H. Tropp et R. Norlin, ANKLE PERFORMANCE AFTER ANKLE FRACTURE - A RANDOMIZED STUDY OF EARLY MOBILIZATION, Foot & ankle international, 16(2), 1995, pp. 79-83
In a prospective, randomized study, 30 patients were evaluated after a
nkle fracture treated by means of open reduction and internal fixation
. The patients were randomized to either postoperative immobilization
in a plaster cast for 6 weeks or early mobilization (1-2 weeks after s
urgery) in an ankle brace. Both regimens allowed weightbearing. Evalua
tion after 10 weeks and after 12 months included clinical assessment a
nd isokinetic muscle strength measurements. Patients with impaired ank
le function, as shown by means of an ankle score at 12 months, were fo
llowed for 3 years. At 10 weeks, impaired muscle torque and restricted
range of motion was found on the affected side. This impairment was s
ignificantly less in the brace group. At 12 months, range of motion of
the ankle and subtalar joints was restored, but dorsiflexion was stil
l better in the brace group. Score values from a functional score did
not correlate with muscle strength.