Wooden block breakthrough: simpler ankle rehab shows promise
NCT ID NCT05280639
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a simple wooden block stretching routine can replace standard physical therapy for people recovering from ankle or pilon fracture surgery. About 30 adults aged 18-65 who had surgery for these fractures will be randomly assigned to either the wooden block method or usual rehab. The goal is to see if the simpler approach works just as well for regaining ankle movement and is easier for patients to stick with.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 30 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Oct 2022
- Expected to finish
-
Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 65 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Ages 18-65 * Surgically treated open or closed fractures of the ankle or tibial plafond Exclusion Criteria: * Contralateral lower extremity injuries that would limit weight bearing after 6 weeks * Severe injury requiring flap coverage or vascular reconstruction (Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIB and C respectively) * Neurological deficits that would impede ability to stand safely unassisted for home exercise regiment * Desire to participate in formal physical therapy program * Additional injury that would compromise subjects ability to follow either Home Exercise Program * Non ambulatory prior to injury * Previous ankle or tibial plafond injury on ipsilateral extremity * BMI \> 50 * Severe problems maintaining follow up * Previous ankle/tibial plafond fracture * Prisoners * Neurological impairments that impair balance
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Ankle fractures are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of Virginia Medical Center
RECRUITINGCharlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Could walking on a repaired ankle right after surgery beat six weeks off your feet?
- Could a single bone screw save ankles from arthritis?
- Can early weight bearing improve diabetic ankle fracture recovery?
- Can a brace replace the cast for certain ankle fractures?
- Dissolving screws could spare ankle fracture patients a second surgery
- Dissolvable screws could spare ankle fracture patients a second surgery