ANKLE PERFORMANCE AFTER ANKLE FRACTURE - A RANDOMIZED STUDY OF EARLY MOBILIZATION

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.