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Ankle FracturesNCT03032653

Immediate Weight-Bearing Ankle Study

A study testing Late Rehabilitation and Early Rehabilitation in people with Ankle Fractures and Surgery, run by Fraser Orthopaedic Research Society at 1 site in Canada.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

This single-centre historical control group comparative study will compare outcomes of surgically-treated rotational ankle fractures and the current routine practice of early protected weightbearing and range of motion with immediate unprotected weightbearing as tolerated and range of motion after ankle open reduction… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Ankle Fractures, Surgery
What is being tested?
Late Rehabilitation and Early Rehabilitation
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
80 participants
Where
1 siteCanada
Study dates
9 Feb 2017to 18 Jan 2021
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • lateral malleolus fracture with talar shaft
  • vertical shear medial malleolus fracture without superior articular involvement
  • bimalleolar fracture
  • any ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fragment involving 25% or less of the articular surface on the lateral ankle radiograph
  • 43.B1 (pure split of distal tibia - but only if does not involve any of tibial plafond, i.e., only the vertical split of medial malleolus)
  • 44.A1 (Weber A)
Show all 15Show fewer
  • 44.A2 (Bimalleolar)
  • 44.A3 (posterior malleolus involvement - but only if < 25% articular involvement on lateral x-ray)
  • 44-B1 (Isolated)
  • 44.B2 (with medial lesion)
  • 44.B3 (with medial lesion \& Volkmann's #)
  • closed, Gustilo-Anderson Grade I or Grade II open fractures are included
  • willing and able to sign the consent
  • willing and able to follow the protocol and attend follow-up visits
  • able to read and understand English or have an interpreter available

Who cannot join

  • skeletal immaturity demonstrated radiographically by open physes
  • previous ipsilateral ankle surgery
  • bilateral ankle fractures
  • non ambulatory prior to injury
  • inability to comply with postoperative protocol (i.e., cognitive impairment)
  • medical comorbidity precluding surgery
Show all 18Show fewer
  • poorly controlled diabetes (i.e. dense neuropathy / hx of ulcers / sensory deficit)
  • polytrauma patients (other injuries involving the ipsi/contralateral lower limbs, including the hip, that would interfere with mobilization/rehabilitation)
  • surgical date > 14 days (time of injury to OR)
  • Gustilo-Anderson grade III open fractures
  • tibial plafond fractures
  • active infection at the surgical site diagnosed clinically by the attending surgeon
  • any ankle fracture with posterior malleolus fragment involving more than 25% of the articular surface on the lateral ankle radiograph
  • any medial malleolus fracture involving the superior articular surface
  • any ankle fracture requiring syndesmosis fixation
  • any ankle fracture-dislocation
  • incarceration
  • likely problems, in the judgment of the investigator, with maintaining follow-up

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Canada1 site
  • Royal Columbian Hospital / Fraser Health Authority

    New Westminster, British Columbia, V3L 3M2

Other trials in Canada

About this study

Official title: Immediate Unprotected Weight-Bearing and Range of Motion After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures. A Historical Control Group Comparative Study

This single-centre historical control group comparative study will compare outcomes of surgically-treated rotational ankle fractures and the current routine practice of early protected weightbearing and range of motion with immediate unprotected weightbearing as tolerated and range of motion after ankle open reduction and internal fixation.

Read the detailed description

Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries, making up 9% of all fractures. Rotational ankle fractures are among the most common of all fractures, with an incidence averaging 4.2 per 1,000 individuals annually. These fractures range from minimal injuries amenable to non-surgical management to complex injuries with potential of long-term sequelae. Known risk factors for ankle fractures are age, body mass index and previous ankle fracture, with the highest incidence in elderly women.

Most ankle fractures are low-energy injuries which occur when the body rotates about a planted foot, whether it be during sports, normal gait, or otherwise. Stable ankle fractures are generally treated non-surgically, while unstable fractures are usually treated with surgical reduction and fixation, with indications previously well-described and published.

