title: Intermittent pneumatic pedal compression and edema resolution after acute ankle fracture: a prospective, randomized study.
abstract: Thirty patients with an acute Weber B or C ankle fracture were enrolled after signing an informed consent. Fifteen patients were randomized to a control group where they received a posterior splint, ice, and elevation before surgery. Fifteen patients were randomized to a pneumatic pedal compression group where they received the same treatment plus a pneumatic pedal compression device which was used full-time before surgery. Baseline volumetric measurements of the injured foot were obtained, followed by measurements at 24-hour increments until surgery. On average, the patients in the pneumatic pedal compression group had an 88 mL decrease in volume in the first 24 hours versus a 33 mL increase in the control group (P < 0.03) and a 31 mL decrease in the first 48 hours of treatment versus a 32 mL increase for the control group (P < 0.05). The pneumatic pedal compression was well tolerated by the majority of patients (only one did not tolerate its use because of pain) and, we believe, serves as a useful adjunct in preoperative edema resolution after ankle fracture.
authors.affiliation: LAC+USC Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.
authors.forename: D B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Thordarson
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ghalambor
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Perlman
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001458:Bandages; D017679:Cryotherapy; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005528:Foot; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007053:Ice; D007103:Immobilization; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints
chemical_list: D007053:Ice