Single-Provider Reduction and Splinting of Displaced Ankle Fractures: The Modified Method
Ankle fractures are commonly managed by orthopaedic surgeons and often require manipulative reduction. This may be painful for the patient and frequently involves two or more providers. Intra-articular injection of local anesthetic agent into the ankle joint precludes the need for conscious sedation (intravenous narcotics and benzodiazepines, propofol, or ketamine). By combining an ankle block with a modification of the classic ankle fracture reduction technique described by Quigley in 1959, a single provider can effectively perform manipulative reduction and splint immobilization of an ankle fracture without conscious sedation.