Foot & ankle international
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The role of pulsatile cold compression in edema resolution following ankle fractures: a randomized clinical trial.
Twenty-four patients with displaced ankle fractures awaiting surgery were randomized to a study (n=11) or a control group (n=13). In the study group, patients had a pulsatile cold compression (PCC) device applied to their ankle, and remained at bed rest with the extremity elevated while awaiting surgery. In the control group patients remained in a posterior molded splint instead of the PCC device. ⋯ All patients in the PCC group were satisfied with the device (median satisfaction score = 4). The PCC device was well tolerated and resulted in a significantly greater reduction of ankle circumference at 24, 48, and 72 hours after its application, compared to splinting and elevation alone. The PCC device facilitates edema resolution following ankle fractures.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Treatment of fractures of the fifth metatarsal: a prospective study.
Successful treatment of avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal has been achieved using both short leg casts and soft (Jones) dressings. Sixty patients who presented to our institution were prospectively randomized to be treated with either a short leg cast or a soft (Jones) dressing for the purpose of assessing the efficacy of each treatment modality. Our results demonstrated that radiographic evidence of fracture healing was present in all patients by 65 days with 44 days representing the average elapsed time for such change. ⋯ Significantly, the average length of recuperation for patients treated with a soft (jones) dressing was 33 days as compared to 46 days for those treated with a short leg cast. Also, the average modified foot score for patients treated in a soft dressing was 92 (excellent) compared to 86 (good) for patients treated in a short leg cast. We conclude that a soft dressing allows patients to return to pre-injury levels of activity faster than when treated in a short leg cast and without compromising clinical or radiographic union of avulsion fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Stable lateral malleolar fractures treated with aircast ankle brace and DonJoy R.O.M.-Walker brace: a prospective randomized study.
Stable lateral malleolar fractures can be treated with dynamic braces and early mobilization. In a randomized clinical trial, 66 patients with supination-eversion stage II fractures were treated with Aircast Air-Stirrup ankle braces or DonJoy R. O. ⋯ M.-Walker group after 4 weeks. Three months after injury, no differences were observed in grade of ambulation, pain, swelling, range of motion, or inflammatory score. Both braces can be recommended.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Ankle performance after ankle fracture: a randomized study of early mobilization.
In a prospective, randomized study, 30 patients were evaluated after ankle fracture treated by means of open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were randomized to either postoperative immobilization in a plaster cast for 6 weeks or early mobilization (1-2 weeks after surgery) in an ankle brace. Both regimens allowed weightbearing. ⋯ This impairment was significantly less in the brace group. At 12 months, range of motion of the ankle and subtalar joints was restored, but dorsiflexion was still better in the brace group. Score values from a functional score did not correlate with muscle strength.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Local anesthesia for postoperative pain relief after foot surgery: a prospective clinical trial.
A prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial was set up to test whether the addition of ankle block to general anesthesia was useful in providing postoperative pain relief following forefoot surgery. Forty feet (20 treatment, 20 control) were entered into the trial and all underwent bony operations on the first ray. ⋯ A significant difference was found between the pain scores in the two groups at the 6-hr stage, but there was no difference in any of the other assessments. It is concluded that ankle block is a useful addition to general anesthesia for this type of surgery.