FAI February 2024 Podcast: Immediate Unprotected Weightbearing vs 2 Weeks Nonweightbearing After Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

Foot & Ankle International

Postoperative care protocols for ankle fracture surgery remain controversial with variability among care providers. This prospective controlled trial compared 12-week postoperative outcomes for immediate unprotected weightbearing (IMWB) vs nonweightbearing (NWB) for 2 weeks in a splint followed by weightbearing as tolerated (WBAT) in a boot after surgical fixation of selected low-energy ankle fractures without superior articular involvement. In conclusion, in this short-term and relatively small prospective trial, we found more wound complications among patients treated with immediate unprotected weightbearing compared with patients treated with 2 weeks of NWB followed by protected weightbearing. Given the low incidence and small sample size, we do not know if these observed findings are generalizable. However, we also found no difference in functional outcomes at 12 weeks postoperation between these 2 groups. In light of that, we do not recommend IMWB after open reduction internal fixation of low-energy ankle fractures with plate and/or screw fixation. Click here to read the article