Early Weight Bearing for Ankle Fractures

Corewell Health West19 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this observational study is to assess the rate of return to work, rate of return to activities, functional outcome measures and pain scores in operatively repaired rotational Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar (AO/OTA Classification of 44A and 44B) ankle fractures not requiring fixation of the syndesmosis and allowed early weight bearing on or before the first post-operative visit.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

Conditions

Broken Ankle

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Men and women ages of 18 and up * Closed, low-energy Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar rotational ankle fractures * Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification of 44A and 44B * English speaking * Able and willing to consent Exclusion Criteria: * Open fractures * OTA classification of 43 and 44C * Patients with diabetes mellitus * No other lower extremity injuries that would affect functional outcomes * Previous use of walking aides * Patients with paralysis or hemiplegia * Ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic repair * Ankle fractures requiring fixation of the posterior malleolar * Associated neurovascular injury * Problems maintaining follow up (homeless or not willing to return for follow up) * Pathological fractures * Prisoners * Patients not allowed to bear weight before the 6 week post-operative follow up visit

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Functional Outcome Scores

During follow up visits functional outcomes scores will be assess using the Foot and Ankle Score and the PROMIS (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) Mobility Measure questionnaires. These forms will be analyzed together to determine the patients functional outcomes.

Time frame: 12 months post operatively

Secondary Outcomes

Return to work

During follow up visits the patients return to work status will be assessed.

Time frame: up to 12 months

Fracture Healing

During follow up visits fractures healing will be assessed by physician review of x-rays.

Time frame: up to 12 months

Pain Scores

Pain Scores and PROMIS Pain Intensity and Interference questionnaires will be assessed during follow up. These forms will be analyzed together to determine the patients overall pain.

Time frame: 12 months post operatively

Post operative complications

Post operative complications will be assessed during follow up visits.

Time frame: up to 12 months

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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