Postoperative treatment of internally fixed ankle fractures: a prospective randomised study
Van Laarhoven, C.J.; Meeuwis, J.D.; van der WerkenC
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume 78(3): 395-399
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-620X PMID: 8636173 Document Number: 468718
In a prospective, randomised trial of 81 patients with fractures of the ankle of AO types A, B and C we compared two regimes of postoperative management after internal fixation. The patients were mobilised either non-weight-bearing with crutches or weight-bearing in a below-knee walking plaster. We found a temporary benefit in subjective evaluation only (65 v 50 points, Mann-Whitney test, cft, p=0.02) for those with a below-knee walking plaster. There were no significant differences between the groups in the loaded dorsal range of movement (25 degrees v 23 degrees, Mann-Whitney test, cft, p = 0.16) or in the overall clinical result. Both treatments were considered to be satisfactory and their choice depends on the ability to mobilise non-weight-bearing, wound healing, the type of work and personal preference.