Effect of Early Weight Bearing on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Ankle and Tibial Plateau Fractures

Study of Early Weight Bearing in Post-Surgery Recovery

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 65 years
All
150 participants needed

Brief description of study.

The purpose of this study is to compare the usual practice of bearing weight (“delayed weight bearing”) with weight bearing sooner in the healing process. We will use study data to determine if early weight bearing improves recovery after injury.

Detailed description of study

Researchers will review the medical record of participants for information related to their injury.

During the first post-operative clinic visit, patients will answer questions regarding their health, pre-injury activities, physical function, and pain. They will also undergo a clinical exam and then be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: to begin weight bearing on the injured leg, or delay weight bearing (consistent with routine care).

Participants in the early weight bearing group will start putting as much weight on their injured leg as tolerable from that clinic visit onward. Participants will early weight bear while walking and doing exercises, as well as receive a set of exercises to do at home. These exercises include range of motion, stretching, and exercises to help walk.

Participants in the delayed weight group will follow routine care, keeping weight off the injured leg for at least 4 weeks for an ankle fracture or 12 weeks for a tibial plateau fracture.

Participants will return to the clinic at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months post-surgery to complete a clinical exam, x-ray, range or motion assessment, and surveys.

Researchers will follow up with participants one year after surgery.

Participants will receive $25 for completion of each study visit: the enrollment visit, and 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. Participants will receive $50 for completing a final a study visit 12 months after surgery.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: fracture,ankle,tibial plateau,tibia,break,broken bone
  • Age: 18 years - 65 years
  • Gender: All

Individuals between 18 and 65 years of age who have undergone surgery for an ankle fracture or tibial plateau fracture.

Individuals with osteoporosis, neuropathy, or other injuries or disorders that would affect the ability to bear weight will not be eligible.

This study investigates the effects of early weight bearing compared to delayed weight bearing in individuals recovering from surgery for an ankle fracture or tibial plateau fracture. Weight bearing is the act of putting weight on the legs, which is usually delayed to allow healing. The purpose is to see if starting weight bearing sooner can improve recovery outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms: one group will begin weight bearing as soon as possible, while the other will follow the usual practice of delayed weight bearing.

During the study, participants will have their medical records reviewed and will attend clinic visits where they will answer questions about their health and undergo clinical exams. Those in the early weight bearing arm will start putting weight on their injured leg and perform exercises to aid walking and movement. The delayed weight bearing arm will continue with routine care, keeping weight off the injured leg for a specified period. Both groups will have follow-up visits to monitor progress and assess recovery.

  • Who can participate: Individuals aged 18 to 65 who have had surgery for an ankle or tibial plateau fracture can participate. Those with conditions like osteoporosis or neuropathy, or other disorders affecting weight bearing, are not eligible.
  • Study details: Participants will be randomly assigned to either begin early weight bearing or follow delayed weight bearing as per routine care. The early weight bearing group will perform exercises to aid recovery, while the delayed group will avoid weight on the injured leg for a time. Participants will attend scheduled clinic visits for assessments.
  • Study Timelines and Visits: The study will last 12 months. The study requires 5 visits.
Updated on 19 Feb 2024. Study ID: 1907061791

Interested in the study?

study is selecting its participants from a population, or group of people, decided on by the researchers in advance.

Contact a study center.