Plain English Summary
Background and study aims
Ankle fractures represent 9% of the trauma workload and demand is increasing. This number is expected to grow due to an increase in older adults who are remaining active. The frequency of this injury is an increasing burden on the NHS year on year. The short-term impact of this injury results in physical impairments of pain, stiffness, weakness and swelling. The longer-term impact results in prolonged time off work, development of posttraumatic arthritis and psychological consequences of depression and anxiety. Ankle fractures that occur below the level of the syndesmosis (the movable joint that connects the two lower leg bones) are considered ‘stable’ and are usually treated with functional braces. All other ankle fractures are less stable, with some requiring a surgery called open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with the aim of restoring stability. Regardless of the decision to operate or not, the immediate management has traditionally been plaster cast for several weeks, while the bone heals. A cast provides maximum support; however, there are potential problems. Firstly, there is the immediate impact on mobility (ability to move) for a period of around six weeks. Secondly, there are the risks associated with not moving the ankle for a long time such as muscle atrophy (wasting), deep vein thrombosis (blood clots forming in a deep vein) and joint stiffness. Finally, there are the long-term consequences, which include prolonged gait (way of walking) abnormalities, persistent calf muscle weakness and an inability to return to previous activity levels. Alternative functional bracing may potentially address these issues. However, it does not provide the same degree of support to the healing bones. The aim of this study is to evaluate if there is a different in ankle function and symptoms between a plaster cast and a functional brace.
Who can participate?
Adults aged 18 and older who have an ankle fracture that requires a cast and is within three weeks of surgery or injury.
What does the study involve?
Participants are allocated to one of two groups. Those in the first group receive the functional brace which is worn for three to eight weeks depending on their clinician’s advice. They receive an exercise sheet that outlines two simple exercises to help maintain and improve the movement in their ankle joint. This is done as often as the pain allows. Those in the second group receive a plaster cast which is worn for three to eight weeks depending on their clinician’s advice. Participants are followed up for two years and complete surveys via the post and receive their routine follow up by their treating clinician.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no notable benefits or risks with participating.
Where is the study run from?
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UK)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2017 to December 2021
Who is funding the study?
National Institute for Health Research (UK)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Rebecca Mckeown
air@warwick.ac.uk
Trial website
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/med/research/hscience/ctu/trials/airmain
Contact information
Type
Public
Primary contact
Miss Rebecca McKeown
ORCID ID
Contact details
Warwick Clinical Trials Unit
Warwick Medical School
Gibbett Hill Road
Coventry
CV4 7AL
United Kingdom
+44 2476 575848
air@warwick.ac.uk
Type
Scientific
Additional contact
Dr Rebecca Kearney
ORCID ID
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8010-164X
Contact details
Clinical Trials Unit
Gibbett Hill Road
Coventry
CV7 4AL
United Kingdom
+44 2476 573156
r.s.kearney@warwick.ac.uk
Additional identifiers
EudraCT number
ClinicalTrials.gov number
Protocol/serial number
35014
Study information
Scientific title
Ankle Injury Rehabilitation - A multi-centre randomised controlled trial to assess the difference between plaster cast and functional bracing in the management of ankle fractures
Acronym
AIR
Study hypothesis
The aim of this study is to see if there is a difference in the Olerud Molander Ankle Score at 4 months post randomisation between plaster cast and functional bracing for the treatment of ankle fractures.
Ethics approval
NRES Committee – West Midlands, Edgbaston, 04/07/2017, ref: 17/LO/1015
Study design
Randomised; Interventional; Design type: Treatment, Complex Intervention, Physical, Rehabilitation
Primary study design
Interventional
Secondary study design
Randomised controlled trial
Trial setting
Hospitals
Trial type
Treatment
Patient information sheet
Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Condition
Specialty: Injuries and emergencies, Primary sub-specialty: Musculoskeletal Trauma; UKCRC code/ Disease: Injuries and Accidents/ Injuries to the ankle and foot
Intervention
All adults with a fractured ankle under the care of a clinician at any of the named recruiting sites are potentially eligible. New patients with an ankle fracture are reviewed each day by the trauma team. Participants are randomised to either receiving either the functional brace or the plaster cast. This process of randomisation is done via a computer generated sequence to determine the treatment to be given.
The plaster cast or functional brace is usually worn from three to eight weeks, which is decided by the treating clinician. The clinician also decides how much weight can be put on the healing ankle.
Participants who receive the functional brace are also be given an exercise sheet, outlining two very simple exercises to maintain and improve the movement in the ankle joint. It is recommended these are completed little and often, as pain allows.
Participants are followed up in this study for a duration of two years and all trial follow up is completed by post. Participants will receive routine follow up by their treating clinician.
Intervention type
Other
Phase
Phase III
Drug names
Primary outcome measure
Symptom evaluation is measured using Olerud Molander Ankle Score questionnaire (this will be collected using patient questionnaires sent via post) at 4 months
Secondary outcome measures
1. Symptom evaluation is measured using Olerud Molander Ankle Score questionnaire at six weeks, 10 weeks, six months and 24 months
2. Surgical outcomes are measured using the Manchester-Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire at four months
3. Health status is measured using EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) at “6 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months.
4. Disability is measured using the disability rating index at “6 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months
5. Cost is measured using a patient reported questionnaire at “6 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months
6. Complication rate is measured using a patient reported questionnaire at “6 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 24 weeks, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months
Overall trial start date
01/01/2017
Overall trial end date
31/12/2021
Reason abandoned (if study stopped)
Eligibility
Participant inclusion criteria
1. Provision of written informed consent
2. Aged 18 years or over
3. A closed ankle fracture for which the treating clinician would consider plaster cast a reasonable management option
4. Within 3 weeks of operative treatment or injury if non-operatively managed
Participant type
Patient
Age group
Adult
Gender
Both
Target number of participants
Planned Sample Size: 478; UK Sample Size: 478
Participant exclusion criteria
1. Ankle fracture secondary to known metastatic disease
2. Complex intra-articular fracture (e.g. Pilon fracture)
3. In the opinion of the surgeon the patient would require manipulation and close contact casting
4. In the opinion of the surgeon the patient would require manipulation and moulded cast
5. Wound complications following surgical management contraindicating Functional brace intervention
6. Previous ankle fracture randomised in the present trial
7. Evidence that the patient would be unable to adhere to trial procedures or complete postal questionnaires
8. Known pre-existing neuropathic joint disease contraindicating functional brace intervention
Recruitment start date
01/10/2017
Recruitment end date
01/07/2019
Locations
Countries of recruitment
United Kingdom
Trial participating centre
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire
Clifford Bridge Road
Coventry
CV2 2DX
United Kingdom
Funders
Funder type
Government
Funder name
National Institute for Health Research
Alternative name(s)
NIHR
Funding Body Type
government organisation
Funding Body Subtype
Federal/National Government
Location
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
Publication and dissemination plan
Planned publication in a high-impact peer reviewed journal no later than 12 months after the end of the follow up period.
IPD sharing statement:
The data sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date
Intention to publish date
31/12/2022
Participant level data
To be made available at a later date
Basic results (scientific)
Publication list