Physical Recovery During Bracing After Ankle Fracture (Re-BAF)

Ankle fractures are among the most common fractures and represent the second most frequent fracture type requiring surgery. Many patients experience long-term pain, stiffness, and reduced ankle function, which substantially limits their physical activity. Even five years after injury, more than a third of patients have not regained their pre-injury activity levels. Standard treatment typically involves immobilisation using a rigid foot-ankle brace (walker). Although effective in protecting fracture healing, these braces may be overly restrictive, contributing to ankle stiffness, swelling, delayed physical recovery and return to daily activities, and reduced quality of life. Patients increasingly express a preference for lighter, movement-permitting ankle supports, such as minimal ankle stirrups. Recent evidence suggests that braces and elastic bands that allow more ankle movement than w