Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

The effect of interferential therapy on swelling following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures
Christie AD, Willoughby GL
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1990;6(1):3-7
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: Yes; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: No. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

This paper describes the methodology and result of a double-blind clinical trial to assess the efficacy of interferential therapy in the treatment of ankle swelling following open reduction and internal fixation of malleolar fractures. A total of 24 patients were allocated into control (placebo) and treatment groups. The interferential therapy group received a current at an intensity of 20 mA and a frequency of 0 to 100 Hz. Each patient received a daily session of treatment lasting 20 minutes until the fractured ankle was immobilised in a below-knee plaster cast (2 to 4 days post-injury). No difference in rate of swelling reduction or total swelling reduction was observed after 2 to 4 days of treatment. The results of the present study show that interferential therapy as described above does not reduce swelling following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help