Immediate vs Delayed Weightbearing for Broken Bones
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial is testing if patients with certain bone fractures can start using their injured leg or hip sooner than usual. It looks at immediate weight bearing versus waiting for a few weeks. The goal is to see if early use helps in healing without causing more problems.
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.
Is immediate weight-bearing safe for broken bones?
Research shows that immediate weight-bearing as tolerated (WBAT) is generally safe for certain types of fractures, like ankle and femur fractures, without increasing the risk of complications or implant failure. However, for some fracture types, like those around joints, more caution is advised, and further studies are needed to confirm safety.12345
How does Immediate WBAT treatment differ from other treatments for broken bones?
Immediate WBAT (weight-bearing as tolerated) allows patients to start putting weight on their broken bones right after surgery, unlike traditional methods that often require waiting several weeks. This approach can help patients return to normal activities sooner without increasing the risk of complications, as shown in studies on ankle and femur fractures.13467
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Immediate WBAT for broken bones?
Research shows that for certain types of fractures, like ankle fractures, patients can safely start putting weight on their leg sooner than usual without affecting recovery. Studies also suggest that early weight-bearing can reduce hospital stay for some fractures, like subtrochanteric femur fractures, without increasing complications.12489
Who Is on the Research Team?
Robert O'Toole, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients who've had surgery at specific Maryland medical centers within 7 days of a lower extremity, pelvis, or acetabulum fracture. They must understand the study and consent to participate. Excluded are non-English speakers, those with cognitive impairments without support, inability to weight bear immediately, unwillingness to be randomized or follow up issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants are randomized to immediate weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) or delayed WBAT (non-weightbearing for 6-12 weeks) following fracture fixation
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness, including reoperation and hardware failure, after treatment
Extended Follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term outcomes, including maintenance of follow-up and complications
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Immediate WBAT
- No Intervention: Delayed WBAT
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Lead Sponsor