Table 1 The Questionnaire used in this study

1. The diagnosis of lateral ankle sprain (LAS)

Q.1 Do you perform plain radiography for the diagnosis of LAS ?

□ Yes □ No

Q.2 Do you consider the Ottawa Ankle Rules when deciding whether or not to perform plain radiography?

□ Yes □ No

Q.3 Do you perform stress plain radiography for the diagnosis of LAS?

□ No □ Only inversion stress □ Only anterior drawer □ Inversion stress and anterior drawer

Q.4 Do you perform ultrasonography for the diagnosis of LAS?

□ Yes □ No

2. Conservative treatment and rehabilitation for LAS

Q.5 Do you immobilize the injured ankle for the treatment of LAS?

□ Yes □ No

Q.6 If yes in Q.5, which do you prefer a splint or cast for immobilization of the injured ankle? (A cast means a hard cast created with plaster. A splint includes any type of brace, air cast, and walking boot.)

□ Splint □ Cast □ Splint or Cast

Q.7 If yes in Q.5, how long is the mean duration of immobilization of the injured ankle in the treatment of LAS?

□ < 1 week □ 1–2 weeks □ 2–3 weeks □ 3–4 weeks □ > 4 weeks

Q.8 Do you instruct a patient with LAS to avoid weight bearing on the injured ankle?

□ < 1 week □ 1–2 weeks □ 2–3 weeks □ 3–4 weeks □ > 4 weeks

Q.9 Do you instruct a patient with LAS to wear an ankle supporter after immobilization?

□ Yes □ No

Q.10 Do you consider a rehabilitation program for patients with LAS? If yes, how long is the mean duration of rehabilitation?

□ No □ < 2 weeks □ 2–4 weeks □ 4–6 weeks □ 6–8 weeks □ > 8 weeks

Q.11 How long is the mean duration of regular follow-up for a patient with LAS?

□ < 2 weeks □ 2–4 weeks □ 4–6 weeks □ 6–8 weeks □ > 8 weeks

3. Criteria for a return to sports (RTS) after conservative treatment for athletes with LAS

Q.12 What are your criteria for decision-making in relation to the RTS in patients with LAS who participate in sports activities?