~9 spots leftby Mar 2026

Post-Op Rehab Methods for Ankle and Pilon Fractures

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)
Overseen bySeth Yarboro, MD
Age: 18+
Sex: Any
Travel: May Be Covered
Time Reimbursement: Varies
Trial Phase: Academic
Recruiting
Sponsor: University of Virginia
No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial compares standard post-surgery rehabilitation with a new wooden block stretching protocol for patients with ankle fractures. The goal is to see if the simpler wooden block exercises can effectively reduce stiffness and improve ankle movement. The study will measure pain, compliance, and ankle function over several follow-up periods.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the idea that Post-Op Rehab Methods for Ankle and Pilon Fractures is an effective treatment?

The available research does not provide specific data on the effectiveness of Post-Op Rehab Methods like the wooden block or slant board for ankle and pilon fractures. However, one study compared a new ankle trainer device to conventional physiotherapy for Weber B ankle fractures, suggesting that alternative methods are being explored. For pilon fractures, the studies focus on surgical strategies and fixation methods rather than post-op rehab techniques. Therefore, there is no direct evidence from the provided research supporting the effectiveness of these specific rehab methods for ankle and pilon fractures.

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What safety data exists for the Wooden block stretching device used in post-op rehab for ankle and pilon fractures?

The provided research does not contain specific safety data for the Wooden block stretching device, Slant board, or similar devices used in post-op rehab for ankle and pilon fractures. The studies focus on high tibial osteotomy techniques and devices, which are unrelated to the treatment in question.

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Is the treatment Wooden block a promising treatment for ankle and pilon fractures?

The research articles focus on surgical methods for treating pilon fractures, but they do not mention the Wooden block treatment. Therefore, based on the provided information, we cannot determine if the Wooden block is a promising treatment for ankle and pilon fractures.

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Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 18-65 who have had surgery to fix broken bones in the ankle or lower leg. It's not suitable for those with severe injuries needing complex reconstruction, balance issues due to neurological deficits, a high BMI over 50, previous similar injuries on the same side, or conditions that prevent weight-bearing after six weeks.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 18 and 65 years old.
I had surgery for a broken ankle or lower shin.

Exclusion Criteria

I have a severe injury needing special surgery to cover the wound or fix blood vessels.
I have injuries on the opposite leg that prevent me from putting weight on it.
I was unable to walk before my injury.
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Participant Groups

The study is testing if a simple home exercise program using a wooden block can match standard post-op rehab results for people recovering from ankle and lower leg fractures. Participants will either receive formal physical therapy or do exercises at home.
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Simplified block protocolExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
subjects in this group will perform a simplified post operative rehabilitation program using a simplified wooden block protocol
Group II: Usual careActive Control1 Intervention
Subjects in this group will perform formal physical therapy or a home exercise program consistent with AAOS standards.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations NearbySelect from list below to view details:
University of Virginia Medical CenterCharlottesville, VA
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of VirginiaLead Sponsor

