Does the Geko nerve stimulator reduce Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and improve healing in ankle fractures?

ISRCTN ISRCTN95441725
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN95441725
Secondary identifying numbers 12/NW/0083
Submission date
17/07/2012
Registration date
07/01/2013
Last edited
20/05/2016
Recruitment status
Stopped
Overall study status
Stopped
Condition category
Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
There has been a recent trend amongst athletes to use peroneal (leg) nerve stimulators to reduce swelling after training or competition. The Geko peroneal nerve stimulator is a piece of equipment that sits on the skin at the side of the leg and sends electrical impulses through the skin so that the leg muscles can be stimulated to different levels. There is evidence that these nerve stimulators reduce the rates of leg clots and improves the circulation to the leg. The aims of this study are to find out if the Geko peroneal nerve stimulator reduces the rate of leg clots and improves the bone healing in patients who have had their ankles fixed after fracture.

Who can participate?
Adults both male and female, with closed ankle fractures who present to Wirral University Hospital.

What does the study involve?
The study participants would be approached by a member of the clinical team and the research team and then after the appropriate consent is obtained, they would be included into the trial. Each patient would then be randomised into one of two groups i.e. those who receive the stimulator for a two week period post operative period and those who do not. The treatment of patients will not be affected by this trial. Patients in the treatment group would receive the stimulator for 2 weeks after being counselled by the research team. At the normal two week follow up patients in both groups will have their leg circumference measured and a vascular ultrasound performed to exclude the presence of a leg clot. Normal follow up is then at the six week period where X rays are taken and leg circumference is yet again measured. At the three month period patients answer a questionnaire.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The benefits of participating in the study would include a reduction in post operative swelling, time to healing and rates of leg clots. The possible risks include minor discomfort from the stimulator or allergic reaction to the stimulator pad, a delay in healing of the bone.

Where is the study run from?
Wirral University Teaching Hospital (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
The study started in November 2012 and is expected to run until we have enough patients in each group or run out of Geko stimulators.

Who is funding the study?
The study is being funded by Wirral University Hospital primarily. Skymed Limited are providing the Geko stimulators for free and we are applying from external funding from the British Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (BOFAS) for the ultrasound funding.

Who is the main contact?
1. Mr Michael Hennessy (Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon), mchenno@btinternet.com
2. Mr Peter Kenyon (Specialist Registrar), dr_kenyon@hotmail.com

Contact information

Mr Michael Hennessy
Scientific

Wirral University Teaching Hospital
Arrowe Park Road
Upton
Wirral
Merseyside
CH49 5PE
United Kingdom

Study information

Study designRandomised controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Hospital
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet Not available in web format, please use the contact details below to request a patient information sheet
Scientific titleA randomised controlled trial investigating the effect of the Geko nerve stimulator to reduce DVT rates and improve healing in ankle fractures
Study objectivesThe null hypothesis is that there is no alteration in the rates of DVT or the time to clinical and radiological union following open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle when using the Geko peroneal nerve stimulator.
Ethics approval(s)NRES Committee North West - Liverpool Central, 02/04/2012, ref: 12/NW/0083
Health condition(s) or problem(s) studiedAnkle fracture
InterventionEach patient randomised into one of two groups i.e. those who receive the stimulator for a two week period post operative period and those who do not.

The treatment of patients will not be affected by this trial. Patients in the treatment group would receive the stimulator for 2 weeks after being counselled by the research team. At the normal two week follow up patients in both groups will have their leg circumference measured and a vascular ultrasound performed to exclude the presence of a leg clot. Normal follow up is then at the six week period where x rays are taken and leg circumference is yet again measured. At the three month period patients answer a Manchester - Oxford Foot and Ankle Questionnaire.
Intervention typeDevice
Pharmaceutical study type(s)
Phase
Drug / device / biological / vaccine name(s)
Primary outcome measure1. DVT rate
2. Time to Union
Secondary outcome measures1. Manchester - Oxford Foot and ankle questionnaire at end of 3 months
2. Time to return work
Overall study start date01/11/2012
Completion date01/11/2013
Reason abandoned (if study stopped)Trial did not start

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
Lower age limit18 Years
SexBoth
Target number of participants400
Key inclusion criteria1. Adults aged 18 years or older, either sex
2. Patients with closed ankle fractures that have required open reduction and internal fixation
3. Patients who are able to consent for themselves
Key exclusion criteria1. Open fractures
2. Diabetics
3. Those with peripheral neuropathy, metabolic bone disorders and immunological disorders
4. Patients undergoing revision procedures
5. Patients with syndesmotic injury requiring screw removal prior to mobilisation
6. Those unable to use the Geko device
Date of first enrolment01/11/2012
Date of final enrolment01/11/2013

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • England
  • United Kingdom

Study participating centre

Wirral University Teaching Hospital
Merseyside
CH49 5PE
United Kingdom

Sponsor information

Wirral University Teaching Hospital (UK)
Hospital/treatment centre

Arrowe Park Road
Upton Wirral
Merseyside
L176GD
England
United Kingdom

Website http://www.whnt.nhs.uk
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/05cv4zg26

Funders

Funder type

Industry

Skymed Ltd (UK)

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryNot provided at time of registration
Publication and dissemination planNot provided at time of registration
IPD sharing plan

Editorial Notes

20/05/2016: trial status updated to 'Stopped'.