title: Improvement in the treatment of stable ankle fractures: an audit based approach.
abstract: Stable ankle fracture patients form a distinct, clinically benign group in which functional treatment can be used. An initial retrospective audit of the fracture clinic records of our institution for 1 calendar year demonstrated that recognition and functional treatment of stable ankle fractures was rarely followed. After the introduction of formal departmental evidence-based guidelines, subsequent audits have showed progressive improvements with significant reductions of time spent immobilised in plaster, time spent non-weight bearing and number of routine check radiographs, without compromising patient safety. This study illustrates the value of evidence-based guidelines in maintaining high standards of care over time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn BB2 2LR, UK.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Wykes
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Eccles
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Thennavan
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Barrie
mesh_terms: D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D001915:Braces; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008485:Medical Audit; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011859:Radiography