[Comparison between Robert Jones dressing and "U" splint in ankle fractures].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the Robert Jones bandage with the "U" splint in edema control of ankle fractures.


METHODS
A prospective, longitudinal study, open, comparative and randomized made in 32 male patients (72%) and 16 female patients (28%), the average age was 36.9 years. Patients with an ankle fracture within 12 hours of evolution were registered. Both ankles previous to immobilization were measured, dividing the patients in 2 groups. Group 1 were treated with Robert Jones Bandage, and group 2 with "U" splint. The pain previous to immobilization was registered using an analogous visual scale. Twenty-four hours later the circumference and the pain was measured again.


RESULTS
Group 1 displayed less edema, mean 17.69 mm, in comparison with group 2, of 8.33 mm (p < or = 0.36). Pain previous to immobilization in group 1 was a mean of 7 and in group 2 of 5.5 (p < or = 0.3); 24 hours later, a mean of 2 in both (p < or = 0.8).


CONCLUSIONS
There were no significant differences between both immobilization methods.
Romero Zepeda
Ernesto Enrique
EE
Hospital General "Dr. Miguel Silva", Morelia, Michoacán, UNAM. netoquique@hotmail.com
Cadenas Tovar
Martín
M
Vargas Espinosa
Juan Manuel
JM
Huape Arreola
María Sandra
MS
García Tizoc
Saúl Orlando
SO
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000628:therapy*; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints