This study will evaluate the difference in soft tissue swelling prior to surgery and wound complications after surgery between unna boot application versus standard splint application. An unna boot is an extra zinc covered wrap around your leg followed by standard splint application (cotton dressing, plaster, then soft dressing). Prior to surgery the participant's swelling will be measured and compared to the standard splint application group. After surgery, the participant will be monitored for wound complications, pain, and range of motion.
The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative swelling and frequency of wound complications in ankle fractures through standard splint and an unna boot compressive dressing with a splint. Quantitative and qualitative measurements will be analyzed to compare edema and wound complications. Secondary goals are to evaluate the quantitative differences in ankle range of motion and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores. The hypothesis of this proposed study is that there will be less soft tissue swelling and wound complications with the use of an unna boot when compared to the standard splint. The investigators also hypothesize that there will be improved ankle range of motion and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores with the use of an unna boot when compared to a standard splint. Participants will be randomized to either the standard splint or an unna boot and quantitative and qualitative measures will be collected. This data could change the practice for preoperative management of soft tissue swelling following ankle fractures.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
The unna boot is a zinc coated compression dressing
Baseline swelling using Figure-8 Measurement
Physician uses tape measure to measure angles to determine swelling severity of ankle. This measurement is taken by making a figure eight pattern on the foot and ankle. The measurement is taken three times and then averaged to give the final total.
Time frame: Baseline (Initial encounter)
Mean swelling using Figure-8 Measurement
Physician uses tape measure to measure angles to determine swelling severity of ankle. This measurement is taken by making a figure eight pattern on the foot and ankle. The measurement is taken three times and then averaged to give the final total.
Time frame: 6 weeks follow up visit
Mean pain scores on visual analogue scale at initial encounter
patients report a pain score of 1-10. 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest
Time frame: Baseline (initial encounter)
Mean pain scores on visual analogue scale at 6 week follow up visit
patients report a pain score of 1-10. 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest
Time frame: 6 weeks follow up visit
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