Ankle Motion and Offloading in Short Leg Cast and Low and High Fracture Boots

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Biomechanics
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Short leg casts (SLCs) and fracture boots are common treatments for foot and ankle injuries.
• The choice between these devices is often subjective, lacking clear comparative data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effects of short leg casts (SLCs), low fracture boots, and high fracture boots on ankle motion and offloading.
• To provide objective data for device selection in treating foot and ankle injuries.

Main Methods:

• Twenty healthy adults underwent dynamic radiography during non-weight-bearing (NWB) and weight-bearing (WB) gait.
• Tibiotalar range of motion in the sagittal plane was measured for a control shoe, SLC, low fracture boot, and high fracture boot.
• Peak plantar surface forces were recorded to assess ankle offloading.

Main Results:

• In NWB, all devices (low boot, high boot, SLC) significantly reduced ankle motion compared to a control shoe.
• During WB, both SLCs and high fracture boots demonstrated significantly less ankle motion than low fracture boots.
• SLCs and both types of fracture boots showed reduced peak plantar surface forces during WB compared to the control shoe.

Conclusions:

• Short leg casts and high fracture boots effectively immobilize and offload the ankle during weight-bearing.
• Low fracture boots provide ankle offloading but limited immobilization during weight-bearing.
• The findings suggest low fracture boots may be more suitable for non-weight-bearing scenarios or specific foot immobilization needs.