Ankle and Pilon Fracture Post Operative Rehabilitation: A Randomized Control Trial Exploring a Simplified Wooden Block Protocol
University of Virginia
Summary
The aim of this study is to compare standard post operative rehabilitation with a simplified wooden block stretching protocol that will yield similar results.
Description
Ankle fractures and pilon fractures represent common injuries in orthopedics. These injuries are addressed with re-aligning the bones with surgery, and in some particular cases, they are treated closed reduction and immobilization during healing. The trauma to the ankle as a result of the injury, the prolonged immobilization in a cast or splint and the scar tissue formed during surgery often lead to post injury and post-operative stiffness. Many patients have limited ability to flex the ankle upward (dorsiflexion) following cast or splint removal for these injuries. Physical therapy and rehabi…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Surgically treated open or closed fractures of the ankle or tibial plafond Exclusion Criteria: * Contralateral lower extremity injuries that would limit weight bearing after 6 weeks * Severe injury requiring flap coverage or vascular reconstruction (Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB and C respectively) * Neurological deficits that would impede ability to stand safely unassisted for home exercise regiment * Desire to participate in formal physical therapy program * Additional injury that would compromise subjects ability to follow either Home Exercise Program * No…
Interventions
- DeviceWooden block
Individuals randomized to this group will be given a wooden block at no cost to them and a simplified version of home, self-guided exercises with instructions on how to do the exercises and how often to do so.
- OtherFormal physical therapy or Home Exercise Program
Individuals randomized to this group will receive the standard formal physical therapy which are sessions run by a physical therapist, usually 2-3 times a week to rehabilitate their ankle OR follow a standardized home exercise program which will be done by yourself with exercise outlined with how they should be performed and how often
Location
- University of Virginia Medical CenterCharlottesville, Virginia