The investigators aim of the study is to assess the effects of early mobilization after surgically treated unicondylar tibia plateau fractures (6 weeks without weight bearing) on gait, patient satisfaction, return to work/sports and complication rate. The data will be compared to a 10-12 week non-weight bearing group (standard of care). It is assumed that earlier mobilization does not lead to an increase in the complications - in particular osteosynthesis failure and infections -, but leads to improved patient satisfaction, reduced return to work/sports times, and has a positive impact on the overall outcome
Tibial plateau fractures are common sports injuries caused by accidents such as skiing and mountain biking. Thus, young adults with high functional and athletic demands are often affected. The best possible restoration of the original joint function and resilience is therefore particularly important for this group of patients. In addition, prolonged immobilization in this patient group poses a high risk of loss of earnings and a significant impairment in athletic performance. These injuries usually require surgical treatment which is followed by 10-12 weeks without weight bearing. In recent years, there has been a shift towards earlier mobilization with many injuries. In addition, numerous studies showed the negative effects of prolonged immobility. Nevertheless, these negative effects must always be weighed against the possibility of osteosynthesis failure.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Early mobilization 6 weeks post-operatively. Gait analyses is carried out on when full mobilization is allowed. Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles (loadsol, Novel).
Standard of care mobilization at 10 weeks post-operatively. Gait analyses is carried out on when full mobilization is allowed. Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles (loadsol, Novel).
University of Utah Orthopedics
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 6 weeks for early mobilization group
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 10 weeks for standard of care (SOC) group
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 1 week after full weight bearing is allowed for both 6 week early mobilization and SOC groups.
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 2 weeks after full weight bearing is allowed for both 6 week early mobilization and SOC groups.
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
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Time frame: 6 weeks after full weight bearing is allowed for both 6 week early mobilization and SOC groups.
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 12 weeks after full weight bearing is allowed for both 6 week early mobilization and SOC groups.
Average peak load (Newtons (N))
Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles. Patients are asked to complete an parcours with the force-measuring insoles (stand up from a chair with armrests, walk 10 meters, turn, walk back and sit down again. Afterwards (if possible), 5 steps with a handrail should be climbed up and down.
Time frame: 6 months after full weight bearing is allowed for both 6 week early mobilization and SOC groups.