Rehab After Ankle Fracture Might Not Improve Function

By Kelly Young

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Lorenzo Di Francesco, MD, FACP, FHM

Physical therapy following ankle fracture doesn't appear to improve quality of life or reduce limitations on activity, a JAMA study finds.

Upon removal of their immobilization devices, over 200 adults recovering from ankle fracture were randomized to either standard self-management advice or to advice plus 4 weeks of individualized, supervised exercise sessions with a physical therapist.

At 3 months' follow-up, the primary outcomes — activity limitation and quality-of-life scores — did not differ significantly between the groups.

NEJM Journal Watch General Medicine deputy editor Dr. Thomas Schwenk comments, "Routine educational advice will usually suffice for ankle fracture patients following immobilization. However, this study does not address a more important, although less common, situation of when and how to prescribe a structured physical therapy program for ankle fracture or ankle sprain patients who do not recover function after usual advice."