Simplified rehabilitation for ankle and pilon fractures
Ankle and Pilon Fracture Post Operative Rehabilitation: A Randomized Control Trial Exploring a Simplified Wooden Block Protocol
This study tests if a simple wooden block stretching routine can help people recover from ankle and pilon fractures just as well as regular physical therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Virginia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlottesville, Virginia) |
| Trial ID | NCT05280639 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares standard post-operative rehabilitation with a simplified wooden block stretching protocol for patients recovering from ankle and pilon fractures. The goal is to determine if the simplified approach can achieve similar functional outcomes as traditional rehabilitation methods. The study focuses on addressing post-injury stiffness and improving the range of motion in dorsiflexion, which is crucial for daily activities. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the wooden block protocol or a formal physical therapy/home exercise program.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who have undergone surgical treatment for open or closed ankle or tibial plafond fractures.
Not a fit: Patients with severe injuries requiring complex surgical interventions or those with neurological impairments affecting mobility may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could simplify rehabilitation and improve recovery outcomes for patients with ankle and pilon fractures.
How similar studies have performed: While there are varying studies on rehabilitation methods for similar injuries, this specific approach using a wooden block is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Surgically treated open or closed fractures of the ankle or tibial plafond Exclusion Criteria: * Contralateral lower extremity injuries that would limit weight bearing after 6 weeks * Severe injury requiring flap coverage or vascular reconstruction (Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB and C respectively) * Neurological deficits that would impede ability to stand safely unassisted for home exercise regiment * Desire to participate in formal physical therapy program * Additional injury that would compromise subjects ability to follow either Home Exercise Program * Non ambulatory prior to injury * Previous ankle or tibial plafond injury on ipsilateral extremity * BMI \> 50 * Severe problems maintaining follow up * Previous ankle/tibial plafond fracture * Prisoners * Neurological impairments that impair balance
Where this trial is running
Charlottesville, Virginia
- University of Virginia Medical Center — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Seth Yarboro, MD — University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgey
- Study coordinator: Eric McVey, MEd
- Email: edm9u@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
- Phone: 434.243.5382
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.