Immediate Versus Delayed Weight Bearing after Surgery for Diabetic Ankle Fractures Using a Hindfoot Offloading Brace

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying diabetic patients who have undergone surgery for ankle fractures to determine whether starting weight bearing immediately after surgery using a special hindfoot offloading brace affects healing and complications compared to the usual practice of delayed weight bearing. The study aims to see if immediate weight bearing maintains ankle motion, does not increase complications, and leads to good patient outcomes and satisfaction. This is important because diabetic patients often have nerve damage that affects pain perception and pressure sensing, increasing the risk of complications after ankle surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups after their ankle surgery: one group will start immediate weight bearing using a custom-made hindfoot offloading brace designed to limit pressure on the heel, while the other group will follow a standard delayed weight-bearing protocol without the brace. The brace fitting occurs post-surgery and takes about 1-2 weeks. Follow-up visits include wound care, counseling, physical therapy, ankle X-rays, and brace adjustments at various time points up to one year. Participants will undergo regular clinical assessments including surveys measuring foot and ankle function and general health, ankle radiographs to monitor healing, and skin checks to prevent complications. Visits occur frequently in the first few months, with longer-term follow-up to one year. Safety is monitored by tracking adverse events over 12 months. If a participant leaves the study early, they continue with standard post-operative care. Total study participation can last up to one year after surgery.

Immediate Vs. Delayed Weight Bearing Postoperative Protocol in Diabetic Ankle Fractures