A review of several studies looked at how children with low-risk, stable, or suspected hidden ankle fractures recover. The researchers compared using removable boots or braces against traditional casts. The study included data from 503 children to see which method helped them get back to their normal lives faster.
The results showed that children using removable boots or braces had significantly fewer unscheduled visits to healthcare facilities. These children also returned to their normal activities about 7 days sooner than those in casts. Additionally, children using supportive bandaging missed fewer days of school and returned to their baseline activities faster than those in casts.
While the results are promising, the study notes that the choice between rigid casts and softer supports is not yet fully settled. The evidence for bandaging specifically had some variations across different studies. These findings suggest that removable options are a helpful alternative for certain types of fractures, but you should talk to a doctor to determine the best treatment for a specific injury.
