Effect of Early Weight Bearing on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Unicondylar Proximal Tibia Fractures and Bimalleolar Ankle Fractures
Abstract
The purpose of this research study is to help determine the best physical therapy program for treatment of ankle and tibia fractures just below the knee joint. The goal of physical therapy is to get injured patients back to their normal level of function and regular activities, including work and active duty, as safely and quickly as possible. The number of physical therapy sessions and the types of exercises that physicians currently recommend vary by injury. The amount of therapy and, in particular, the timing of weight-bearing, may impact how quickly someone recovers. While physicians believe that therapy is beneficial, we do not know what kinds of physical therapy programs are the best and whether the timing of weight-bearing is important. This study is designed to better understand the differences and similarities of two physical therapy programs to determine whether one is better than the other. Specifically, this study aims to determine when it is best to put weight on the injured leg. Each program will include similar exercises, but one program will require putting weight on the injured leg immediately following surgery, and the other will delay weight-bearing for at least 6 weeks. Eligible patients will be enrolled at civilian and military centers and will be randomized to one of the two programs. Participants will receive physical therapy for an average of 6-8 weeks (for a maximum of 12 weeks) and will be followed for 1 year after their injury to assess their recovery, including things like clinical complications, physical function, pain, and return to work. If this study demonstrates that early weight-bearing is safe and does not cause additional injury complications, participants in this group may benefit by getting back to their regular activities and work sooner than participants who were instructed to delay weight-bearing. This is important to military patients who may desire to return to active duty. It is also important to civilian patients who are trying to take care of themselves and return to work after their injury. Results from this study will help clinicians determine what kind of physical therapy results in the best outcomes for patients with these injuries and change physical therapy guidelines for civilian and military patients alike.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810810
Entities
People
- William Obremskey
Organizations
- United States Army
- Vanderbilt University