Protocol for the Weight-bearing in Ankle Fractures (WAX) trial: a multicentre prospective non-inferiority trial of early versus delayed weight-bearing after operatively managed ankle fracture.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Unstable ankle fractures represent a substantial burden of disease, accounting for a mean hospital stay of nine days, a mean cost of £4,491 per patient and 20,000 operations per year. There is variation in UK practice around weight-bearing instructions after operatively managed ankle fracture. Early weight-bearing may reduce reliance on health services, time off work, and improve functional outcomes. However, concerns remain about the potential for complications such as implant failure. This is the protocol of a multicentre randomised non-inferiority clinical trial of weight-bearing following operatively treated ankle fracture.

Methods

Adults aged 18 years and over who have been managed operatively for ankle fracture will be assessed for eligibility. Baseline func

SUBMITTER: Bretherton CP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8353856 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature