matched the inclusion criteria were selected and randomized to either LARS or MBG groups. Both groups followed a similar postoperative rehabilitation. Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) were recorded before, and one, two and five years following the treatments. However, the Tegner activity scores were measured at five years. Statistical analysis was used to compare both groups' scores.

Out of 50 patients, 47 completed the analysis. MBG group involved 25 and LARS group included 21 participants. There were no failures in the LARS group, whereas, MBG group had two failures. The total FAOS at one, two and five years after the treatment showed better improvement in the LARS group as compared to the MBG group. The 5-year Tegner activity scores were also higher in the LARS group. These results indicated that LARS treatment provides better outcomes as compared to the MBG.