Early Unprotected Weight Bearing and Pre-Scheduled Supervised Rehabilitation Program after Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures

Background: Ankle fractures represent one of the most common orthopedic injuries in the lower extremity. Weight bearingand rehabilitation protocols after surgical treatment of ankle fracture have recently evolved from traditional methods to full weight-bearing protocols. However, more evidence is needed on unprotected immediate weight-bearing along with a standardized rehabilitation program. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effects of unprotected immediate weight-bearing as tolerated and an eight-week prescheduled supervised rehabilitation program on the midterm clinical and functional outcomes of surgically treated ankle fractures, and to compare functional results with the unaffected side. Methods: Eighty patients (24F and 56M) who underwent rigid fixation of bimalleolar ankle fractures were included(mean age 41.57±13.22 years). Preoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate and classify the fractures. The fractures were classified using Lauge-Hansen classification system. Ankle ROMs, Pain Disability Index (PDI), American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scores, and Short Form 36 scores were evaluated. Patients were allowed unprotected weight-bearing on the immediate postoperative period and a standardized supervised prescheduled rehabilitation program was undertaken following surgery.Results: The mean follow-up period was 30.32±6.91 months. Based on Lauge-Hansen classification, supination external rotation injuries were found in 32(40%) patients, supination adduction injuries in 14(17.4%) patients, pronation external rotation injuries in 28(35%) patients, and pronation-abduction fractures in 6(7.6%) patients. The solid union was achieved in all patients at the final follow-up. The mean PDI score was 12.78±14.78, and the AOFAS score was 80.93±17.24. Although patients’ health-related quality of life was at a good level, the injured-side ankle ROM was lower than the healthy side (P≤0.05).Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and functional outcome can be achieved at mid-term with unprotected weight-bearingas tolerated and pre-scheduled supervised eight-week rehabilitation program following rigid internal fixation of ankle fractures. However, this protocol is not studied in patients with associated comorbidities.