Weight Bearing After Pelvis and Acetabulum Fracture Fixation

Early weight bearing is frequently allowed and encouraged following fixation of hip and femoral and tibial shaft fractures, while periarticular and pelvis and acetabulum fractures are often prescribed 6-12 weeks of restricted weight bearing. Early weight bearing has been shown to be associated with a number of benefits following fixation of various lower extremity fractures, and delayed weight bearing is associated with an increased risk of medical complications and delayed improvement in functional outcomes. The risks associated with delayed weight bearing have encouraged clinicians to consider the safety of early weight bearing after fixation of various lower extremity fractures.

Retrospective studies have shown low rates of hardware failure with early weight bearing following fixation of fractures for which early WBAT has not traditionally been allowed, including fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, distal femur, proximal tibia, and distal tibia. Randomized controlled trials with ankle and distal femur fractures have shown no difference in rates of early hardware failure between early and delayed weight bearing. However, high-quality studies in pelvis and acetabulum are lacking.

A definitive RCT on early versus delayed WBAT after fixation of pelvis and acetabulum fractures is necessary, and this would focus on important outcomes such as surgical and medical complications, patient-reported functional status, and timing of return to work or activities of daily living. However, a pilot trial of adequate size is needed to highlight 1) if participant enrollment is feasible (from a surgeon and patient perspective), and 2) if appropriate follow-up and compliance with documentation can be achieved. A pilot trial would also help establish the safety of such a trial, as perioperative complications would be monitored.

The completion of this pilot trial will assist with the design and implementation of a definitive RCT that will compare patient-relevant outcomes of immediate versus delayed WBAT following fixation of pelvis and acetabulum fractures.

RESEARCH QUESTION Is a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of immediate versus delayed weight bearing following fixation of fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum feasible?

SCIENTIFIC AIMS The proposed feasibility trial will address the paucity of high-quality data regarding the safety and feasibility of early weight bearing following fixation of pelvis and acetabulum fractures. A high amount of variability exists with these fractures with regard to the severity of bony, soft tissue, and non-orthopaedic injuries, so our feasibility criteria include: 1) 25% overall patient enrollment (with surgeon and patient agreement to participate in 50% of eligible cases each), 2) >90% follow-up at 3 months), 3) 100% correct documentation of weight bearing status, and 4) 100% correct documentation of primary outcome of reoperation.

HYPOTHESIS The investigators hypothesize that the feasibility criteria will be met, and that this pilot study will inform the design and implementation of a definitive RCT on this topic.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults 18 years old and above
• Patients with surgically treated pelvis or acetabulum fractures

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of fractures to the ipsilateral or contralateral lower extremity that would preclude WBAT on the surgically repaired pelvis/acetabulum fracture
• Presence of upper extremity injury that would limit weight bearing using an assistive device such as a walker or crutches
• Severe injuries to other body systems that would prevent patient from being able to comply with weight bearing protocol
• Presence of significant psychiatric or cognitive disorder or disability that would prevent patient from being able to comply with weight bearing protocol
• Pre-injury non-ambulatory status
• Suspected issues with follow-up
• Language barriers precluding obtaining adequate informed consent