Abstract
Background
Studies have investigated driver reaction time (DRT) following hip replacement, knee replacement and arthroscopy. This study tests the null hypothesis that there is no difference in DRT between patients after right ankle fracture and healthy controls.
Methods
Patients with right ankle fractures were recruited and DRT was measured using a simulator (time taken to achieve a brake pressure of 100 Newtons after a visual stimulus).
Inclusion criteria: drivers aged 17–70 years with right ankle fractures. Patients were tested when first out of plaster (T0), two, four and six weeks subsequently. DRT was compared to controls matched for age, sex and driving experience (paired T test). The percentage reaching a “safe” DRT (0.7 seconds) was determined.
Results
There were 25 patients: 18 conservatively and seven operatively treated fractures. The age range of patients was 19 to 69yrs (mean 41.4yrs), and of controls: 19 to 68yrs (mean 41.8yrs). Conservative group DRT was significantly slower than controls at T0 (p< 0.001) but not thereafter. Operative group DRT was significantly slower than controls at T0 (p< 0.003) and two weeks (p< 0.005) but not thereafter
Conclusion
Following right ankle fracture and removal of cast, DRT is initially prolonged. This study suggests a return to normality within two weeks after conservatively treated fractures and four weeks after operatively treated fractures.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr J. L. Barrie. Correspondence should be addressed to Mr J. L. Barrie, BOFSS Editor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR.
