Early vs Delayed Weightbearing After Surgical Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures With Syndesmosis Disruption
Unstable Ankle Fractures With Syndesmotic Disruption
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Unstable Ankle Fractures With Syndesmotic Disruption focused on measuring Open reduction internal fixation, Syndesmotic fixation, Early weightbearing, Delayed weightbearing
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Unilateral ankle injury with unstable syndesmotic rupture, in the setting of isolated syndesmotic sprain, fibular fracture, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar equivalent ankle fracture
- Surgical fixation of syndesmosis and/or ankle within two weeks of injury
- Closed or low grade open (Gustilo-Anderson grade I & II low-energy injuries without gross contamination) fractures
- Skeletally mature patients with closed physis
Exclusion Criteria:
- Previous ipsilateral ankle surgery
- Bilateral ankle fractures or concurrent other lower extremity injuries/major injuries that would affect recovery time
- Inability to co-operate with post-op protocol (advanced dementia, polytrauma patient, developmental delay, etc.)
- Non-ambulatory pre-injury
- Tibial plafond fractures including articular impaction requiring elevation
- Peripheral neuropathy
- BMI over 45
Sites / Locations
- Banner - University Medical Center, Phoenix campusRecruiting
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
Non-weightbearing Group
Early weightbearing (as tolerated) Group
At 0 weeks to 2 weeks post operation, subjects will be provided CAM (controlled ankle motion walking) boot and instructed to be non-weightbearing on the ankle, using crutches for assistance. During 2nd week, subject will visit clinic where staples/stitches will be removed, with instructions to continue non-weightbearing w/ crutches. Instructions for limited range of motion to be given, passive/active range of motion out of boot will be allowed. Between 2 to 6 weeks, the subject will continue with non-weightbearing and follow range of motion instructions. After 6 weeks, the subject will begin weightbearing as tolerated. Instructions for limited range of motion to be given, and be weaned from orthosis. At each follow-up visit, as part of the subject's standard of care, a physical examination and radiographic assessments will be completed, and that data collected for research purposes. Subject will also be requested to complete outcome questionnaires during their participation.
At 0 weeks to 2 weeks post operation, subjects will be provided CAM (controlled ankle motion walking) boot and instructed to be non-weightbearing on the ankle, using crutches for assistance. During 2nd week, subject will visit clinic where staples/stitches will be removed, with instructions to be weightbearing as tolerated. Instructions for limited range of motion to be given, passive/active range of motion out of boot will be allowed. Between 2 to 6 weeks, subject will continue with weightbearing as tolerated in orthosis, following range of motion instructions. After 6 weeks, the subject will continue with weightbearing as tolerated, and be weaned from orthosis. At each follow-up visit, as part of the subject's standard of care, a physical examination and radiographic assessments will be completed, and that data collected for research purposes. Subject will also be requested to complete outcome questionnaires during their participation.