Immediate weight bearing without immobilization for operatively treated ankle fractures is safe – A systematic review

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • S. F. Baumbach - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • K. Rellensmann - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • F. T. Spindler - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • W. Böcker - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)
  • A. (d) Barg - , University of Hamburg (Author)
  • T. Mittlmeier - , University of Rostock (Author)
  • S. Ochman - , University of Münster (Author)
  • S. Rammelt - , University Center for Orthopedics, Trauma and Plastic Surgery (Author)
  • H. Polzer - , Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (Author)

Abstract

Background: This systematic literature review compared weight bearing (WB) vs. partial- / non-weight bearing (NWB) and mobilization (MB) vs. immobilization (IMB) for surgically treated ankle fractures. Methods: Five databases were searched. Eligible were (quasi-)randomized controlled trials comparing at least two different postoperative treatment protocols. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 toolkit. The primary outcome was complication rate, secondary outcome Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), range of motion (ROM), and return to work (RTW). Results: Out of 10,345 studies, 24 papers were eligible. Thirteen studies (n = 853) compared WB/NWB, 13 studies (n = 706) MB/IMB with a moderate study quality. WB did not increase the risk for complications but resulted in superior short-term outcomes for OMAS, ROM, RTW. 12 studies found no inferior results for MB compared to IMB. Conclusion: Early and immediate WB and MB do not increase the complication rates but result in superior short term outcome scores.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)306-316
Number of pages11
JournalFoot and ankle surgery
Volume29
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 37076381

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Full-weightbearing, Mobilization, Postoperative treatment, Surgically treated ankle fracture