The research results are as follows: 

1.Functional outcome (OMAS score): In the early stage (6 weeks) and the mid-term (12 weeks), the OMAS (Olerud Molander Ankle Score) scores of patients treated with removable braces were significantly higher than those of patients treated with plaster casts, indicating that removable braces had better functional outcomes in the early and mid-term. However, in the late stage (52 weeks), there was no significant difference in the OMAS scores between the two groups. 

2. Ankle joint range of motion: A meta-analysis of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed no significant difference between the two treatment methods in this aspect. 

3. Ankle-related quality of life: In terms of swelling, the degree of swelling in the removable brace group was lower than that in the plaster cast group, with a significant difference; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain (VAS score), time to return to work, and degree of calf muscle atrophy. 

4. Complications: There was no significant difference in total complications between the two groups. However, further analysis revealed that the rates of wound infection and wound rupture were significantly higher in the removable brace group than in the plaster cast group; while the rate of deep vein thrombosis was significantly higher in the plaster cast group than in the removable brace group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of reoperation, pressure sores and ulcers, pulmonary embolism, and nonunion/delayed union of fractures. 

The research conclusion and discussion section indicates that removable braces offer better functional outcomes in the early and mid-term after ankle fractures, with less swelling, but they increase the risk of wound complications; plaster casts, on the other hand, are associated with a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There were no significant differences between the two treatment methods in terms of long-term functional scores and overall complications.