Comparative study of functional bracing and plaster cast treatment of stable lateral malleolar fractures

Injury. 1989 Nov;20(6):323-6. doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(89)90003-x.

Abstract

In a prospective, randomized study, the use of the Aircast pneumatic air stirrup was compared with a standard below-knee walking cast in the management of Lauge-Hansen supination-eversion, stage II ankle fractures. Forty patients were randomly allocated to the two treatment groups. The use of the air stirrup led to a significant improvement in early patient comfort, post-fracture swelling, range of ankle motion at union, and time to full rehabilitation. We advocate the use of pneumatic air stirrup in the cost-effective management of stable ankle fractures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Ankle Injuries*
  • Braces*
  • Casts, Surgical
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Fractures, Closed / rehabilitation
  • Fractures, Closed / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Pressure
  • Prospective Studies
  • Random Allocation
  • Time Factors