References

Pathogenesis and Treatment Strategies for Pilon Fractures With Ankle Dislocation. [2016]The present study investigated the pathogenesis and treatment strategies for pilon fractures with ankle dislocation. A total of 58 patients (47 males and 11 females) who had sustained pilon fractures with ankle dislocation were treated. The mean patient age was 48.1 years. Using the AO classification, 8 cases were type B2, 17 were type B3, and 33 were type C3. The dislocation was medial in 13 cases, lateral in 9, anterior in 11, posterior in 14, and longitudinal in 9. Radiologic examinations were conducted to evaluate the postoperative reduction, dislocation correction, fracture healing, and internal fixation. Ankle function was evaluated according to the Kofoed and Danborg scoring system. The patients were followed up for 4 to 27 months. Anatomic reduction was achieved in 39 cases (67.24%), good reduction in 13 (22.41%), and poor reduction in 6 (10.34%). No internal implant failure occurred, and the fractures had healed after 2 to 4.3 (mean 2.8) months. The rate of good or excellent ankle recovery was 84.00% for those with type B fractures, 75.76% for those with type C, 76.92% for those with medial dislocation, 77.78% for lateral dislocation, 81.82% for anterior dislocation, 78.57% for posterior dislocation, and 81.82% for longitudinal dislocation. Pilon fractures often occur with ankle dislocation in different directions. In such cases, the original anatomy should be restored and the longitudinal alignment recovered to minimize complications as much as possible.
Surgical treatment of pilon fracture based on ankle position at the time of injury/initial direction of fracture displacement: a prospective cohort study. [2022]The purpose of this study is to evaluate a surgical strategy for pilon fractures based on ankle position/initial direction of fracture displacement at the time of injury.
External Fixation in the Emergency Department for Pilon and Unstable Ankle Fractures. [2019]Pilon and unstable ankle fractures are often treated initially with an external fixator (ex-fix). Ex-fix application in the emergency department (ED) has been described but not compared with that placed in the operating room (OR).
Surgical fixation of pilon injuries: a comparison of the anterolateral and posterolateral approach. [2019]This study looks to compare patient outcomes in those with pilon fractures fixed with the anterolateral approach versus those with the posterolateral approach.
Compared to conventional physiotherapy, does the use of an ankle trainer device after Weber B ankle fracture operation improve outcome and shorten hospital stay? A randomized controlled trial. [2022]To compare the functional outcomes and length of hospital stay for patients treated with conventional physiotherapy compared to a new ankle trainer device after Weber B ankle fractures.
Comparative analysis of osteotomy accuracy between the conventional and devised technique using a protective cutting system in medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy. [2022]Open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (OWHTO) is associated with potential intraoperative problems. For prevention of these problems, we thought that some surgical improvements were required and devised a protective cutting system (PCS). The purposes of this study were (1) to test our devised protective cutting system and (2) compare its accuracy in osteotomy to that of a conventional technique.
Clinical and radiographic outcomes of medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy with Anthony-K plate: prospective minimum five year follow-up data. [2019]The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes, and complication rates, after a minimum of five years of follow-up after medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) using an Anthony-K plate.
Early results of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy using an intraosseous implant with accelerated rehabilitation. [2021]Accelerated rehabilitation protocols for medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOW HTO) using intraosseous implants have not previously been described. The present study provides early clinical and radiological outcomes of MOW HTO using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) intraosseous system, in combination with an early weight-bearing protocol.
Biomechanical properties of a new anatomical locking metal block plate for opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: uniplane osteotomy. [2022]The purpose of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical properties of a new anatomical locking metal block plate by comparing the initial biomechanical stability of three different fixation constructs for open wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO).
Modified Anatomic Locking Plate for the Treatment of Posteromedial Tibial Plateau Fractures. [2021]To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of a modified anatomic locking plate for the treatment of posteromedial tibial plateau fractures.
[Primary closed, stabilization of type C 3 pilon fractures with external fixator without bridging the ankle joint]. [2019]The necessity for a short operative procedure that does not cause additional stress to the soft tissue overlying pylon fractures and at the same time enables the surgeon to reconstruct the distal articular surface of tibia and fibula, which includes achieving the correct length, led us to develop a new procedure in the acute treatment of such fractures. Therefore our operative procedure starts with indirect reduction and stabilization of the fibula by means of intramedullary Kirschner wires. For a precise analysis of the main fracture fragments of the distal tibia, we continue with reduction of the articular surface by means of ligamentotaxis and stabilization with angular external fixator without bridging the ankle joint. Special positioning of the external fixator allows an almost completely percutaneous procedure under X-ray control, and furthermore, control of the alignment of the articular surface of the tibia. At the same time, additional surgical measures, such as spongious bone transfer, grafting of skin flaps or secondary correction of the axis, are possible. In three cases of type C2 pilon fracture reported, healing was achieved within 12 weeks without complications. The range of motion of the ankle joint was preserved by physiotherapy under epidural anesthesia for a period of 5 days postoperatively.
12.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Lateral Transfibular Approach to Tibial Pilon Fractures: A Case Report. [2020]We present a case of tibial pilon fracture where only the lateral part of the distal tibia was affected. The transfibular approach to the ankle was used for the surgical treatment of the fracture. After an initial nonweightbearing period of 3 weeks, full weightbearing was allowed 8 weeks after surgery. The second-year follow-up showed no evidence of degenerative signs, with full ankle range of motion.
[Pilon fractures]. [2022]Pilon fractures are articular fractures of the distal tibia which involve the weight bearing part of the ankle joint. Assessment of the fracture is carried out with computed tomography and evaluation of the skin and soft tissue damage. In joint-preserving surgical reconstruction, treatment of the soft tissue damage has priority. The surgical approaches are preferably local and when necessary multiple (up to three) and performed simultaneously but the localization also depends on the trauma-induced damage. The surgical strategy includes joint distraction, sequential joint reconstruction and joint axis correction as well as early non-weight bearing joint mobilization.
14.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Pilon fractures of the distal tibia. [2005]Pilon fractures are relatively rare fractures of the distal metaphysis of the tibia resulting from axial and/or rotational forces. They involve varying degrees of metaphyseal disruption, articular damage, and malleolar displacement. When severe, these injuries represent a tremendous challenge to the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. Traditional treatment of high-grade pilon fractures by closed means has led to unsatisfactory results. Open reduction and internal fixation in accordance with AO/ASIF principles has greatly improved the outcome in these often disabling fractures. Surgical technique involves anatomic restoration of fibular length, reconstruction of the plafond, bond grafting of the metaphyseal defect, and buttress plating of the medial tibia. Thorough preoperative planning and meticulous surgical technique produce predictably good results in the majority of cases.
15.United Statespubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Minimally invasive reduction technique in split depression type tibial pilon fractures. [2016]Tibial pilon fractures usually result from high energy trauma and present as a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon. Accurate reduction of the joint with meticulous care for the surrounding soft tissues is mandatory. We present a case report in which an anterior cruciate ligament targeting device is used with a minimally invasive technique under arthroscopic and fluoroscopic guidance for Orthopaedic Trauma Association 43-B2.3 type pilon fracture treatment.