Comparative Study on Non-Operative Treatment Strategies for Chopart Fractures

This research study is about finding the best non-surgical treatment for Chopart fractures, a type of ankle injury. These fractures are becoming more common due to better detection methods. Currently, treatment options range from immobilizing the ankle for 6-8 weeks to more active rehabilitation. However, it's unclear which approach works best. The study is conducted at Hospital Cantonal Fribourg (HFR), where about 50 Chopart injuries are treated yearly. The hospital typically immobilizes the ankle for healing, but this can cause muscle weakness and stiffness. Newer research suggests that a more active treatment might yield better results, but it's uncertain if this leads to quicker recovery or increased pain and complications. The study's main goal is to compare these treatment strategies using patient feedback and objective gait analysis. Participants in this study will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. The first group will have their ankle immobilized using a cast or a special boot for six weeks. This provides stable conditions for healing but may cause muscle weakness and stiffness. The second group will wear a rigid-sole shoe and bear weight as tolerated. This approach allows early movement, reducing muscle weakness and maintaining ankle mobility, but there may be concerns about pain and insufficient fracture stabilization. The study will measure patient-reported outcomes using a questionnaire that combines the European Foot and Ankle Society (EFAS) Score and the Short Form-12 health survey. It will also use objective gait analysis to assess recovery progress.