Effect of continuous brace traction combined with progressive functional training on postoperative functional recovery of ankle fractures

Jiang Wenjun; Xu Xueqin; Zhu Lifan

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-3245.2025.02.025

Abstract：Objective To observe the effect of ankle joint brace traction combined with progressive functional training on functional recovery in patients with ankle fractures after surgery.Methods Patients with ankle fractures admitted to our department from January 2022 to June 2024 were randomly divided into two groups using the envelope method,with 40 cases in each group.The control group underwent progressive functional training after surgery,while the brace traction group began to receive brace assisted traction based on progressive functional training in the second week after surgery.After discharge,with the assistance of family members,brace traction training was continued twice a day until the end of the eighth week.The maximum active range of motion of plantar flexion and dorsiflexion of the ankle joint on the healthy and affected sides was measured at 2 and 24 weeks after surgery,and the difference in the range of motion between the healthy and affected sides was calculated.The American Orthopaedic Ankle Association(AOFAS)Ankle and Hindfoot Rating Scale was used for functional evaluation,recording the occurrence of hematoma,delayed healing,and other conditions.Results One case in the brace traction group requested to withdraw from the study,and one case was excluded due to poor training compliance.At the end of the 12th week,the difference in dorsiflexion between the healthy and affected sides of the brace traction group was(4.8°±4.9°),which was smaller than the control group's(7.1°±5.2°)(t=2.008,P=0.048).The plantar flexion was(6.1°±3.7°)which was smaller than the control group's(9.0°±6.4°)(t=2.433,P=0.017).At the end of the 24th week,the difference in plantar flexion between the healthy and affected sides was(3.9°±2.8°),which was smaller than the control group's(5.4°±2.8°)(t=2.364,P=0.021).The AOFAS ankle and hind foot scores of the brace traction group at 12 and 24 weeks after surgery were(80.2±7.7)points and(83.6±5.8)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the control group at(72.5±7.9)points and(77.8±6.1)points(t=4.356,4.298,P=0.000).Conclusion Using braces combined with progressive functional training in patients with ankle fractures after surgery can improve the degree of limited ankle joint movement,accelerate joint function recovery,and have good safety.