Effect of early local cold compression therapy combined with rehabilitation exercises on local swelling and joint function recovery in patients with periarticular ankle fractures

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of early local cold compression therapy combined with rehabilitation exercises on local swelling and joint function in patients with periarticular ankle fractures.

Methodology: This was a retrospective study. A total of 60 patients with periarticular ankle fractures admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital between June 2023 to June 2024 were enrolled in this study. The participants were divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group received conventional treatment (including bed rest, limb elevation, and intravenous sodium aescinate per institutional protocol) and functional exercises. The observation group received additional early local cold compression therapy (ice-water mixture, 20 minute sessions every four hours for 72 hours post-admission and post-surgery). Ankle swelling, pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores were compared between groups.

Results: Swelling and pain significantly decreased in both groups at all postoperative time points vs. baseline, with the observation group showing greater reductions(P< 0.05). Dorsiflexion, plantarflexion ROM, and AOFAS scores significantly increased in both groups, with the observation group showing greater improvement (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Early local cold compression therapy combined with rehabilitation exercises can significantly alleviate ankle swelling and pain, improve ankle function as assessed by the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and accelerate the recovery of ankle ROM in patients with periarticular ankle fractures.