Optimizing Ankle Fracture Outcomes with Short-Term Postoperative Immobilization

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Care
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Ankle fractures are common injuries requiring surgical intervention.
• Postoperative management strategies significantly impact patient outcomes.
• The role of short-term cast immobilization in ankle fracture prognosis requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of short-term cast immobilization in improving outcomes after ankle fracture surgery.
• To compare pain levels, range of motion, and deep venous thrombosis rates between immobilized and non-immobilized patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 60 patients with ankle fractures undergoing open reduction and internal fixation.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: cast immobilization (2 weeks) and control (no immobilization).
• Outcomes assessed included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, ankle joint range of motion (ROM), and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) incidence.

Main Results:

• The cast immobilization group showed significantly lower VAS scores at postoperative days 1, 3, and 7.
• Improved dorsiflexion and plantarflexion ROM were observed in the cast group at multiple postoperative time points.
• Ankle function scores (AOFAS) were higher in the cast group at 3 months post-surgery.
• Deep venous thrombosis rates were comparable between groups (3.3% vs. 10%, P=0.605).

Conclusions:

• Short-term cast immobilization is effective in reducing early postoperative pain following ankle fracture surgery.
• This approach enhances ankle joint range of motion and function without increasing the risk of deep venous thrombosis.
• Cast immobilization represents a beneficial adjunct to surgical management for ankle fractures.