The Effect of Interferential Therapy on Swelling Following open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

Abstract

This paper describes the methodology and results of a double-blind clinical trial to assess the efficacy of interferential therapy in the treatment of ankle swelling following open reduction and internal fixation of malleolar fractures. A total of 24 patients were allocated into control (placebo) and treatment groups. The interferential therapy group received a current at an intensity of 20 mA and a frequency of 0–100 Hz. Each patient received a daily session of treatment lasting 20 minutes until the fractured ankle was immobilised in a below-knee plaster cast (2–4 days post-injury). No difference in rate of swelling reduction or total swelling reduction was observed after 2–4 days of treatment. The results of the present study show that interferential therapy as described above does not reduce swelling following open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.