Weight Bearing for Fibular Fractures

Overview

It is common practice to restrict weight bearing after ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) until week 6 postoperatively. However, controversy exists surrounding the optimal postoperative protocol. At our institution, all ankle fractures are made non-weight bearing for 6 weeks across the board. Isolated lateral malleolar fractures after ORIF may benefit from earlier weight bearing in terms of patient satisfaction, short-term functionality, and return to work. The purpose of this study is to determine if early weight bearing at 2 weeks postoperatively for isolated lateral malleolar fractures leads to a higher satisfaction with surgery as compared to standard protocol for postoperative ankle fractures and better functional outcomes

Conditions

Interventions