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Comparison of protected early postoperative range of motion exercises versus cast immobilization in ankle fractures requiring surgery.

Protected early motion versus cast immobilization in postoperative Weber A,B,C ankle fractures. A prospective randomized control study to assess time to return to work.

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12613000631707
Enrollment
100
Registered
2013-06-04
Start date
2013-06-04
Completion date
2013-06-04
Last updated
2020-01-13

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

The study aims to compare the safety and effectiveness of early postoperative range of motion exercises in an ankle brace, versus conventional cast immobilization, in patients who undergo surgical fixation of their ankle fractures. The outcomes measured will be time to return to work, ankle range of motion, and patient satisfaction scores. We hypothesize that the early postoperative range of motion exercise group will have better outcomes compared to the conventional cast group.

Interventions

Early range of motion exercises will be prescribed by the surgical team, and be carried out under the guidance of physiotherapists at Christchurch Hospital. This will commence at the two week postoperative mark. The exercise regime will comprise of various ankle exercises lasting 20 minutes in total, and this will be repeated twice a day, for four weeks. The participants will get educated on the exercises by the physiotherapist or surgical team, and the exercises will be performed at home by the

Early range of motion exercises will be prescribed by the surgical team, and be carried out under the guidance of physiotherapists at Christchurch Hospital. This will commence at the two week postoperative mark. The exercise regime will comprise of various ankle exercises lasting 20 minutes in total, and this will be repeated twice a day, for four weeks. The participants will get educated on the exercises by the physiotherapist or surgical team, and the exercises will be performed at home by the participants. Participants will be contacted by phone weekly to ensure no problems are encountered with the exercise, and also to increase compliance.

Sponsors

Christchurch Hospital
Lead SponsorHospital

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Weber Classification A, B, and C ankle fractures, (including cases requiring diastasis screws), isolated medial malleolus fractures 2. Age 18-55 3. Able to safely mobilise non-weightbearing with crutches (physiotherapy assessment required whilst inpatient)

Exclusion criteria

1. Compound (open) injury 2. Smoker 3. Diabetic 4. History of previous ipsilateral ankle surgery

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026