However, the post-operative management of such injuries is still controversial, with large variability between care providers. Protocols range from complete immobilization of the affected ankle and non-weightbearing to early range-of-motion (ROM) and weightbearing (WB). Studies have compared immobilization and non-WB to early ROM and WB but results have been mixed, with the most recent study demonstrating safety and advantages to protected WB and ROM at two weeks post-operatively versus non-WB and immobilization for six weeks.

The Investigators intend to expand on the studies above and propose a single-centre historical control group comparative study to compare outcomes of surgically-treated rotational ankle fractures and the current routine practice of early protected weightbearing and range of motion with immediate unprotected weightbearing as tolerated and range of motion after ankle open reduction and internal fixation.

Being tested
Late Rehabilitation, Early Rehabilitation
Keywords
ankle, fracture, rehabilitation, weightbearing, early, late
Medical subject headings
Ankle Fractures, Fractures, Bone

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Late RehabilitationOther

    Post-0p: Non weight-bearing and no range of motion for 2 weeks post treatment. 2 weeks: Splint removed, removable pre-fabricated walking boot applied. WB as tolerated with boot, range of motion out of boot.

    6 weeks: Boot discontinued and full unrestricted and unprotected WB and ROM permitted 6 weeks:

  • Early RehabilitationOther

    Weightbearing and range of motion as tolerated within the limitations of participant's own comfort. Use of ambulatory aides of any kind is permitted as needed without restriction. No brace or splint of any kind is permitted

Study groups in NCT03032653
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Late WBActive comparatorIntervention: Patients receive a plaster splint in the operating room. They are not permitted to WB or ROM on the affected limb at this stage. At the first follow-up appointment (two weeks post-op), the splint is removed and a removable pre-fabricated walking boot applied. At this stage the patient is permitted to WB as tolerated while wearing the boot, and to perform ROM exercises with the boot removed. At six weeks post-op, the boot is discontinued and full unrestricted and unprotected weightbearing and ROM is permitted.
Receives: Other: Late Rehabilitation
Immediate unprotected WB and ROMExperimentalPatient do NOT receive a brace or splint of any kind. They are permitted to weightbear and range of motion as tolerated within the limitations of their own comfort. Use of ambulatory aids of any kind is permitted as needed without restrictions.
Receives: Other: Early Rehabilitation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Olerud and Molander Score

    An assessment of symptoms after ankle fracture.

    Measured: 6 weeks post treatment

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. EQ-5D

    Health Related quality of life outcome measure using five dimensions: Mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  2. WPAI:SHP Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: Specific Health Problem

    A questionnaire pertaining to the effect of the participant's ankle fracture on their ability to work and perform regular activities.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  3. Range of Motion

    Amount of ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion (measured in degrees) as determined by goniometer assessment, as well as total arc of ankle ROM (dorsiflexion+ plantarflexion). This will be measured on both ankles for comparison.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  4. Wound Healing

    Complications regarding the surgical wound, including but not limited to signs of infection or dehiscence.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  5. Fracture Healing

    Radiographic assessment to determine healing, loss of reduction, loss of hardware fixation, or ankle alignment.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  6. Need for Re-operation

    Any issue, whether it be a wound complication or fracture complication, requiring re-operation.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  7. Time to Return to Work

    The chronological time between the date of surgery to the first day the participant returned to occupational duties, if currently employed and returns to work within the 12 weeks postoperative follow-up period. For the purposes of this study, students enrolled in educational activities will have their schooling treated as their occupational duty.

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

  8. Radiographic assessment

    Assessment of alignment, hardware fixation, fracture reduction and loss of reduction (defined as any shft of 2mm or more in fracture position)

    Measured: 2, 6 and 12 weeks post treatment

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Jan 2017 (estimated)
  2. Study start9 Feb 2017
  3. Primary completion18 Jan 2021
  4. Study completion18 Jan 2021

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Non-randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
80 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03032653
Sponsor's protocol ID
FHREB #: 2016-101
Status last verified
Apr 2021
First submitted
24 Jan 2017
Last updated
23 Apr 2021
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Court-Brown CM, Caesar B. Epidemiology of adult fractures: A review. Injury. 2006 Aug;37(8):691-7. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2006.04.130. Epub 2006 Jun 30.

