NCT06389240

Early Weight Bearing in Unicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures

Early Weight Bearing in Unicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures: How Does it Affect Gait Pattern, Mobility and Overall Outcome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Enrolling By Invitation
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Sponsor: University of Utah · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: —

Summary

The investigators aim of the study is to assess the effects of early mobilization after surgically treated unicondylar tibia plateau fractures (6 weeks without weight bearing) on gait, patient satisfaction, return to work/sports and complication rate. The data will be compared to a 10-12 week non-weight bearing group (standard of care). It is assumed that earlier mobilization does not lead to an increase in the complications - in particular osteosynthesis failure and infections -, but leads to improved patient satisfaction, reduced return to work/sports times, and has a positive impact on the overall outcome

Detailed description

Tibial plateau fractures are common sports injuries caused by accidents such as skiing and mountain biking. Thus, young adults with high functional and athletic demands are often affected. The best possible restoration of the original joint function and resilience is therefore particularly important for this group of patients. In addition, prolonged immobilization in this patient group poses a high risk of loss of earnings and a significant impairment in athletic performance. These injuries usually require surgical treatment which is followed by 10-12 weeks without weight bearing. In recent years, there has been a shift towards earlier mobilization with many injuries. In addition, numerous studies showed the negative effects of prolonged immobility. Nevertheless, these negative effects must always be weighed against the possibility of osteosynthesis failure.

Conditions

• Early Mobilization

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	6 weeks post-operatively early weight bearing	Early mobilization 6 weeks post-operatively. Gait analyses is carried out on when full mobilization is allowed. Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles (loadsol, Novel).
OTHER	10 weeks post-operatively weight bearing (standard of care)	Standard of care mobilization at 10 weeks post-operatively. Gait analyses is carried out on when full mobilization is allowed. Gait analysis is performed while using force-measuring insoles (loadsol, Novel).

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-12-21
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2024-04-29
• Last updated: 2025-08-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States