Thordarson DB, Ghalambor N, Perlman M.
Intermittent pneumatic pedal compression and edema resolution after acute
ankle fracture: a prospective, randomized study.
Foot Ankle Int. 1997 Jun;18(6):347-50.

Thirty patients with an acute Weber B or C ankle fracture were enrolled
after signing an informed consent. Fifteen patients were randomized to a
control group where they received a posterior splint, ice, and elevation
before surgery. Fifteen patients were randomized to a pneumatic pedal
compression group where they received the same treatment plus a pneumatic
pedal compression device which was used full-time before
surgery. Baseline volumetric measurements of the injured foot were obtained,
followed by measurements at 24-hour increments until surgery.
On average, the patients in the pneumatic pedal compression
group had an 88 mL decrease in volume in the first 24 hours versus a 33 mL
increase in the control group (P < 0.03) and a 31 mL decrease in the
first 48 hours of treatment versus a 32 mL increase for the control
group (P < 0.05). The pneumatic pedal compression was well
tolerated by the majority of patients (only one did not tolerate its use
because of pain) and, we believe, serves as a useful adjunct in preoperative
edema resolution after ankle fracture.