Does intermittent pneumatic compressionaffect time to surgery in malleolar fractres FRACTRES?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression (IPC) on the time from diagnosis to surgery in adult patients with internally fixated ankle fracture. METHODS: The 1 st of February 2014 IPC was introduced in our department and implemented as a standard of care. IPC was prescribed 30 minutes 3 times daily until surgery. All patients with an unstable ankle fracture or lateral malleolar displacement more than 4 mm underwent standard surgical care.Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) is a system which enhances venous circulation and reduces edema. It consists of an air pump and a boot for the lower leg. In theory IPC compresses the edema and thereby preventing a surgical delay. RESULTS:Patients managed with IPC had a statistically significant 50% reduction in time from presentation to surgery compared to those managed without, and had a reduced hospital stay. This resulted in a net saving for both patients and the hospital. CONCLUSION: We conclude that foot pumps reduce the time to surgery and total hospital stay of patients requiring ankle Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF), and are cost effective.