Foot & ankle international
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The role of pulsatile cold compression in edema resolution following ankle fractures: a randomized clinical trial.
Twenty-four patients with displaced ankle fractures awaiting surgery were randomized to a study (n=11) or a control group (n=13). In the study group, patients had a pulsatile cold compression (PCC) device applied to their ankle, and remained at bed rest with the extremity elevated while awaiting surgery. In the control group patients remained in a posterior molded splint instead of the PCC device. ⋯ All patients in the PCC group were satisfied with the device (median satisfaction score = 4). The PCC device was well tolerated and resulted in a significantly greater reduction of ankle circumference at 24, 48, and 72 hours after its application, compared to splinting and elevation alone. The PCC device facilitates edema resolution following ankle fractures.