Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Early Mobilization vs. Six Weeks of Immobilization in a Walking Cast Following Total Ankle Replacement

Rehabilitation for patients after total ankle replacement traditionally involves weeks of immobilization in a plaster cast followed by progressive mobilization. Using a small randomized trial, we compared outcomes after implantation of a three-component cementless, unconstrained, mobile-bearing prosthesis for patients who had initial immobilization in a plaster cast for six weeks and patients who instead had early mobilization. Gait, clinical, patient-reported, and radiologic outcomes were measured.
Source: Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery - Category: Orthopaedics Authors: Source Type: research