TARVAHealth technology assessment (Winchester, England) 2023
Total ankle replacement versus ankle arthrodesis for patients aged 50-85 years with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis: the TARVA RCT.
Both groups improved substantially, with no statistically significant difference in the primary outcome at 52 weeks between replacement and arthrodesis.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
AIR trial (cast vs removable brace)BMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2021
Use of cast immobilisation versus removable brace in adults with an ankle fracture: multicentre randomised controlled trial.
There was no statistically significant or clinically important difference in OMAS at 16 weeks between brace and cast, nor in secondary analyses.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
UKSTARLancet (London, England) 2020
Plaster cast versus functional brace for non-surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture (UKSTAR): a multicentre randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation.
There was no significant difference in ATRS at 9 months between the brace and cast groups, and re-rupture rates were similar. The brace was not shown to be clinically superior.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
AIMJAMA 2016
Close Contact Casting vs Surgery for Initial Treatment of Unstable Ankle Fractures in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Close contact casting gave ankle function equivalent to surgery on OMAS at 6 months. Casting had fewer infection and wound problems but more radiological malunion, and a minority of casting patients converted to surgery after early loss of reduction.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
UK HeFTBMJ (Clinical research ed.) 2014
Operative versus non-operative treatment for closed, displaced, intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus: randomised controlled trial
There was no significant difference in Kerr-Atkins score at 2 years, and the operative group had more complications and reoperations.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
Willits Achilles RCTThe Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume 2010
Operative versus nonoperative treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures: a multicenter randomized trial using accelerated functional rehabilitation.
Re-rupture rates were low and not significantly different between groups, and there was no significant difference in strength, function or range of movement. Surgery carried more complications, mainly wound-related.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
CAST ankle sprain trialLancet (London, England) 2009
Mechanical supports for acute, severe ankle sprain: a pragmatic, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
A short period in a below-knee cast gave a faster recovery than tubular bandage, with the Aircast brace also beneficial; the Bledsoe boot did not show benefit. Differences narrowed by 9 months.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle
Torkki hallux valgus RCTJAMA 2001
Surgery vs orthosis vs watchful waiting for hallux valgus: a randomized controlled trial
Surgery gave significantly less pain and better function and satisfaction at 12 months than orthoses or waiting. Orthoses gave only short-term symptom relief.
Randomised trialManagementFoot & ankle