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.
Taking part
After signing the consent form, we will ask you to fill out the first questionnaire.
The questionnaire will ask you about how well you were able to perform day-to-day tasks and how you were feeling before your injury. The questionnaire will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
You will then be treated with either:
(a) an operation where cuts are made around the ankle and the broken bones are held using plates and screws. (b) a procedure where your ankle bones are realigned in theatre and a special, snug plaster cast called a close contact cast is applied.
In both cases you will need to have a general anaesthetic and the procedure will be done in an operating theatre.
Why have I been asked to take part?
What else will I have to do?