Abstract
Background
There exists no consensus opinion as to the most suitable post-operative rehabilitation and weight bearing status for proximal tibia articular fractures treated with internal fixation using plates and screws.
Objectives
The aim of this study is to investigate whether the post-operative weight bearing status is associated with loss of reduction and articular collapse.
Study Design and Methods
Data was retrospectively analysed from our prospective database in a major trauma centre. Group I were non-weight bearing for the first six weeks post-operation and Group II were instructed to weight bear fully immediately post-operation. Radiographs were taken day one post-operation, at six weeks and at three months and analysed for fracture displacement and joint depression or loss of fixation.
Results
90 patients were included in the study. The follow up radiographs demonstrated no failure of fixation in either study group. One patient from the weight bearing group had >1mm joint depression (4mm) identified at the first follow up, which did not worsen by the second.
Conclusions
This study shows immediate post-operative full weight bearing does not affect the fixation or cause articular collapse up to three months after surgery. We propose that patients should be encouraged to weight bear immediately post-operation.
