Research Indicates Weight Bearing After Ankle Fracture Surgery May Have Greater Benefits Than Previously Believed

A new paper by Christopher Bretherton from the Bone and Joint Health research group in the Blizard Institute, published in The Lancet, shows that weight-bearing after ankle fracture surgery may not lead to worse outcomes for patients, and could help people return to normal activities sooner.

While further research may be needed to examine the risks of returning to weight-bearing, the study suggests that putting weight on the ankle as it heals may also help reduce the stiffness and muscle atrophy often seen after surgical interventions for a fracture. This marks a change to the standard treatment protocols, which recommend a patient keep their weight off the affected foot until healing is complete.

Chris Bretherton, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in the Bone and Joint Health group, Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma said: “It’s fantastic how the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) has facilitated collaboration among clinical teams across the UK to challenge the long-standing practice of delayed weight-bearing after surgery. This research will empower surgeons to promote early weight-bearing, significantly aiding patients during the most critical phases of their recovery from ankle fractures.”

The Bone and Joint Health research group aims to transform research, education and care for people with bone and joint disorders. The group brings together all aspects of orthopaedics and works across both Barts Health NHS Trust and Queen Mary University of London.