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Comparison of the Effects of Lower Limb Immobilisation With Cast and Orthosis

The Effects of Different Types of Ankle Immobilisation in the Micro- and Macrocirculation

Status
Recruiting
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03420664
Enrollment
10
Registered
2018-02-05
Start date
2017-02-10
Completion date
2025-12-24
Last updated
2024-03-06

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

Conditions

Deep Venous Thrombosis, Venous Stasis

Keywords

cast, orthosis, immobilisation, venous stasis, circulation

Brief summary

In this study we are going to measure the blood flow in the lower limbs under cast immobilisation and also under mobilisation with an orthosis. The aim is to evaluate how the aforementioned modalities affect the blood flow and also to compare between the two.

Detailed description

Background: Lower limb immobilisation, for example after an Achilles tendon rupture, is known to be a cause for DVT, partly due to blood stasis. VACOped is a weight-bearing orthosis with adjustable range of motion of the ankle which is used in our department in patients operated for Achilles tendon rupture. Aim: To assess the effects of a) lower leg casting in equinus without loading and b) application of the aforementioned orthosis with full weight baring in blood flow and microcirculation in the lower limbs. Study Plan: Ten healthy individuals are planned to be recruited for this study. Blood flow in the Right popliteal will be measured with vein before, 30 and 60 min after the application of the cast or orthosis (alternate order between consequent individuals) with Duplex Ultrasound. The orthosis will be set to allow for ankle plantarflexion restricted between 15 and 30 degrees. Tissue oxygen saturation in the lower limbs will also be measured using a somatic regional oxymetry modality, INVOS, with adhesive sensors applied on each leg above the soleus.

Interventions

DEVICEOrthosis VACOped

Orthosis for lower limb immobilisation

DEVICEBelow knee cast

Below knee cast for lower limb immobilisation

Sponsors

Karolinska University Hospital
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE

Intervention model description

Research subjects receive lower limb immobilisation with cast and with orthosis alternatively, randomised so as subsequent persons begin with different modality.

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Healthy individuals

Exclusion criteria

* Severe cardiovascular or renal disease causing pitting oedema * Previous operation in the lower limbs affecting the vascular or lymphatic system * Pregnancy

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
The difference of the effect on the lower limb circulation between cast and VACOped immobilisation2.5 hoursDuplex ultrasound (blood flow) and INVOS (regional tissue mixed saturation)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Lower limb microcirculation under cast immobilisation1 hourINVOS (regional tissue mixed saturation)
Lower limb macrocirculation under cast immobilisation1 hourDuplex ultrasound (blood flow)
Lower limb macrocirculation under orthosis mobilisation1 hourDuplex ultrasound (blood flow)
Lower limb microcirculation under orthosis mobilisation1 hourINVOS (regional tissue mixed saturation)

Countries

Sweden

Contacts

Primary ContactPaul W Ackermann, MD, PhD
paul.ackermann@ki.se+46851770000
Backup ContactLuigi Belcastro
Luigi.belcastro@sll.se

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026