Comparing Immediate and Delayed Weight-bearing After Surgery for Lateral Malleolus Fractures

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two rehabilitation methods for patients who have had surgery to treat malleolar fractures, specifically focusing on immediate complete weight-bearing versus delayed weight-bearing. The study targets patients with more stable lateral malleolar fractures, classified as Weber A and Weber B, to safely evaluate if immediate weight-bearing can speed up ankle functional recovery without increasing complications. This randomized controlled trial plans to enroll about 100 patients to detect meaningful differences in recovery scores six weeks after surgery. After surgery, patients will be assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group will begin full weight-bearing immediately, performing daily activities without limits or walking aids while wearing an ankle brace for protection. The control group will delay full weight-bearing for six weeks, limiting weight on the ankle to 20-30% of their body weight using crutches, also with an ankle brace. Follow-up visits occur at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks post-surgery, with extended monitoring up to 48 weeks if fracture healing is delayed. Participants will undergo clinical assessments including subjective and objective ankle function, pain levels, quality of life, and radiological evaluations at scheduled visits. Researchers will measure changes in functional recovery using the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score primarily at six weeks. Safety will be monitored throughout, and patient satisfaction will be recorded. The study duration is approximately two and a half years, covering enrollment and follow-up periods.

A Study to Compare Two Different Managements After Ankle Surgery: Immediate and Delayed Weight-bearing.