This study will investigate whether a non-surgical treatment option will provide patients with comparable ankle function and quality of life to those treated with surgery.
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Both treatments are used across the NHS currently and are not new or experimental.
In this study we use a process called randomisation, which means you cannot choose which treatment you have.
If you decide you would like to be involved in the study you will be asked to sign a consent form.
The only additional commitment we would ask of you would be to fill out a questionnaire at the start of treatment and on three occasions during your recovery.
As you have broken your ankle you are eligible to be a part of this study.
This study is expected to last 8 years. At the end of the study we will publish the findings in medical journals and at medical conferences.
About the study
Randomisation means that each treatment is given to a similar mix of patients to make sure any difference between the treatments is not due to anything else, like their age, gender or where they live. So the patient, nurse or doctor, do not make the decision.
That way none of us can unconsciously choose healthier or younger people for example to receive one of the treatments. Using this method will ensure that, at the end of the study, the people in the two groups are very similar – the only difference between them is the type of treatment they received. When we compare the two groups it is a fair comparison of the treatments.
What are the risks and benefits?
Do I have to take part?