Evaluating early movement after total ankle replacement

Comparison of Clinical and Radiological Results of Patients Undergoing Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Treated With Early Mobilization or With Cast Immobilization

NA · Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli · NCT06525545

This study tests whether moving around early after ankle replacement surgery helps adults recover better and have improved joint function compared to staying in a cast for three weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorIstituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (other)
Locations1 site (Bologna, Italia)
Trial IDNCT06525545 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients who undergo total ankle arthroplasty. Participants are randomly assigned to either an early mobilization protocol or a cast immobilization for three weeks post-surgery. The goal is to determine which approach leads to better recovery and joint function. The study includes adult patients aged 18 to 80 who are motivated to follow the study protocol and complete necessary follow-ups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with ankle osteoarthritis or related conditions who can comply with study requirements.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as peripheral vascular disease, marked osteoporosis, or those requiring additional surgical interventions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved recovery times and better functional outcomes for patients undergoing total ankle arthroplasty.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited information on similar studies, the approach of early mobilization has shown promise in other orthopedic interventions, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients (aged between 18 and 80).
* Male or female patients;
* Signature of the informed consent for participation in the study;
* Patients prepared and motivated to comply with the scheduled follow-up visits and the completion of the study questionnaires

Exclusion Criteria:

* main diagnosis other than osteoarthritis, history of ankle infection
* need to carry out surgical interventions associated with total prosthesis ankle (e.g., calcaneal osteotomy, knee lowering osteotomy).

first metatarsal bone, supramalleolar osteotomy, etc.)

* intraoperative complications (for example a malleolar fracture) which require a different post-operative protocol
* peripheral vascular disease
* marked osteoporosis of the ankle and foot
* osteonecrosis of the talus
* neurological disorders affecting the lower limb inability to understand study information or respond to questionnaires due to cognitive or linguistic deficits
* patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Where this trial is running

Bologna, Italia

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Ankle Osteoarthritis, Ankle - Recurrent Dislocation, Cartilage Disease, Ankle Arthropathy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.