In this pragmatic study design, if the treating clinician would usually treat the fracture in a cast for a minimum of three weeks, whether treated non-operatively or operatively, then the patient was considered eligible. Trauma research teams at UK NHS trust sites screened adults aged 18 years and older with a closed ankle fracture. In light of the increasing numbers of ankle fractures and large personal and societal costs, we compared removable bracing with casting on function, quality of life, and complications in adults with an ankle fracture. High quality evidence is not available to support the effectiveness or safety of early movement after ankle fracture. These potential advantages, however, need to be balanced against the increased incidence of adverse events. Both methods are routinely used in the UK.Ī Cochrane review concluded that functional bracing might reduce activity limitation and pain and improve ankle movement. Using a removable brace could prevent the consequences of rigid immobilisation and help to accelerate recovery. 6 An alternative is a removable brace, which can be taken off to allow early movement. 5Ĭonventionally, after fracture the ankle is immobilised in a rigid cast for several weeks, which allows the bones to heal but can result in joint stiffness and muscle weakness. 1 2 4 The qualitative impact on individuals is substantial, affecting family and social life, sleep, sense of independence, and psychological wellbeing. 3 Affected adults are unable to engage in usual physical activities for prolonged periods. 1 2 The frequency of this injury places an increasing burden on the UK National Health Service. 1 Such fractures represent a major trauma workload, and demand is increasing-because the number of older adults who remain active is increasing, by 2030 ankle fractures are expected to increase threefold. Each year more than 120 000 people in the United Kingdom experience an ankle fracture.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |