A single-person reduction and splinting technique for ankle injuries

Area of Science:

• Orthopaedic Surgery
• Emergency Medicine
• Trauma Care

Background:

• Ankle injuries are frequent emergency department presentations.
• Current reduction and splinting techniques can be variable, causing patient discomfort and requiring repeat applications.
• Challenges include poor preparation, inconsistent assistant experience, loss of reduction, and improper splinting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a modified Quigley technique for ankle reduction and splinting.
• To simplify the procedure, reduce physician stress, and minimize patient discomfort.
• To present a technique applicable to various lower extremity trauma injuries.

Main Methods:

• A modified Quigley technique for ankle reduction and splinting was developed and implemented.
• The technique was designed for single-practitioner application.
• Emphasis was placed on patient and physician comfort and ease of application.

Main Results:

• The modified technique was successfully used on 51 patients.
• No major complications were reported in the patient cohort.
• The technique proved effective in simplifying the splinting process.

Conclusions:

• The modified Quigley technique offers a simplified approach to ankle reduction and splinting.
• This method reduces stress on both patients and physicians.
• It is a versatile technique suitable for a broad spectrum of lower extremity trauma.