Comparing the Outcomes of Early vs. Delayed Weight-Bearing in Patients with Tibial Fractures Receiving Physical Therapy

Abstract:
Background: Tibial fractures are common orthopedic injuries requiring effective rehabilitation strategies to optimize recovery outcomes. This study aimed to compare the effects of early versus delayed weight-bearing protocols on fracture healing, pain management, functional recovery, quality of life, and proprioception in patients undergoing physical therapy following surgical intervention.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants assigned to either an early weight-bearing (EWB) or delayed weight-bearing (DWB) group post-surgery. Outcome measures included radiographic assessment of fracture healing, pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale, functional performance using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Timed Up-and-Go test, quality of life using the Short Form-36 questionnaire, and proprioception assessment.
Results: Early weight-bearing significantly accelerated fracture healing, reduced pain intensity, improved functional recovery, enhanced quality of life, and promoted better proprioceptive abilities compared to delayed weight-bearing. Participants in the EWB group achieved higher rates of complete healing, reported lower pain scores, demonstrated better functional outcomes, and reported higher quality of life scores at 12 weeks post-surgery.
Conclusion: Integrating early weight-bearing activities into rehabilitation protocols for tibial fractures appears beneficial in enhancing recovery outcomes and optimizing patient care. Early mobilization strategies should be considered to promote timely healing, reduce pain, improve functional independence, enhance quality of life, and optimize proprioceptive function in patients undergoing rehabilitation following surgical management of tibial fractures.