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Topic:

Casting

Issue:

Ankle

Category:

Trauma

Title:

Functional Walker Boots are Preferred to Synthetic Casts by Patients and Carers in the Management of Pediatric Stable Ankle Injuries

Author:

Hampton, Matthew James MBChB; Hilton, Camila MBChB; Nicolaou, Nicolas FRCS (Tr&Oth); Flowers, Mark J. FRCS (Tr&Oth)

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

February 2024

Reference:

44(2): p 99-105, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002570

Level Of Evidence:

II

# of Patients:

91

Study Type:

Randomized controlled trial (RCT)

Location:

Not specified

Summary:

This study investigates patient and caregiver preferences between using synthetic casts and functional walker boots for managing stable ankle injuries in children. It also assesses the associated costs and hospital visit rates for each treatment option.

Methods:

Children aged 6 to 16 years with stable ankle injuries were randomized to receive either a synthetic cast or a walker boot. A study-specific questionnaire was completed at 4 weeks to assess both patient and caregiver preferences, comfort, and problems. Cost analysis was also performed.

Exclusions:

Not specified

Results:

Preferences: Statistically significant preference for the walker boot was found regarding comfort, reduction in activity during treatment, and patient-reported problems at the end of treatment. No significant difference in walking ability, pain scores, or analgesia requirement between the groups. Unplanned hospital visits: Higher in the synthetic cast group. Cost analysis: The walker boot was less expensive overall.

Conclusions:

The study concludes that for children with stable ankle injuries, walker boots are preferred by both patients and caregivers. They result in fewer unplanned hospital visits, lower costs, and should be considered the treatment of choice over synthetic casts for such injuries.

Relevance:

Relevance Test

Limitations:

Limitations Test

Perspective:

Perspective Test

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