Broken ankle surgery compared at Musgrove Park hospital

Orthopaedic surgeons at Taunton's Musgrove Park hospital are taking part in a trial to find what is the best way to treat broken ankles.

Doctors are working with Oxford University to analyse the results of more than 600 operations.

The study looks to see whether a plaster cast or fitting internal metal plates are best to support the bone.

The hospital hopes the results will be used to influence future treatment in the UK and worldwide.

A hospital spokesman said the treatment used at present depends on the nature and stability of the fracture and the patient's age.