Compared to conventional physiotherapy, does the use of an ankle trainer device after Weber B ankle fracture operation improve outcome and shorten hospital stay? A randomized controlled trial.

研究概要

One hundred and thirteen patients with Weber B classified closed ankle fractures were randomized to receive rehabilitation using a spring-loaded ankle trainer or conventional rehabilitation using a non-elastic band for physical therapy. The primary outcome of interest was the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). The secondary outcomes of interest included pain on a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), length of hospital stay, analgesic consumption, passive dorsiflexion range of motion, and the incidence of complications. All outcomes, except hospital stay and incidence of complications, were measured at 6, 12, and 52 weeks. OMAS scores were significantly in favour of the ankle trainer group compared to the conventional treatment group at 3 and 12 weeks post-treatment, however OMAS scores at 6 and 52 weeks were not significantly different. Length of hospital stay was shorter in the ankle trainer group compared to the conventional therapy group (2.6d vs. 3.2d). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in VAS pain scores, analgesic consumption, passive dorsiflexion range of motion, or the incidence of complications.