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Postoperative treatment of internally fixed ankle fractures: a prospective randomised study
van Laarhoven CJ, Meeuwis JD, van der Werken C
Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery -- British Volume 1996 May;78-B(3):395-399
clinical trial
3/10 [Eligibility criteria: No; Random allocation: No; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: No; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

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 weightbearing in a below-knee walking plaster. We found a temporary benefit in subjective evaluation only (65 versus 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 versus 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.

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