Comparative efficacy of cast immobilization versus removable braces in patients with ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: An effective and appropriate method to support the ankle joint optimally is particularly important during the healing phase of ankle fractures. The purpose of this review was to assess the functional outcomes, ankle-related quality of life, and associated complications of cast immobilization versus removable braces for the treatment of adult ankle fractures.

Methods: Studies comparing cast immobilization and removable braces after ankle fracture were included by systematic searches of PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE databases according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Evaluation and Meta-Analysis Statements) guidelines. Primary outcome measures included early to mid-late Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Secondary outcomes were ankle dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, swelling, pain, time to return to work, calf muscle atrophy, and complications. Subgroup analysis was performed. Risk of bias was assessed in both randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.

Results: Eleven studies including 1485 patients met the eligibility criteria. The fracture types of the study included Weber A/B/C and Lauge-Hansen supination external rotation (SER), supination-adduction (SA), pronation-external rotation (PER) and pronation-abduction (PA). The results of the meta-analysis showed that removable braces had better early (mean difference (MD) -2.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.26, 0.00) and mid-term functional outcomes (MD -5.81; 95% CI -10.35, -1.27) after ankle fracture compared with cast immobilization. In addition, removable braces caused significantly more wound breakdown (Odds ratio (OR) 0.39; 95% CI 0.17, 0.90) and wound infections (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.17, 0.58) than cast immobilization.

Conclusion: Compared with cast immobilization, removable braces had better functional outcomes in the early and mid-term periods after ankle fractures and were less likely to result in deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Overall, the removable brace is a comfortable ankle fracture option that might improve functional outcomes.