Hinged cast after knee ligament surgery.
One hundred thirteen patients scheduled for repair of knee ligament injuries were randomized to postoperative immobilization in either a hinged or a long leg cast. The time of disability (i.e., sick leave) was significantly shorter (6 weeks) with a hinged cast, but only in ACL cases. All types of injuries regained their range of motion more rapidly after use of a hinged cast. There was no evidence that the motion permitted in a hinged cast hampers the result as regards to stability.
Sandberg
S
S
Nilsson
B
B
Westlin
N
N
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011897:Random Allocation; D013997:Time Factors