    PubMed 16814787
  • Hoelsbrekken SE, Kaul-Jensen K, Morch T, Vika H, Clementsen T, Paulsrud O, Petursson G, Stiris M, Stromsoe K. Nonoperative treatment of the medial malleolus in bimalleolar and trimalleolar ankle fractures: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Trauma. 2013 Nov;27(11):633-7. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0b013e31828e1bb7.

    PubMed 23454858
  • Petrisor BA, Poolman R, Koval K, Tornetta P 3rd, Bhandari M; Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Trauma Working Group. Management of displaced ankle fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2006 Jul;20(7):515-8. doi: 10.1097/00005131-200608000-00012.

    PubMed 16891946
  • Michelson JD, Magid D, McHale K. Clinical utility of a stability-based ankle fracture classification system. J Orthop Trauma. 2007 May;21(5):307-15. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0b013e318059aea3.

    PubMed 17485995
  • Dehghan N, McKee MD, Jenkinson RJ, Schemitsch EH, Stas V, Nauth A, Hall JA, Stephen DJ, Kreder HJ. Early Weightbearing and Range of Motion Versus Non-Weightbearing and Immobilization After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Jul;30(7):345-52. doi: 10.1097/BOT.0000000000000572.

    PubMed 27045369
  • Gul A, Batra S, Mehmood S, Gillham N. Immediate unprotected weight-bearing of operatively treated ankle fractures. Acta Orthop Belg. 2007 Jun;73(3):360-5.

    PubMed 17715727
  • O'Sullivan ME, Bronk JT, Chao EY, Kelly PJ. Experimental study of the effect of weight bearing on fracture healing in the canine tibia. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1994 May;(302):273-83.

    PubMed 8168314
  • Lehtonen H, Jarvinen TL, Honkonen S, Nyman M, Vihtonen K, Jarvinen M. Use of a cast compared with a functional ankle brace after operative treatment of an ankle fracture. A prospective, randomized study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003 Feb;85(2):205-11. doi: 10.2106/00004623-200302000-00004.

    PubMed 12571295
  • Honigmann P, Goldhahn S, Rosenkranz J, Audige L, Geissmann D, Babst R. Aftertreatment of malleolar fractures following ORIF -- functional compared to protected functional in a vacuum-stabilized orthesis: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2007 Apr;127(3):195-203. doi: 10.1007/s00402-006-0255-x. Epub 2006 Dec 30.

    PubMed 17195934
  • van Laarhoven CJ, Meeuwis JD, van der WerkenC. Postoperative treatment of internally fixed ankle fractures: a prospective randomised study. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1996 May;78(3):395-9.

    PubMed 8636173
  • Ahl T, Dalen N, Lundberg A, Bylund C. Early mobilization of operated on ankle fractures. Prospective, controlled study of 40 bimalleolar cases. Acta Orthop Scand. 1993 Feb;64(1):95-9. doi: 10.3109/17453679308994541.

    PubMed 8451961
  • Finsen V, Saetermo R, Kibsgaard L, Farran K, Engebretsen L, Bolz KD, Benum P. Early postoperative weight-bearing and muscle activity in patients who have a fracture of the ankle. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1989 Jan;71(1):23-7.

    PubMed 2492286
  • Cimino W, Ichtertz D, Slabaugh P. Early mobilization of ankle fractures after open reduction and internal fixation. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1991 Jun;(267):152-6.

    PubMed 2044269
  • Hedstrom M, Ahl T, Dalen N. Early postoperative ankle exercise. A study of postoperative lateral malleolar fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1994 Mar;(300):193-6.

    PubMed 8131334
  • Egol KA, Dolan R, Koval KJ. Functional outcome of surgery for fractures of the ankle. A prospective, randomised comparison of management in a cast or a functional brace. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2000 Mar;82(2):246-9.

    PubMed 10755435

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Late Rehabilitation and Early Rehabilitation in people with Ankle Fractures and Surgery, run by Fraser Orthopaedic Research Society at 1 site in Canada.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 15 inclusion and 18 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Apr 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Olerud and Molander Score (time frame: 6 weeks post treatment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT03032653, which also lists 16 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Apr 2021.

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