Description
This presentation by Luke Heinrichs discusses the concept of ankle stiffness following malleolar fractures, emphasizing that decreased dorsiflexion is a common consequence of such injuries. He highlights that patients often report feeling stiffness, which can increase the risk of future injuries. The presentation details the use of the weight-bearing lunge test as a practical and reliable method for assessing ankle range of motion in a clinical setting. A study involving 155 patients aged 18 to 65 who underwent surgical fixation for ankle fractures is summarized, noting that high rates of patient-reported stiffness persist over time; approximately 73% reported stiffness one year post-injury. The findings correlate the weight-bearing lunge test results with patient-reported stiffness, suggesting a significant discrepancy is indicative of functional limitations. The research underscores the importance of restoring a symmetric range of motion during rehabilitation, rather than merely achieving standard dorsiflexion angles. Limitations of the study are acknowledged, including the short follow-up period and reliance on self-reported data. The presentation concludes with the proposition that future rehabilitation targets should focus on symmetry in range of motion.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-210149