AS04 Ankle study of fracture treatment in the older patient

INTERVENTION: Group A (comparator): ORIF ‐ Patients will be anaesthetised and have a surgical open reduction and internal fixation by a contemporary method using metal plates and screws. Group B (intervention): Close Contact Cast ‐ Patients will be anaesthetised and undergo closed manipulation of the fracture, and then application of a close contact cast. CONDITION: Topic: Injuries and Accidents; Subtopic: Injuries and Accidents (all Subtopics); Disease: Injuries & Accidents ; Injury, Occupational Diseases, Poisoning ; Fracture treatment PRIMARY OUTCOME: Functional outcome at 6 months ‐ using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score ‐ a self reported score SECONDARY OUTCOME: Skin complications, radiological assessment, quality of life at 6 weeks and 6 months. INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Unstable ankle fracture 2. Aged over 60 years, either sex