Use of removable support boot versus cast for early mobilisation after ankle fracture surgery: cost-effectiveness analysis and qualitative findings of the Ankle Recovery Trial (ART)

Conclusions While the removable boot is slightly more expensive than plaster cast for the NHS+PSS payer at 12 weeks after surgery, it reduces productivity losses and the need for informal care while empowering patients. Given that differences in QALYs and costs to the NHS are small, the decision to use a boot or plaster following ankle surgery could be left to patients’ and clinicians’ preferences. Trial registration number ISRCTN15497399, South Central—Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee (reference 14/SC/1409).
Source: BMJ Open - Category: General Medicine Authors: Tags: Open access, Health economics Source Type: research