Is postoperative non-weight-bearing necessary? INWN Study protocol for a pragmatic randomised multicentre trial of operatively treated ankle fracture.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Postoperative management regimes vary following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of unstable ankle fractures. There is an evolving understanding that extended periods of immobilisation and weight-bearing limitation may lead to poorer clinical outcomes. Traditional non-weight-bearing cast immobilisation may prevent loss of fixation, and this practice continues in many centres. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the safety and efficacy of immediate weight-bearing (IWB) and range of motion (ROM) exercise regimes following ORIF of unstable ankle fractures with a particular focus on functional outcomes and complication rates.

Methods

A pragmatic randomised controlled multicentre trial, comparing IWB in a walking boot and ROM within 24 h versus non-w

SUBMITTER: Khojaly R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8161990 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature