88 Participants Needed

Weight-Bearing Restrictions After Surgery for FAI

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Overseen ByDan Ogborn, PhD
Age: < 65
Sex: Any
Trial Phase: Academic
Sponsor: Panam Clinic
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this single-blinded (assessor) randomized trial is to compare patient-reported, clinical and functional outcomes in patients randomized to weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) or partial weight-bearing (PWB) restrictions following arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) up to 12-months postoperative.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Partial Weight-bearing and Weight-bearing As Tolerated for surgery recovery?

Research shows that allowing patients to bear weight as tolerated after certain surgeries, like hip and femur surgeries, can lead to quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays without increasing complications. Partial weight-bearing is also used to help avoid putting too much stress on healing bones, which can be beneficial for recovery.12345

Is partial weight-bearing safe after surgery?

Partial weight-bearing after surgery is generally considered safe, but its effectiveness and patient compliance can vary. Some studies suggest it may have a negative impact on long-term recovery, especially in elderly patients with certain fractures.12467

How does the treatment of weight-bearing restrictions after surgery for FAI differ from other treatments?

This treatment focuses on managing how much weight a patient can put on their leg after surgery for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which is different from other treatments that might not address weight-bearing specifically. It is unique because it considers the timing and amount of weight a patient can bear, which can influence recovery and healing.12346

Research Team

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Devin Lemmex, MD

Principal Investigator

Pan Am Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals aged 16-50 with diagnosed femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) who've had unsuccessful non-surgical treatments and can commit to a year of follow-up. It's not for those with chronic pain syndromes, language barriers, previous hip diseases or surgeries, ongoing legal claims related to the hip, severe osteoarthritis or dysplasia.

Inclusion Criteria

I am between 16 and 50 years old.
I was active in sports before surgery and plan to return to sports after.
I have tried physical therapy for 3 months without improvement.
See 4 more

Exclusion Criteria

My hip X-ray shows severe arthritis and abnormal hip shape.
I cannot or do not want to commit to a year of follow-up or testing.
I do not have any infections, significant muscle issues, or other health problems that could affect surgery.
See 5 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Surgery and Initial Recovery

Participants undergo arthroscopic surgery for femoroacetabular impingement and begin initial recovery with weight-bearing restrictions

3 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Rehabilitation

Participants follow either weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) or partial weight-bearing (PWB) rehabilitation protocols

up to 12 months
Regular follow-up visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of patient-reported outcomes and functional performance

12 months
Multiple visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Partial Weight-bearing
  • Weight-bearing As Tolerated
Trial OverviewThe study compares two postoperative strategies after arthroscopic surgery for FAI: 'Weight-bearing As Tolerated' (WBAT) versus 'Partial Weight-bearing' (PWB). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of these approaches and monitored up to 12 months to assess their recovery and return to sports activities.
Participant Groups
2Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Weight-bearing As Tolerated (WBAT)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention
Patients will WBAT immediately following surgery.
Group II: Partial Weight-bearing (PWB)Active Control1 Intervention
Patients will PWB for 3 weeks following surgery, followed by a gradual return to FWB.

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Panam Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials
17
Recruited
1,500+

Findings from Research

Immediate unrestricted weight bearing (UWB) after uncemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) is safe, showing no adverse effects on femoral stem micromotion or increased risks of surgical revision compared to partial weight bearing (PWB).
While UWB did not demonstrate superior outcomes compared to PWB, patients showed a better Harris hip score at one year post-surgery, suggesting that UWB may enhance patient compliance and rehabilitation.
Early unrestricted vs. partial weight bearing after uncemented total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Huang, L., Han, W., Qi, W., et al.[2023]
A survey of 75 Dutch orthopedic surgeons revealed significant variability in postoperative weight-bearing instructions for patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF), indicating a lack of consensus on best practices.
The study highlights the need for further research to establish effective guidelines for permissive weight bearing (PWB) after surgical treatment of PPFF, as current practices differ widely among surgeons.
Postoperative Load Bearing in Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Around Hip Arthroplasty: A Survey Among Orthopedic Surgeons in the Netherlands.Vesseur, MAM., Jelsma, J., Most, J., et al.[2023]
In a study of 50 patients recovering from lower extremity surgery, the ability to partially weight bear was significantly correlated with their age and body weight, indicating these factors may influence recovery.
The Motorische Leistungsserie (MLS) test demonstrated a strong relationship between psychomotor skills and the ability to adhere to prescribed weight limits, suggesting it could be a useful tool for predicting patient outcomes in rehabilitation.
Correlation of psychomotor findings and the ability to partially weight bear.Ruckstuhl, T., Osterhoff, G., Zuffellato, M., et al.[2021]

References

Early unrestricted vs. partial weight bearing after uncemented total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2023]
Postoperative Load Bearing in Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Around Hip Arthroplasty: A Survey Among Orthopedic Surgeons in the Netherlands. [2023]
Correlation of psychomotor findings and the ability to partially weight bear. [2021]
Immediate Full Weight-Bearing Versus Partial Weight-Bearing After Plate Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures in Elderly Patients. A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2022]
Immediate weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) correlates with a decreased length of stay post intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. [2021]
Analysis of partial weight bearing after surgical treatment in patients with injuries of the lower extremity. [2022]
Temporary Partial Weight-Bearing Restriction in Elderly Patients Treated With a Plate Fixation After a Distal Femur Fracture had a Negative Long-Term Impact on Gait Recovery. [2023]