Immediate unprotected weight-bearing of operatively treated ankle fractures.
The objective of this study was to determine whether immediate mobilisation and unprotected weight-bearing of rigidly internally fixed fractured ankles had a significant effect on ankle function or whether it predisposed the ankle to loss of reduction or hardware failure. Twenty five patients with operated Weber A/B/C fractures were allowed immediate full weight-bearing without a plaster and were compared with matched historical controls treated in a non-weight-bearing plaster cast. Matched-pair analysis revealed no differences for hospital stay and functional outcome on Olerud and Molander scoring system but significant difference in time until return to work (mean: 91.3 +/- 20.2 vs. 54.6 +/- 15.5 days). In the cast group four patients had postoperative complications; one patient had loss of internal fixation and one had non-union while four patients in the non cast group had mainly wound-healing related problems. Patients in the non cast group tolerated earlier full weight-bearing compared with patients in the cast group, and there were no disadvantages concerning hospital stay, pain intensities, and functional scores. Treating patients without plaster may result in faster rehabilitation.
Gul
Arif
A
Department of Orthopaedics, Gwynedd Hospital, Bangor, Gwynedd, United Kingdom. arif_pgi@yahoo.co.in
Batra
Sameer
S
Mehmood
Shahid
S
Gillham
Nick
N
D000328:Adult; D016512:Ankle Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*