Optimizing Ankle Fracture Outcomes with Short-Term Postoperative Immobilization.

Abstract

Background: To investigate the effect of short-term cast immobilization on the prognosis of ankle fractures.

Methods: A total of 60 patients who underwent ankle fracture surgery in our hospital from September 2021 to September 2022 were included and divided into cast immobilization group (n=30) and control group (n=30). Both groups were given open reduction and internal fixation. After operation, the immobilization group used plaster cast bandage to fix the ankle joint of the affected side in the functional position for 2 weeks; the control group did not receive cast immobilization and was only bandaged with routine wound dressings. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, ankle joint range of motion (ROM), lower extremity deep venous thrombosis rate, and ankle joint function score were followed up in the two groups.

Results: All patients were followed up for 6 months. The VAS score of cast immobilization group were lower than control group at postoperative 1, 3 and 7 days (P<0.05). At postoperative 1, 2 and 3 months, the dorsiflexion ROM of the ankle joint in cast immobilization group was larger than control group (P<0.05). The ankle plantarflexion ROM at postoperative 1 and 2 months were larger than the control group (P<0.05). The AOFAS of cast immobilization group was larger than the control group at postoperative 3 months (P=0.002). The postoperative deep venous thrombosis rate was 1/30 (3.3%) in cast immobilization group and 3/30 (10%) in the control group (P=0.605).

Conclusions: Short-term cast immobilization after ankle fracture surgery can significantly reduce postoperative pain in the early stage, without increasing the recovery and the incidence of deep venous thrombosis.