Early Weight Bearing for Ankle Fractures
Early Weight Bearing for Ankle Fractures
The purpose of this observational study is to assess the rate of return to work, rate of
 return to activities, functional outcome measures and pain scores in operatively repaired
 rotational Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar (AO/OTA Classification of 44A and 44B) ankle
 fractures not requiring fixation of the syndesmosis and allowed early weight bearing on or
 before the first post-operative visit.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Men and women ages of 18 and up

 -  Closed, low-energy Bimalleolar and Trimalleolar rotational ankle fractures

 -  Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification of 44A and 44B

 -  English speaking

 -  Able and willing to consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Open fractures

 -  OTA classification of 43 and 44C

 -  Patients with diabetes mellitus

 -  No other lower extremity injuries that would affect functional outcomes

 -  Previous use of walking aides

 -  Patients with paralysis or hemiplegia

 -  Ankle fractures requiring syndesmotic repair

 -  Ankle fractures requiring fixation of the posterior malleolar

 -  Associated neurovascular injury

 -  Problems maintaining follow up (homeless or not willing to return for follow up)

 -  Pathological fractures

 -  Prisoners

 -  Patients not allowed to bear weight before the 6 week post-operative follow up visit