By Monica Jaramillo
Results of this randomized, double-blinded placebo controlled trial indicated aspiration of acute ankle fractures did lead to decreased patient pain or daily pain medicine use within 3 days after injury.
Timothy J. Ewald, MD, and colleagues evaluated 124 patients with isolated closed fractures who were randomized to undergo either aspiration or a sham procedure. Pain was scored using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) when patients arrived at the emergency department and at 8-hour intervals for 72 hours. Investigators also recorded opioid pain medication use for 72 hours post-injury.
