Post Operative Ankle Splint Study - Prospective Multi Center Randomized Controlled Trial

Detailed Summary

Background: Ankle fractures are some of the most common orthopedic presentations, however, controversy in their management and their post-operative rehabilitation protocols exist. Most displaced ankle fractures treated with anatomical reduction and stable internal fixation to allow early range of motion by allowing rigid fixation and restoration of ankle joint congruence. Post-operative rehabilitation protocols varies between surgeons and institutions with the majority emphasising early rehabilitation protocols. The use of a splint. The rational for splinting ankle fractures after rigid fixation is to decrease pain level, rest the soft tissues and prevent equinus deformity. Up to date there is no scientific research to question the benefit of routine use of splints after rigid fixation of ankle fractures. Methods: A prospective multi-centre randomised control trial. Approximately fifty patients will be enrolled from 3 hospitals (Adan, Mubarak and Farwaniya hospital) over a 1 year period. The studied sample will be randomised into 2 groups using computerised randomisation software: splint group and no-splint group. The patients will be examined at set intervals for pain, swelling, deep-vein thrombosis and a set of scoring tools. The tools include: visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot score, physical and radiological assessment at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year intervals. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program (SPSS) will be used for statistical analysis Results/outcomes: Functional scores, symptoms and signs, complications, radio-graphic and clinical follow up will be recorded.

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Interventions